Everything You Ever Needed to Ask of Danny: Dwarves, Dancing and Dreams

In October and November of 1999, Little Willow collected questions in email for Danny from his fans. They ranged from the serious to silly and everything inbetween - and Danny answered them all. Read on for this exclusive fan interview for a Strong education.

A Day in the Life

Nicki asks: What's a typical day in the life of Danny Strong?

I wake up, drink about a pint of whiskey and go back to bed. You'd think that would get old, but I mix it it up with different kinds of whiskeys.

On a more serious note, I usually have an audition to go to, but a lot of my day is spent trying to keep myself busy. I try to not watch television during the day

To be honest I don't have typical days, everyday is very different. I find myself with lots of free time for about a month - and then I'm so busy I can't breathe for about a month. Kind of a weird life actually.

I'll Take Things That Are Cool for $1000, Alex

Nicki asks: What was the last movie you saw?

Being John Malcovich - very cool flick!

Natasha asks: What's your favorite color?

Black - it looks best on me.

Nicki asks: What's your favorite type of music? Band(s)?

I like classic rock like the Doors, Beatles, Zepplin, etc. My taste in music is basically whatever is popular. I'm really not very hip when it comes to the music scene.

Natasha asks: What's your favorite animal and why?

I like cats because they are intelligent and can take care of themselves - my favorite qualities in a woman!

Nicki asks: Who is the coolest star you've ever met?

John Lithgow and Tim Curry were both incredibly nice to me. Lithgow had the staff set up a ping pong table for me on a slow day, and Tim Curry actually had me written in to the show that he was doing (unfortunately it was cancelled soon after).

Lovely Poet asks: What's your favorite kind of cookie? Hey, you can tell a lot about a person by what kind of cookies they like.

Without a doubt peanut butter. I'm not a big cookie eater (which is odd since I'm Jewish), but I LOVE peanut butter cookies. I'm sorry to say, but I don't know what kind of information is to be gained from an individual's particular cookie fetish. :)

As Inspired By

Nicki asks: Who's your biggest influence in life? / Brandi the Slayer asks: Who's your biggest inspiration(s)?

I don't really have one inspiration. David Mamet is one of the more important figures for me, not only his plays, but the school of acting that he created (with William Macy) was very influential on me. The works of the Coen Brothers, Stephen Sondheim, and John Irving are all extremely inspirational for me. They make me want to be creative, especially when I'm depressed.

Brandi the Slayer asks: If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Lots of pressure on this one. I'd say Noam Chomsky, Orson Wells, and the "Hey Vern" guy.

Nicki asks: Who's your hero?

I don't think I have any heroes. Are there any heroes left in the world? There are a lot of people I'd admire, but no one I truly worship - I take that back - the "Hey Vern" guy is f%*king genius!!!!!

He's Slaying Them

Melanie/Zoneerg asks: I noticed you were in the pilot for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and was curious why it took so long for the character Jonathan to make his appearance on the television show? (Chas asked a similar question.)

I'm not really sure. They just called me for "Inca Mummy Girl" out of the blue and offered me the part.

I kept running in to Buffy people (Nick Brendon and SMG) around town who kept telling me I was going to be back on the show, and it never happened. When I finally got the call to do the show, I couldn't believe it - it seemed so out of the blue.

Adina asks: How did you land the role of our beloved Jonathan?

I auditioned for the role of Xander, and then the casting director brought me back to read for a number of smaller roles for Joss. He liked what I did with one of the roles ("student") and that was how it all started. Jonathan sort of grew from that.

Mesuvius asks: What's your favorite part about playing Jonathan? Was it hard to take him from a character in the background to a more prominent character in Earshot?

I like the fact that there is an intensity to his shyness - it makes it more interesting. It wasn't difficut at all to take him in to a more prominent part in the show, I just had to learn more lines.

ProphecyGirl asks: Did you ever imagine your role as Jonathan on Buffy would become so popular?

No, it's extremely flattering. I really love being involved with something that people care so much about. It's exciting!

Mesuvius asks: How strong of a connection do you have with the show? Does Joss keep you informed, or is more like you get a phone call a week before an ep that you're in starts filming?

No one really keeps me informed about things, I ran in to Joss once and he told me about Earshot about a month before I officially heard about it, but that was kind of random. Usually I'll hear from them a couple of weeks before they need me.

Lovely Poet asks: How did you feel about your integral part of the best episode of season three (Earshot)?

I was really glad to have a larger role on the show - especially in an episode that was so well written.

AjO asks: What was it like to deal with such sensitive subjects in the the fabulous "Earshot" episode? (re: Teen Suicide, shootings, etc.) / Brandi the Slayer asks: "Earshot" was a very powerful episode that involved your character on Buffy, Jonathan, almost commiting suicide, but is stopped by Buffy before doing so. Do you have any advice for teens considering suicide?

I think everyone's mind can wonder to a suicidal place at some point in their life. I think the most important thing is to put yourself in to action, do something - a hobby, volunteer work - something you like so that you can get your mind off yourself. Whenever I get depressed I realize that I'm just thinking about myself too much and that if I just focus my energy on something or someone else, I feel better without even realizing it.

AjO asks: How much of Danny is Jonathan and Jonathan, Danny? / Brandi the Slayer asks: Can you relate to your Buffy character, Jonathan?

I certainly can feel awkward at times, but anybody that knows me would probably say that there is very little Jonathan in Danny.

Beverly asks: Who's your favorite character on "Buffy"?

This is going to be a boring answer, but I'd have to say Buffy - she kicks ass and is quite easy on the eyes!

MaNDi asks: What is it like working with the Buffy cast members, especially Sarah Michelle Gellar?

I love them. I know it sounds cliché but everyone treats me great - especially Sarah. She's really intelligent and professional, but she can be really goofy at times too - She's a lot of fun. They are all really great.

What do you see Jonathan doing in the future?

I have no idea. I would love it if he become evil in some way (at least for an episode). It would be cool to see another side to Jonathan besides the awkward/shy guy.

Chrissy asks: Will you be in season 4 (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) at all? / Brandi the Slayer asks: What direction would you like to see Joss take with Jonathan this season?

I don't know if I'm coming back or not, people have told me that I would, but I haven't heard anything official.

Posting Board Party Bucka Bucka Wow

Brief explanation: The Posting Board Party (PBP) is a chance for folks who post at the official BtVS board to meet in person and put faces to internet names. It has been held annually since 1998. Danny attended the 2nd PBP in February 1999.

Meteor asks: Danny, did you enjoy the Posting Board Party (PBP) earlier this year and will you be returning for Posting Board Party (PBP) 2000?

I had a blast at the Posting Board Party (PBP), and if I'm invited I will definitely be back!

Lovely Poet asks: Were you surprised by all the attention you received at the Posting Board Party?

I couldn't believe it. Before I walked in I told my date to not be surprised if nobody recognizes me - boy was I wrong! Everyone was so nice, it was a lot of fun.

Continue to part two >>