Interview Muse Watson

This page is to interview Muse Watson,
(a Huge thanks to Muse, for asking to answer to our questions
and for taking the time to answer.
A real honour.
Thanks once again.
If you all you want is to thank him, run here this page is made fo that!)

What questions would you ask?
(Please Respect him and his privacy.)

|| Next >>
and please leave a little space under your question, to let Muse answer :)
and,
Please do not change layout/format and the colours of the fonts THANKS :)

Write your questions below. 1 question per line.
01) What is the movie that you are most proud you played in? (nathfromfrance) i really don't have a favorite. i have prided myself on being versatile, so they have all been new challenges. The character closest to "me" is probably Hank Corrigan in Something to Talk About with Julia Roberts and Robert DuVal.
02) What kind of role(s) do you dream to play? (nathfromfrance) i would love to do a modern day Don Quixote......
03) What was the hardest role you played? (nathfromfrance) Mentally, Hamlet in Hamlet. Emotionally, it would be the film "Rosewood". Physically, it would have been "I know".
04) Is it possible to see someday a movie with you and Mr Harmon? ( nathfromfrance) i could hope so. Maybe Mark and Wentworth Miller in the same movie. That would be something.
05)Did the character of Mike Franks was totally made by the NCIS Prod' or you have added suggestions? Oh no, i made him mine. The idea was theirs and the words are always theirs but i can ask to change words which i do often and add my own traits i think are consistent with who he is.
06) Fav' movies, musics at the moment? Unbearable Lightness of Being, Princess Bride...... Taylor Swift,
07) If you could of played a cowboy hero/villian, who would it be? (bells) Billy the Kid or Doc Holiday.
08) If you could play a theatrical character who would you like it to be. (bells) i have done a bunch of my dreams. Cervantes, Hamlet in Hamlet. i am open. What do yall think?
09) When did you decide to become an actor? at Berea College i wanted to give it a go........ then at 40 years old i made the committment.
10) What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment to date? (#1hotchfan) Being a father to my little girl.
11) What role would you most like to play? (#1hotchfan) i am feeling my age. i would love to be the old man at the end of the bar who has about 2 lines per week on NCIS...... REGULARLY.
12) Do you know in advance how many episodes you will be in in any season, or do they just come up unexpectedly as the writers create them? (Sect3Agent29- parrot) They just come up.......
13) In response to your querie ques. no. 8...probably not theatrical...but I thought you would do very well as Richard the Lion Heart...or one of those era characters. BellsWebster.
14) Do you think there is any possibility that, if we asked Shane Brennan nicely, that Mike Franks could become a regular character, rather than just recurring? (MargyW) i certainly would hope so...... or maybe CBS. If they think the fans want it..... it will happen.
15) I think it would be good if you could become the teams permanent international agent..or something...when things occur that requires the team to leave the area/state/country where they are, you join them. Bellswebster. i like that idea.
16) As you and Mister Harmon you love to play music what about a duet together? (oh yep please :) (nathfromfrance) LOL........
17) In your radio interview, you referred to yourself as a "Ragin' Cajun"... what's your fave Cajun food?(Ducky/Parrot) Squirrel Gumbo or Shrimp Sauce Pequant.
18) Hi there Muse...Is there any particular subject you would like to make an episode about? Bellswebster. i would love to see Mike's past as an agent studied further...... maybe while running his new cantina.... LOL
19) Was there any resolution of the characters of Mike's son's wife/girlfriend and baby that he rescued? Could that be fodder for an upcoming episode? (and if ya need a sidekick, the parrot shoots really straight) Funney you should mention that ........ watch "Outlaws and Inlaws" in November......... (Roger that, thanks, Muse)
20)I love cats and I was wondering about the tabby cat you had in Prison Break..Was it yours?...Was it a trained cat?..What was its real name?...lol.. The director was given several trained cats to choose from and chose a stray that the wranglers little girl had found a couple of weeks earlier. Posed several problems. One, it would run away if not held tight and in a large prison yard you would never get her back. So the wranglers wanted to hold her until the last minute which gave me no time to just love her or get to know her. It was quite a lot of acting on my part and HERS.... to portray an old man who loved his cat and vice versa. LOL For her death scene, two experienced movie cats were flown in from Los Angeles with their trainers to Chicago to perform the stunts. One was good at sitting by itself and one was good at running on cue. None of the final scenes were THE cat. LOL i hope she has retired and is living the good life in Chicago...... but i heard she was working in commercials..... Thanks for that Muse...very interesting. I hope someone took care of her to.
21) Any idea if Mike Franks will have any "entanglements" with any leading ladies soon, to spice up his retirement in Mexico? (parrot) LOL ..... Well, there is a lady at the House in Mexico at the end of the story soon ..... not sure of future spice. (just ad-lib something in there before the director yells "that's a wrap!")
