Date of publishing: 8th December 2005

From his portrayal of James Bond villain Franz Sanchez to the FBI's Bailey Malone in "Profiler" (1996), Robert Davi reigns among the big and small screen's most recognized tough guys. Davi's tough exterior masks a powerful inner-sensitivity, which he calls upon for his most notorious roles. Being a stickler for research, Davi contacted Quantico and arranged to meet Bill Hagenmeyer, the real life profiler. Davi received massive critical acclaim within the industry for his provocative and smoldering portrayal of FBI profiler Bailey Malone. But Robert Davi is also known for his role of Acastus Kolya in Stargate Atlantis, his role on Wiseguy, on the Goonies, Predator 2, Die Hard, Showgirls, a voice-over in the video game "Halo 2" and the list is still very long!
Robert Davi allowed The Scifi World to ask him a few questions on a small Q&A!


Gilles Nuytens: Could you speak about your current projects? On what are you working or plan to work on?
Robert Davi: I am currently in the editing phase of the film I wrote and directed. It is called "The Dukes" you can look it up on the imdb. So, that is and has been my main focus for the past 6 months. I also did a part on the Showtime series "Huff" and am looking forward to more Stargate Atlantis; also am writing new film.

Gilles Nuytens: Most of the big stars in Hollywood when they got big success in cinema never or rarely come back to TV shows but you did on many occasions. What do you like in television on the actor point of view and what is on TV that isn't with cinema? More possibilities to develop rich/deep characters?
Robert Davi: A character can be so well developed over many episodes of a good series on TV. Also it can sometimes set a trend, "PROFILER" is the father of many shows currently on TV also some movies. It should get MUCH more credit for what it did but it is not mentioned. Both mediums are great, although a great film by a Fellini or DeSica, or some of the other greats is what I love.

Gilles Nuytens: The producers of Stargate Atlantis proposed you the role of Acastus Kolya I assume, how was your experience there? Can you speak about your time, the funniest moments, the most memorable ones?
Robert Davi: I have a tremendous time doing that show. Being in the Storm and having the wind and rain elements to work with was exhilarating.

Gilles Nuytens: I heard that you will have an appearance in season 3 of that show, can you speak more about that?
Robert Davi: I was supposed to do one this year but I was directing my film and could'nt. Hopefully in the new season.

Gilles Nuytens: I think that Kolya isn't as bad as he seems to be. Some parts of your performance show that he is vulnerable and have a big potential for the future of the show. It is only a feeling but what is your point of view about that, any chance of Kolya being a "good guy" in Atlantis?
Robert Davi: That would be fun ... Ask the writers.

Gilles Nuytens: In my mind, when I was a kid, you were most associated as that guy from the mafia, probably influenced by your role in "Wiseguy" but I think in most of your roles, your characters weren't that bad, there is almost always a good part and this makes the characheter richer. How do you approach this kind of roles, how do you work on a character?
Robert Davi: Work on a character can be very involved depending on what one is playing. To go heavy into my process would take too long a time. But, for my approach to characters, I never try to make a moral judgement on the character I am playing.

Gilles Nuytens: Can you explain what you like the most and what are the most difficult things in the actor's job on your point of view?
Robert Davi: Waiting for the next good project.

Gilles Nuytens: If a producer propose you to play in a very low budget movie but a very good role, I mean this kind of role that is really challenging and interesting for an actor, what would you do and why?
Robert Davi: If the director has a vision and it is great script with a compelling character for me to play, I'm in.

Gilles Nuytens: Thank you very much Mr Davi for this interview and for the time you took for answering my questions. I wish you good luck with your career and be looking forward to see you in Stargate and more!