Interview with Randall Bantinkoff

1. What was your favorite part about playing David Grantland?

My favorite part about playing David Grantland was the wonderful array of emotions and challenges that he faced. It was a very rich character and the historical context during which he lived and in which this story takes place was fascinating.

2. What did you love most about Tennessee?

The thing that I loved most about Tennessee was its beauty. Especially where we filmed Christy. We really were transported back in time. The people of Tennessee were gracious and a lot of fun! I loved the great experience that I had there, of being involved in such an awesome project, with so many passionate and creative people working together.

3. If you could, could you please tell us why you didn't accept the offer of portraying David in the new movies?

I did not do the new Christy films for several reasons. I really will miss working with Stewart! First of all, I had other professional commitments. I also felt that it was a role and project that I had done, and I like to continuously do new things. I felt it would have been difficult to try to reprise the part, especially with different actors in some of the key roles, primarily Christy, Miss Alice, and Fairlight. I am thrilled that Stewart will be back, along with the incredibly talented Andy, Dale, Bruce, and Mike Hickman. I am sure that the shows will be very entertaining.

4. How often do you see people (cast, etc.) from "Christy"?

I see the Wales', Tess, Stewart, Emily and occasionally Kellie from time to time. Also, I see Mike Rhodes every now and then and also Bill and Susan Creber. I also just saw Tom Blomquist and Phil Gerson and Pat Green, Brad Michaelson, and Joe Ingraffia at a screening of Tom's directorial debut which was really good!

5. Who was your favorite guest character on "Christy" and why?

I loved working with Richard Kiley. He was a magnificent actor and I learned so much about acting from him. I also loved working with Stephen Root, who I had done "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" with. Dixie Carter, and Judy Collins were both amazing, as was Catherine Brown. The talent that came to visit our show was truly extraordinary.

7. Are you currently taking any acting courses? What do you do when you're not auditioning (or does that take up most of your time)?

I do still study acting. I think it is a muscle that needs to be exercised all of the time. I play guitar, drums, and piano, as well as read a lot of books, and watch many films on my off time. I also try to stay in shape.

8. Have you ever played a role which you felt was close to your own personality? If so, which one?

The role closest to my own personality was probably my first big break: Stan, in "For Keeps". He was just a nice guy. I simply pretended that I was him.

9. I would like to know what his favorite role has been so far, and what is his criteria for taking a role....besides money! I am a Lass, but is it all right to ask anyway?

My favorite role thus far was probably the Hugh Hefner role in "Hefner: Unauthorized" because it was the most challenging, because Hefner is alive and many people know what he looks like and how he acts. David Grantland was also challenging but he was not alive when I played him and he was less well known. I still felt a huge obligation to bring him to life in a manner that would truly do him justice. I like to choose parts where the story is fascinating and my character has something real going on in his life. I like to work with good directors and good actors.

10. Which is your favorite episode of Christy and why?

My favorite episode of Christy was the pilot. It was all new, and it was amazing how we all bonded and worked together with such enthusiasm to create such a compelling story.

11. Can you tell us which scene you had the most fun filming and also which scene you considered the least fun?

My favorite scene was probably the scene where I sing to aunt Polly. It was wonderful to work with such a great actress, and I was truly touched. It was also my least favorite scene because my singing is not good, at all!

12. Tell us what aspects of David Grantland's personality are the most like you and which ones are the least like you.

I am most like David Grantland in my desire to do the right thing, to help others. I am least like him in the fact that he was extremely stubborn, where I believe that I am not. I am not. I tell you, I am not. No way. Not me. I swear!

13. Do you have any advice for James Waterston as he takes on the role of David Grantland in the new Christy movies?

My advice for the new David, is to have fun and make the part his own. Also, no matter what, do not mess with Stewart. I hope now that Dr. McNeill gets her. There I said it. I want Stewart to get the girl!

14. What is your view on God?

I believe that God is a very personal thing for each and every person. I feel strongly that faith in a higher source, in a greater power than ourselves, is a very powerful and important thing.

Thank you so much for coming to CF; it was great getting to meet you!

I had a great time at Christyfest as well. It was great meeting you and all of the fans!