22) If you could be one of the actor roles you have played, who would you choose? Bells. Well, i always dreamed of being a Rodeo Clown so maybe the guy from "Dusk til Dawn II" .... but i have forever loved horses so maybe Hank from "Something to Talk About" .... then again, retired on a beach in Mexico sounds good....so maybe Mike Franks from NCIS. Of all the most meaningful would be Cervantes from "Man of LaMancha". But since i have a little girl who needs her Popa..... i'll just be me. Thanks very much Muse...you sound like a wonderflul dad.
23) I am wondering about the alcohol scene with Gibbs at his house. Is that real alcohol or what do they use? ...Bellswebster. Yep i join Bells for this question, because it's quite weird and "sad/weird" that NCIS decided to use alcohol despite........ May God bring you the strength.... (nathfromfrance) It is not real. Often times the property master will mix coke and water ( for the color ). i always check and i always say something to the prop people because as some of you may know, i am a 20 year recovering alcoholic and i take no chances. After all this time it doesn't bother me. One, it ain't me, it's Mike Franks and it seems to fit his personality and two, if "I" ever slip in there, i have conditioned myself to think of it as "Drano" and am not tempted to have any, even if others around me do. i don't want to limit my talent in who i play by who i am. i live one day at a time.... but some of my characters do not. i believe there is nothing wrong with alcohol ..... there is something wrong with me.
24) OUTLAWS & INLAWS was great! Is there a follow up in the works? It looks to me like there is lots of room for one, and it's wide open for the curious to speculate how that arrangement will work out. Thank you. i certainly hope there is a follow-up. If enough people go to the CBS web site and click on the feedback button and ask.... i am sure they will respond. The numbers for the episode were great and so were the reviews. i am also curious as to how they might integrate the new arrangement into the story......
25) I am wondering about the house on the beach in Outlaws and Inlaws. It seems so close to the water. Is it a permanent structure? I would be petrified the ocean would be in the loungeroom in a cyclone..lol.. BellsWebster. Mike's house on the beach is actually about 10 miles north of Malibu. It was used as a park ranger house when we first started using it and now is a ranger office. The ocean is very close and the tide comes even closer. To the north of the little road leading in is a public beach with parking....... Just above it, almost as close as the ocean is Pacific Coast Highway...... Great place. Great view. Mike is very lucky......
26) In the Radio (DJ Fire) interview you gave few months ago, you said that to play a role you like to find the music to find the way to play the character, that you try to find what music the character could represent. What kind of music/songs inspire you in order to play Mike Franks? (nathfromfrance) Mike is a Dave Brubeck guy. Jazz has always touched his soul in me..... It is such an exploration of the rules of music it could be considered music that has evolved into a higher order of conformation. Paul Desmond on sax is Mike's idea of cool and his "Take Five" speaks to Mike's own philosophy of making rules serve the purpose for which they were intended. No one beats a drum like Joe Morello and no one breaks the rules for the rules' sake like Mike Franks.
27) Might there be any chance that Mike Franks would do a "crossover" to NCIS: LA and maybe work with Callen? Callen's been there long enough for Franks to have known him. And they are both "bend the rules" types. Or spar with Hetty? Or have been a 'former interest'/former coworker of Hetty's? THAT would be something to see! i would certainly welcome it. i would like for Mike to work as much as possible and if it means a "crossover", so be it. LOL
28) I read that you worked with Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderras in the movie Assassins. How did you find working with them? BellsWebster. i worked with Stallone on the picture and really enjoyed it. After i shot myself and fell into the swamp in an Armani suit .... i headed to my motorhome and proceeded to take my clothes off outside the cab. The director, Dick Donner, came up and said, "Muse, you can go inside to take your clothes off". He didn't know that i had worked as a teamster on pictures before coming to Hollywood and was the guy who had to clean up those messes. i told him i would just take the wet clothes off outside and then go inside. No sense in messing up a perfectly good motorhome. LOL Muse...any video footage...lol...The things one has to do....
29) How is it to be famous do you like it or do you hate it some times ? Crime.Time. i think it is important to "understand" it. For actors, and maybe others, celebrity is not about the person the fan thinks he knows. It can be about some character the public sees. Often times, what people see in a celebrity can be mere reminders of others in their lives they have had pleasant experiences with. i think it is important for those in the public eye to realize that they are no more special than anyone ..... they just have had a lucky exposure and have been able to capture the public's imagination. By the same token, i appreciate as much as anyone being recognized for good work. I work very hard at what i do and devote a lot of time figuring out how to do it ..... so it is rewarding, for me, for that work to be appreciated. One can usually tell where a fan is..... Some appreciate your "work". Some are fascinated by a character you play. Some are intrigued by celebrity and envious for themselves. *************************************************************************************************************************** Muse, you do it so very well, you can be very proud of what you did/do, give in your character in NCIS and all the others characters (of the ones i watched :)... photos...). One of the reason why i am a huge fan of NCIS (and of you and Mister Harmon and really appreciate the cast and Harriet), it's because you are Real Natural sweet humble heart persons. Millions miles away from Hollywood Stars mentality. You all keep feet on earth ( hope it means the same in english :) ). Thanks for ALL THE so good moments! (good guys, bad guys, so many different roles but ALWAYS with a Real Talent)! thanks and congrats Muse. Take care. And about the fact that you stay humble, one more exemple ( for those who don't know how much you are Natural Humble heart, to have you in here, taking of your few free time to talk here, you take the time to talk with your fans ... we are SO BLEST, HONOURED, GRATEFUL. Thanks Muse! (nathfromfrance)
