James Marsters

When Spike burned at the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, why did he laugh?

(Pauses.) Because that’s MY reaction to great pain. Whenever I hit my head, or cut myself, I’m like “OH, GOD, OH THAT HURTS, OH WOW… (laughs loudly) You laugh so you don’t cry.

Are you good with tools? Can you fix things in the house or car, or do you just call someone to do it?

I ran a theatre company – I can fix anything, but it only lasts for 4 weeks.

Everyone experiences those “what if” moments. Is there any particular role that you have auditioned for and not gotten that you still wonder “what if?” to this day?

No. I’ve learned to forget about roles I didn’t get. Anything else would drive me insane.

What memories do you have of the actual moon landing?

I remember being allowed to stay up late to watch it, which never happened in my house. I am also ashamed enough to say that I was young enough to be bored. It was only after I got to the school yard that I realized how momentous the event was.

Would you prefer money for a housekeeper, cook, gardener, or personal secretary?

Housekeeper – I like to cook. What the heck does a personal secretary do anyway?

What’s the best guitar you’ve ever played?

A beat-up Taylor in 1983 in New York. A guy was busking on the street and let me play his guitar. I made five dollars for him in five minutes. He was happy.

Favorites:

Relaxation Ritual – Hot bath and a good rant on MSNBC by Keith Olbermann. Fast Food – I have a great love for both In and Out and Carl Jr. because they serve a no-carb hamburger.