At last week’s Collectors Fair at Grundy Park, Yamaro took a few minutes away from his Master Collectables’ stall to interview the Star Wars guests appearing at the show, and Pam Rose [Leesub Sirlin (Star Wars: A New Hope)], Stephanie English [Hoth Rebel (Star Wars: A New Hope)], Phil Herbert [Hermi Odle (Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi)] & Paul Bannon [Stormtrooper (Star Wars: A New Hope) & Pod Race Mech Support Crew (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)] were all kind enough to answer his questions.
JN – Great to see you here, would you mind answering a few questions in between signing autographs?
PH – Yeah, no problem.”
JN – Ok, thank you. What is/are your favourite things about Star Wars then and now?
PR – This would have to be working on the first film not knowing how successful it would become.
SE – It was a great trilogy and I am honoured to be a part of it.
PH – The great enjoyment it brings to so many people.
PB – Well, from the story it would be ‘Good overcomes evil’ and from working on the film it would working with Alec Guinness, Stephen Calcutt (Darth Vader’s double) and finally the music.”
JN – What is/are your worst things about Star Wars then & now?”
PR – I’m not happy they’ve made it into a cartoon! (smiling) That I did not realise at the time that it was going to be so big!
PH – All the letters I get asking for autographs with no postage or envelopes for return!
PB – The End! No, seriously, working on the pod races. It was so hot and humid with studio sand two foot deep!
JN – If George Lucas asked for your advice what would it have been?”
PR – Eerrmm…
SE – Keep making the films!
PH – Laughs Use Hermi Odle more.
PB – I would say make the films a bit shorter.
JN – Pam – All but one of your acting roles have been sci-fi related, is that by choice? If so, what attracts you to the genre?
PR – That’s easy, work and wages.
JN – Stephanie – Your other movie connection is writing. Which do you prefer, acting or writing?
SE – I would have to say, acting.
JN – Phil – In your career you have worked quite a bit for the small screen. Which do you prefer, TV or film making and why?
PH – Film making is more expensive and a lot more hanging around and ‘standing by’.
JN – Paul – Your other films have pretty much been James Bond. What is it that attracts you to the action/adventure genre?
PB – That was a long time ago, I’ve been working on Harry Potter doubling as ‘Argus Filch’ more recently. I like to be ‘transported’ away to a different world for a while and the sets that I have worked on have been fantastic.
JN – How did you get the part in Star Wars?”
PR – My agent called me and I said ‘Yes’
SE – I went for an audition and I was lucky that the ‘Hoth Rebel’ costume was my size.
PH – My friend was working as a mime consultant and they wanted a large man who could carry the weight of the costume.
PB – Through my casting agencies.
JN – Did you manage to keep any ‘mementos’ of your time on Star Wars? If so, what?
PR – Yes, my original face mask.
SE – I took quite a few photos of the set and I’ve got some photos of me in costume.
PH – Sadly, nothing.
PB – A t-shirt that the crew were given, the one I’ve got is Stephen [Calcutt]’s.
JN – Phil – How do you feel now they have produced an action figure of your character?
PH – Hooray – at last. I know many of the fans are pleased and it provides me with something else to sign!
JN – Lastly, what’s next for you all?
PR – I’m working on a TV film called Chaperone and then success on retirement!
SE – Continuing to work in TV and films.
PH – Panto at Nottingham Playhouse, I’m the Genie in Aladdin. I’m also doing an anti-litter commercial.
PB – We’ve just wrapped a horror film called Wolfman starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt.
JN – On behalf of Jedi News and all Star Wars fans, thank you for your time and we wish you all the best for the future. May the Force be with you.”
PH – And you!
Pam Rose, Stephanie English, Phil Herbert and Paul Bannon Interview: Copyright 2008 Jedi News. No part of this interview can be reproduced without prior written consent from Jedi News.