30) I think it's safe to say that because you speak with us here, that we feel we "know" you better and because of that, have a greater appreciation for your work, and for you too, but I was wondering if it works the other way, too. Do you feel that you "know" us better with this Q & A forum? (as true admirers and not just nuts looking to pry; 'cuz you know if we found any of them we'd turf 'em out, right?) lol(Sect3Agent29) parrot.... i always expect great fans on this page and i have never been disappointed. i appreciate each and every one of you. ....and i know the site is patrolled with the greatist of security of my privacy .... and that is a comfort. As for knowing you better ...... i am sure i do. *************************************************************************************************************************** Muse, one word, thank you. So touched, ok i admit i shed a tear... from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are an angel. We all appreciate you too :D We are all so blessed to have you in here and to read you. MERCI. (thank you) (nathfromfrance)
31) So what do ya think of your Cantina and crazies that are the regulars? :) blcpurl (jack the dog) i am not sure. Seems like it's a little out of control with-out Mike there. What's with everybody charging stuff to Mike's tab?........ That'll have to stop as soon as Mike gets back. LOL
32) If Jethro Gibbs were unable at anytime to be in charge of the team, do you feel that Mike Franks would be/could be the one to come and take charge of the team?..or would this job go automatically to Tony DiNozzo?..What would be Franks chances? Bells. Realistically, i think the chances of Mike coming back in a supervisory capacity are slim considering the fact that the idiotic behavior of those who oversee international investigations in government have gotten worse ...... and that is why he left. Although, this particular bunch has roots in Hollywood ..... and there, anything goes. LOL i personally would love it. My daughter's college fund would really appreciate it. i would actually prefer coming back to Baltimore and opening a cantina ...... and watching who charges to my tab. i think i am more of an "advisor". As a supervisor i would have to play by their rules ....... and i have grown accustom to using some common sense in situations of national security. They call it "cowboy" ....... but i don't remember many terror attacks on large cities when the cowboys ruled. DiNozzo, on the other hand, would be a huge mistake. A man who believes in nothing can be talked into anything....... but he's pretty, .....and in Hollywood, pretty is smart. He is a great character for his position at NCIS. No need to fall for the "Peter Principle". i should shut up..... but then Mike wouldn't be here. I'd love to come and visit your cantina in Baltimore..and bring the Duke..lol....I'll let you work it out with him whether he can put stuff on yer' tab...lol...Bells. Come open that cantina in Baltimore and I'll come visit! I'll even pay my own tab. =) WindyKat
33) Did you like Baltimore when you were filming there? What were your favorite things there? i really enjoyed my tour of the big sailing ship in the harbor..... My only afternoon off. I'm so sorry you didn't have any more time. It must have been our historic USS Constellation that you got to tour. You need to come back...there is so much more to see! And Washington is not that far away.
36)Maybe Mike should stop into his cantina and put the smack down don't ya think, Muse?blcpurl"jack the dog" i think you are right. Why not come to the cantina then..its your shout again anyway...
37) What is you favorite thing to do to unwind? blcpurl i have an eight year old daughter who really needs a lot of my time ....... i remember unwinding, but it hasn't been in recent past. LOL i enjoy driving my suped up jeep or hiking beside the creek at my hide-out. i also enjoy sitting in front of a fire with loved ones.
38) Any chance that we will see Mike Franks again on NCIS this season? (MargyW) i am getting someinnuendo of soon....... like maybe filming in March for a possible April air date. Nothing but rumor now ....... but i feel it is coming soon.
39) If you had to select just one moment/swcene in NCIS that you most enjoyed to play, what could it be?And if you have to imagine Franks new way for an episode what you could imagine for your character? what about being The NCIS Director? :) (the Gibbs/Franks collaboration could be awesome :D as it's already! Please more Gibbs/Franks scenes :) (nath) i really enjoy my scenes with Mark ..... if i had to select one ...... ahw .... i can't. Maybe in a couple of years. Right now, i can't. i don't see me coming back as a director. My history kinda shut that door, i think..... being so upset with the powers that be for mis-managing the terrorist threat. i really do see my Mike coming back and opening a cantina though ...... i think that is a real good idea. Then the group could come by for advice or just come by after a case to sum up and relax and unwind....... or i could come back as a training agent. One who trains the young ones to be NCIS....... for that matter i could fly to San Diego and train the NCIS L.A. ones too....... LOL
40) I reckon it would be awesome if we could have a christmas episode with everyone in it. You, Emira, Leyla, Gibbs' father and mother in law, Fornell and his daughter Emily, Maddie- Kellys friend, and Tony Dinozzo senior. A marine could go missing from a ship anchored in Mexico and you could be the first called on the scene. But the twist is, the body turns up in the usa somewhere (near the team) Well thats where you find it....and..Gibbs dad could dress as santa clause and Tony DiNozzo snr. could too..a mix up... lol...Think I will suggest it to CBS. Bells. What a very merry Christmas that would be ...... i think you should suggest it.... i am ready to drink egg nog with the older guys ...... but wait, if it is a Christmas special ... do i get to shoot anybody?
41) What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a parent? (gibbskid86) That i don't know anything .... but i am her Popa, and that comes with some respect and obediance. If she accepts her role with as much humility as i accept mine, i can be very giving and keep my "No's" to a minimum. One of life's lessons that took me a long time to learn was that "i can only change me" ..... but that "insanity is selfishness". i want her to know that the world is hers .... to share with others.
42) Do you feel that your role as Mike Franks has raised your profile as an actor? (MargyW) Absolutely. As long as i was creating these very different roles in feature films, i wasn't recognized very much on the street. After playing Charles Westmoreland/DB Cooper in "Prison Break" that started to change a little. Now, after 10 episodes as Mike Franks on NCIS .... i really don't go anywhere with-out someone recognizing me as Mark Harmon's mentor and friend.
43) First off I want to thank you Sir, for taking time out of what I'm sure is a very busy schedule to answer questions that we may have. I was curious on your thoughs on what makes a person a "good listener." (sandysummer) Empathy.
44) I was wondering if you have or have had any connection with horses in your life, or if you taught your daughter to ride while she's small enough to have no fear of large animals. I loved horses as a kid and it taught me lots about care etc. (Parrot) I do. i had a Shetland when i was about 5 and then Papaw Muse bought us a cow pony when i was about 7 which i had until i graduated high school. i have ridden all my life. i too feel there is a lot to learn from horses at an early age.
45)I love Parrot's questions about horses (you and I talked about it at FanFest a little) - you're an outstanding rider, and I'd love to hear how/why you decided to learn all the different disciplines (basic dressage at least, regular western, jumping, etc. It IS a passion, isn't it?! Is your daughter learning to ride from you, too? (calilady) i rode western all my life. Only thing i had ever jumped was stumps. LOL When i was cast in the Julia Roberts picture, "Something to Talk About", they hired a trainer from South Africa to teach me. For some reason he commented one day that people who rode motorcycles seemed to pick up his training sooner. Well, i had that! i was jumping 3.5 foot triples in 3 weeks. i trained everyday. i was so grateful of the training i received on that show. It has allowed me to ride any fashion. Western, Cavalry, English, etc. i love it. i suppose it is a passion. My daughter rides at a stable in Los Angeles which is geared toward giving special kids a chance to learn to love and ride horses. i don't interfere with their methods but i can't wait to "share" a ride with my daughter.
46)Muse, I see that you've taught acting at a penitentiary in the past. What moves you to work with that population? It must have been really rewarding... I really respect and admire your decision to do that... (calilady) i was asked by a theater director of mine to take his place at the penitentiary when he moved away. i gotta tell you, i was reluctant. i had seen some unhealthy relationships between inmates and the people who volunteered to visit them for whatever reason. So i agreed to do it for one year. i had a great time and we won best actor and best play at the state wide competition that year. It's ashamed, but there are some needy folks who visit prisons for all the wrong reasons making unhealthy relationships with the people they are there to help.
47) It is hard to fathom that we will no longer see Mike Franks as Gibbs mentor and friend. I do hope you will turn up at times as his conscience or in flashbacks. What role would you be interested in playing now if another television show asked you to be a recurring actor? Bellswebster. Well, as the recent news says, it looks like i will appear again as Mike Franks, but to answer your question, i watch so little tv it is hard for me to give you the answer you are looking for. i don't know the shows. i would like to see another character who has the potential for me to give him the depth of character i was able to give Charles Westmoreland on Prison Break and Mike Franks on NCIS.
48) Now that you are doing 'A Christmas Snow' on stage for a couple of months, are you considering doing more plays? Or even being able to do this play in other parts of the country, like out here on the west coast? Kenorob1 That's hard to say. The Christmas Snow team is looking at other shows and a tv show..... some very exciting things may be happening soon....
50) Do you think you would prefer to be doing more stage plays rather than movie or television roles? Bellswebster.

Write your questions below. 1 question per line.

01) What is the movie that you are most proud you played in? (nathfromfrance)

i really don't have a favorite. i have prided myself on being versatile, so they have all been new challenges. The character closest to "me" is probably Hank Corrigan in Something to Talk About with Julia Roberts and Robert DuVal.

02) What kind of role(s) do you dream to play? (nathfromfrance)

i would love to do a modern day Don Quixote......

03) What was the hardest role you played? (nathfromfrance)

Mentally, Hamlet in Hamlet. Emotionally, it would be the film "Rosewood". Physically, it would have been "I know".

04) Is it possible to see someday a movie with you and Mr Harmon? ( nathfromfrance)

i could hope so. Maybe Mark and Wentworth Miller in the same movie. That would be something.

05)Did the character of Mike Franks was totally made by the NCIS Prod' or you have added suggestions?

Oh no, i made him mine. The idea was theirs and the words are always theirs but i can ask to change words which i do often and add my own traits i think are consistent with who he is.

06) Fav' movies, musics at the moment?

Unbearable Lightness of Being, Princess Bride...... Taylor Swift,

07) If you could of played a cowboy hero/villian, who would it be? (bells)

Billy the Kid or Doc Holiday.

08) If you could play a theatrical character who would you like it to be. (bells)

i have done a bunch of my dreams. Cervantes, Hamlet in Hamlet. i am open. What do yall think?

09) When did you decide to become an actor?

at Berea College i wanted to give it a go........ then at 40 years old i made the committment.

10) What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment to date? (#1hotchfan)

Being a father to my little girl.

11) What role would you most like to play? (#1hotchfan)

i am feeling my age. i would love to be the old man at the end of the bar who has about 2 lines per week on NCIS...... REGULARLY.

12) Do you know in advance how many episodes you will be in in any season, or do they just come up unexpectedly as the writers create them? (Sect3Agent29- parrot)

They just come up.......

13) In response to your querie ques. no. 8...probably not theatrical...but I thought you would do very well as Richard the Lion Heart...or one of those era characters. BellsWebster.

14) Do you think there is any possibility that, if we asked Shane Brennan nicely, that Mike Franks could become a regular character, rather than just recurring? (MargyW)

i certainly would hope so...... or maybe CBS. If they think the fans want it..... it will happen.

15) I think it would be good if you could become the teams permanent international agent..or something...when things occur that requires the team to leave the area/state/country where they are, you join them. Bellswebster.

i like that idea.

16) As you and Mister Harmon you love to play music what about a duet together?
(oh yep please :) (nathfromfrance)

LOL........

17) In your radio interview, you referred to yourself as a "Ragin' Cajun"... what's your fave Cajun food?(Ducky/Parrot)

Squirrel Gumbo or Shrimp Sauce Pequant.

18) Hi there Muse...Is there any particular subject you would like to make an episode about? Bellswebster.

i would love to see Mike's past as an agent studied further...... maybe while running his new cantina.... LOL

19) Was there any resolution of the characters of Mike's son's wife/girlfriend and baby that he rescued? Could that be fodder for an upcoming episode? (and if ya need a sidekick, the parrot shoots really straight)

Funney you should mention that ........ watch "Outlaws and Inlaws" in November.........

(Roger that, thanks, Muse)

20)I love cats and I was wondering about the tabby cat you had in Prison Break..Was it yours?...Was it a trained cat?..What was its real name?...lol..

The director was given several trained cats to choose from and chose a stray that the wranglers little girl had found a couple of weeks earlier. Posed several problems. One, it would run away if not held tight and in a large prison yard you would never get her back. So the wranglers wanted to hold her until the last minute which gave me no time to just love her or get to know her. It was quite a lot of acting on my part and HERS.... to portray an old man who loved his cat and vice versa. LOL For her death scene, two experienced movie cats were flown in from Los Angeles with their trainers to Chicago to perform the stunts. One was good at sitting by itself and one was good at running on cue. None of the final scenes were THE cat. LOL i hope she has retired and is living the good life in Chicago...... but i heard she was working in commercials.....

Thanks for that Muse...very interesting. I hope someone took care of her to.

21) Any idea if Mike Franks will have any "entanglements" with any leading ladies soon, to spice up his retirement in Mexico? (parrot)

LOL ..... Well, there is a lady at the House in Mexico at the end of the story soon ..... not sure of future spice.

(just ad-lib something in there before the director yells "that's a wrap!")

22) If you could be one of the actor roles you have played, who would you choose? Bells.

Well, i always dreamed of being a Rodeo Clown so maybe the guy from "Dusk til Dawn II" .... but i have forever loved horses so maybe Hank from "Something to Talk About" .... then again, retired on a beach in Mexico sounds good....so maybe Mike Franks from NCIS. Of all the most meaningful would be Cervantes from "Man of LaMancha". But since i have a little girl who needs her Popa..... i'll just be me.

Thanks very much Muse...you sound like a wonderflul dad.

23) I am wondering about the alcohol scene with Gibbs at his house. Is that real alcohol or what do they use? ...Bellswebster.

Yep i join Bells for this question, because it's quite weird and "sad/weird" that NCIS decided to use alcohol despite........ May God bring you the strength.... (nathfromfrance)

It is not real. Often times the property master will mix coke and water ( for the color ). i always check and i always say something to the prop people because as some of you may know, i am a 20 year recovering alcoholic and i take no chances. After all this time it doesn't bother me. One, it ain't me, it's Mike Franks and it seems to fit his personality and two, if "I" ever slip in there, i have conditioned myself to think of it as "Drano" and am not tempted to have any, even if others around me do. i don't want to limit my talent in who i play by who i am. i live one day at a time.... but some of my characters do not. i believe there is nothing wrong with alcohol ..... there is something wrong with me.

24) OUTLAWS & INLAWS was great! Is there a follow up in the works? It looks to me like there is lots of room for one, and it's wide open for the curious to speculate how that arrangement will work out.

Thank you. i certainly hope there is a follow-up. If enough people go to the CBS web site and click on the feedback button and ask.... i am sure they will respond. The numbers for the episode were great and so were the reviews. i am also curious as to how they might integrate the new arrangement into the story......

25) I am wondering about the house on the beach in Outlaws and Inlaws. It seems so close to the water. Is it a permanent structure? I would be petrified the ocean would be in the loungeroom in a cyclone..lol.. BellsWebster.

Mike's house on the beach is actually about 10 miles north of Malibu. It was used as a park ranger house when we first started using it and now is a ranger office. The ocean is very close and the tide comes even closer. To the north of the little road leading in is a public beach with parking....... Just above it, almost as close as the ocean is Pacific Coast Highway...... Great place. Great view. Mike is very lucky......

26) In the Radio (DJ Fire) interview you gave few months ago, you said that to play a role you like to find the music to find the way to play the character, that you try to find what music the character could represent. What kind of music/songs inspire you in order to play Mike Franks? (nathfromfrance)

Mike is a Dave Brubeck guy. Jazz has always touched his soul in me..... It is such an exploration of the rules of music it could be considered music that has evolved into a higher order of conformation. Paul Desmond on sax is Mike's idea of cool and his "Take Five" speaks to Mike's own philosophy of making rules serve the purpose for which they were intended. No one beats a drum like Joe Morello and no one breaks the rules for the rules' sake like Mike Franks.

27) Might there be any chance that Mike Franks would do a "crossover" to NCIS: LA and maybe work with Callen? Callen's been there long enough for Franks to have known him. And they are both "bend the rules" types. Or spar with Hetty? Or have been a 'former interest'/former coworker of Hetty's? THAT would be something to see!

i would certainly welcome it. i would like for Mike to work as much as possible and if it means a "crossover", so be it. LOL

28) I read that you worked with Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderras in the movie Assassins. How did you find working with them? BellsWebster.

i worked with Stallone on the picture and really enjoyed it. After i shot myself and fell into the swamp in an Armani suit .... i headed to my motorhome and proceeded to take my clothes off outside the cab. The director, Dick Donner, came up and said, "Muse, you can go inside to take your clothes off". He didn't know that i had worked as a teamster on pictures before coming to Hollywood and was the guy who had to clean up those messes. i told him i would just take the wet clothes off outside and then go inside. No sense in messing up a perfectly good motorhome.

LOL Muse...any video footage...lol...The things one has to do....

29) How is it to be famous do you like it or do you hate it some times ? Crime.Time.

i think it is important to "understand" it. For actors, and maybe others, celebrity is not about the person the fan thinks he knows. It can be about some character the public sees. Often times, what people see in a celebrity can be mere reminders of others in their lives they have had pleasant experiences with. i think it is important for those in the public eye to realize that they are no more special than anyone ..... they just have had a lucky exposure and have been able to capture the public's imagination.

By the same token, i appreciate as much as anyone being recognized for good work. I work very hard at what i do and devote a lot of time figuring out how to do it ..... so it is rewarding, for me, for that work to be appreciated. One can usually tell where a fan is..... Some appreciate your "work". Some are fascinated by a character you play. Some are intrigued by celebrity and envious for themselves.

***************************************************************************************************************************

Muse, you do it so very well, you can be very proud of what you did/do, give in your character in NCIS and all the others characters (of the ones i watched :)... photos...). One of the reason why i am a huge fan of NCIS (and of you and Mister Harmon and really appreciate the cast and Harriet), it's because you are Real Natural sweet humble heart persons. Millions miles away from Hollywood Stars mentality. You all keep feet on earth ( hope it means the same in english :) ). Thanks for ALL THE so good moments! (good guys, bad guys, so many different roles but ALWAYS with a Real Talent)! thanks and congrats Muse. Take care. And about the fact that you stay humble, one more exemple ( for those who don't know how much you are Natural Humble heart, to have you in here, taking of your few free time to talk here, you take the time to talk with your fans
... we are SO BLEST, HONOURED, GRATEFUL. Thanks Muse! (nathfromfrance)

30) I think it's safe to say that because you speak with us here, that we feel we "know" you better and because of that, have a greater appreciation for your work, and for you too, but I was wondering if it works the other way, too. Do you feel that you "know" us better with this Q & A forum? (as true admirers and not just nuts looking to pry; 'cuz you know if we found any of them we'd turf 'em out, right?) lol(Sect3Agent29) parrot....

i always expect great fans on this page and i have never been disappointed. i appreciate each and every one of you. ....and i know the site is patrolled with the greatist of security of my privacy .... and that is a comfort. As for knowing you better ...... i am sure i do.

***************************************************************************************************************************
Muse, one word, thank you.
So touched, ok i admit i shed a tear... from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are an angel.
We all appreciate you too :D
We are all so blessed to have you in here and to read you. MERCI. (thank you) (nathfromfrance)

31) So what do ya think of your Cantina and crazies that are the regulars? :) blcpurl (jack the dog)

i am not sure. Seems like it's a little out of control with-out Mike there. What's with everybody charging stuff to Mike's tab?........ That'll have to stop as soon as Mike gets back. LOL

32) If Jethro Gibbs were unable at anytime to be in charge of the team, do you feel that Mike Franks would be/could be the one to come and take charge of the team?..or would this job go automatically to Tony DiNozzo?..What would be Franks chances?
Bells.

Realistically, i think the chances of Mike coming back in a supervisory capacity are slim considering the fact that the idiotic behavior of those who oversee international investigations in government have gotten worse ...... and that is why he left. Although, this particular bunch has roots in Hollywood ..... and there, anything goes. LOL i personally would love it. My daughter's college fund would really appreciate it. i would actually prefer coming back to Baltimore and opening a cantina ...... and watching who charges to my tab. i think i am more of an "advisor". As a supervisor i would have to play by their rules ....... and i have grown accustom to using some common sense in situations of national security. They call it "cowboy" ....... but i don't remember many terror attacks on large cities when the cowboys ruled.

DiNozzo, on the other hand, would be a huge mistake. A man who believes in nothing can be talked into anything....... but he's pretty, .....and in Hollywood, pretty is smart. He is a great character for his position at NCIS. No need to fall for the "Peter Principle". i should shut up..... but then Mike wouldn't be here.

I'd love to come and visit your cantina in Baltimore..and bring the Duke..lol....I'll let you work it out with him whether he can put stuff on yer' tab...lol...Bells.

Come open that cantina in Baltimore and I'll come visit! I'll even pay my own tab. =) WindyKat

33) Did you like Baltimore when you were filming there? What were your favorite things there?

i really enjoyed my tour of the big sailing ship in the harbor..... My only afternoon off.

I'm so sorry you didn't have any more time. It must have been our historic USS Constellation that you got to tour. You need to come back...there is so much more to see! And Washington is not that far away.

36)Maybe Mike should stop into his cantina and put the smack down don't ya think, Muse?blcpurl"jack the dog"

i think you are right.

Why not come to the cantina then..its your shout again anyway...

37) What is you favorite thing to do to unwind? blcpurl

i have an eight year old daughter who really needs a lot of my time ....... i remember unwinding, but it hasn't been in recent past. LOL i enjoy driving my suped up jeep or hiking beside the creek at my hide-out. i also enjoy sitting in front of a fire with loved ones.

38) Any chance that we will see Mike Franks again on NCIS this season? (MargyW)

i am getting someinnuendo of soon....... like maybe filming in March for a possible April air date. Nothing but rumor now ....... but i feel it is coming soon.

39) If you had to select just one moment/swcene in NCIS that you most enjoyed to play,
what could it be?And if you have to imagine Franks new way for an episode what you could imagine for your character? what about being The NCIS Director? :) (the Gibbs/Franks collaboration could be awesome :D as it's already! Please more Gibbs/Franks scenes :) (nath)

i really enjoy my scenes with Mark ..... if i had to select one ...... ahw .... i can't. Maybe in a couple of years. Right now, i can't. i don't see me coming back as a director. My history kinda shut that door, i think..... being so upset with the powers that be for mis-managing the terrorist threat. i really do see my Mike coming back and opening a cantina though ...... i think that is a real good idea. Then the group could come by for advice or just come by after a case to sum up and relax and unwind....... or i could come back as a training agent. One who trains the young ones to be NCIS....... for that matter i could fly to San Diego and train the NCIS L.A. ones too....... LOL

40) I reckon it would be awesome if we could have a christmas episode with everyone in it. You, Emira, Leyla, Gibbs' father and mother in law, Fornell and his daughter Emily, Maddie- Kellys friend, and Tony Dinozzo senior. A marine could go missing from a ship anchored in Mexico and you could be the first called on the scene. But the twist is, the body turns up in the usa somewhere (near the team) Well thats where you find it....and..Gibbs dad could dress as santa clause and Tony DiNozzo snr. could too..a mix up... lol...Think I will suggest it to CBS. Bells.

What a very merry Christmas that would be ...... i think you should suggest it.... i am ready to drink egg nog with the older guys ...... but wait, if it is a Christmas special ... do i get to shoot anybody?

41) What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a parent? (gibbskid86)

That i don't know anything .... but i am her Popa, and that comes with some respect and obediance. If she accepts her role with as much humility as i accept mine, i can be very giving and keep my "No's" to a minimum. One of life's lessons that took me a long time to learn was that "i can only change me" ..... but that "insanity is selfishness".
i want her to know that the world is hers .... to share with others.

42) Do you feel that your role as Mike Franks has raised your profile as an actor? (MargyW)

Absolutely. As long as i was creating these very different roles in feature films, i wasn't recognized very much on the street. After playing Charles Westmoreland/DB Cooper in "Prison Break" that started to change a little. Now, after 10 episodes as Mike Franks on NCIS .... i really don't go anywhere with-out someone recognizing me as Mark Harmon's mentor and friend.

43) First off I want to thank you Sir, for taking time out of what I'm sure is a very busy schedule to answer questions that we may have. I was curious on your thoughs on what makes a person a "good listener." (sandysummer)

Empathy.

44) I was wondering if you have or have had any connection with horses in your life, or if you taught your daughter to ride while she's small enough to have no fear of large animals. I loved horses as a kid and it taught me lots about care etc. (Parrot)

I do. i had a Shetland when i was about 5 and then Papaw Muse bought us a cow pony when i was about 7 which i had until i graduated high school. i have ridden all my life. i too feel there is a lot to learn from horses at an early age.

45)I love Parrot's questions about horses (you and I talked about it at FanFest a little) - you're an outstanding rider, and I'd love to hear how/why you decided to learn all the different disciplines (basic dressage at least, regular western, jumping, etc. It IS a passion, isn't it?! Is your daughter learning to ride from you, too? (calilady)

i rode western all my life. Only thing i had ever jumped was stumps. LOL When i was cast in the Julia Roberts picture, "Something to Talk About", they hired a trainer from South Africa to teach me. For some reason he commented one day that people who rode motorcycles seemed to pick up his training sooner. Well, i had that! i was jumping 3.5 foot triples in 3 weeks. i trained everyday. i was so grateful of the training i received on that show. It has allowed me to ride any fashion. Western, Cavalry, English, etc. i love it. i suppose it is a passion.

My daughter rides at a stable in Los Angeles which is geared toward giving special kids a chance to learn to love and ride horses. i don't interfere with their methods but i can't wait to "share" a ride with my daughter.

46)Muse, I see that you've taught acting at a penitentiary in the past. What moves you to work with that population? It must have been really rewarding... I really respect and admire your decision to do that... (calilady)

i was asked by a theater director of mine to take his place at the penitentiary when he moved away. i gotta tell you, i was reluctant. i had seen some unhealthy relationships between inmates and the people who volunteered to visit them for whatever reason. So i agreed to do it for one year. i had a great time and we won best actor and best play at the state wide competition that year. It's ashamed, but there are some needy folks who visit prisons for all the wrong reasons making unhealthy relationships with the people they are there to help.

47) It is hard to fathom that we will no longer see Mike Franks as Gibbs mentor and friend. I do hope you will turn up at times as his conscience or in flashbacks. What role would you be interested in playing now if another television show asked you to be a recurring actor? Bellswebster.

Well, as the recent news says, it looks like i will appear again as Mike Franks, but to answer your question, i watch so little tv it is hard for me to give you the answer you are looking for. i don't know the shows. i would like to see another character who has the potential for me to give him the depth of character i was able to give Charles Westmoreland on Prison Break and Mike Franks on NCIS.

48) Now that you are doing 'A Christmas Snow' on stage for a couple of months, are you considering doing more plays? Or even being able to do this play in other parts of the country, like out here on the west coast? Kenorob1

That's hard to say. The Christmas Snow team is looking at other shows and a tv show..... some very exciting things may be happening soon....

50) Do you think you would prefer to be doing more stage plays rather than movie or television roles? Bellswebster.

bellswebster	Latest page update: made by bellswebster , Dec 13 2011, 5:42 AM EST (about this update About This Update Edited by bellswebster view changes - complete history)
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