Five

Throughout the season, Jacqueline McKenzie will be responding to questions submitted by viewers like you. Visit Jacqueline's Ask the Cast page to submit your question now. Then be sure to return to this page to see if your question got answered - new questions and answers will be posted throughout the season!

Q: When you first read the script, what made you want this part?
- Tia Schroeder, Kansas

JM: Hi Tia. I had never really seen much sci-fi before, so was not sure what to expect when I was first sent the script in January of 2004. I certainly had not expected to be moved to tears. The part that really struck at my heartstrings was when Orson Bailey comes back to find his wife 30 years or so older, living in aged-care and suffering from Alzheimer's. Orson doesn't run away and hide from her, he doesn't look at her as though she's unlovable now, but in fact, he stays by her side and loves her even so. He is heartbroken by her death. This was a love story that moved me to tears. It was not so much that I wanted to play the part of Diana Skouris but that I wanted to be a part of this amazing project that promised so many stories like this - moving and thought provoking, thrilling and fantastical. I've always been more concerned with the project than the role itself I might play, i.e. I would prefer to play a small role in a great project than a great role in a "turkey." Because this project piqued and moved me so, I became interested in playing Diana. Her strength inspired me. I love that she is smart and strong and in the centre of a man's world. She has fought hard to get where she is now, but has retained a very clear notion of right and wrong. I love playing her. She reminds me of my own sister - a fiercely intelligent and compassionate woman, working in a tough field and bringing up children.

Q: I just wanted to know how you came across the 4400? How did you get the part?
- Johnny Leou, Irvine, California

JM: Hi Johnny. My manager and agent sent me the script. They told me that "The 4400" was THE show to be in. With (executive producers) Scott Peters, Ira Behr, and Maira Suro behind it, they promised me we'd be looked after. I read the script and found it awesome, so I agreed to audition. Auditioning can sometimes be a long and involved process, requiring many meetings over many days. This was no exception. The first audition I had, I paced the floor of a waiting room that had about 15 other actresses - all going for the role of Diana. And that was just for auditions in the late-afternoon session! They'd been seeing potential "Diana's" all day - all week, in fact. I'll never forget the strangeness of it: the same waiting room had guys waiting to audition for "Blind Date"! Hilarious. Anyway, I was called back to audition about five other times (different days). Each day I was up against other actresses. The last audition was the most grueling and nerve-wracking in some ways, but it was at this final audition I met Joel Gretsch. We were able to work the scenes together with Yves Simoneau (the wonderful director we keep trying to have back on the show!!!) We three really hit it off as a team. Thank goodness!

Q: Your character started off being a guarded woman but now you are a strong and loving Mom, how does that transition feel? What other changes can we expect from your character this season?
- Chris, Sacramento, California

JM: Hi Chris. This season we are seeing who Diana is outside the world of NTAC. We see her at home with her daughter and sister. I am loving playing mum to Maia, played by the darling Conchita Cambell. She is such a wonderful friend to have, and I think our off-screen relationship really helps the work. I trust her completely and I know she trusts me. Sometimes I get homesick - as I'm Australian - and I miss my nieces and nephew terribly. I think Conchita feels this and has taken me under her wing! I am very lucky. I love that we meet April too - I am hoping we explore more of their relationship. I get the feeling they didn't have such an easy upbringing, and I'd like to learn more about that. Natasha is a really great person to work with - she slotted right into the family Conchita and I have been building (BRING HER BACK NEXT SEASON!). As for Diana's life outside NTAC and family... well, I am hoping we will see some romance soon too! Stay tuned!

Q: Which 4400 power would you like to have the most out of all of them?
- Geffery Cohen, Atlanta Georgia

JM: Hi Geffery. For me, right now, and purely selfishly, I would like to be able to travel anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. That way, I could visit my mum and sister in Australia for a cup of tea in between shooting scenes and go to the beach with my nieces and nephew at the weekend and be back in Vancouver for an early start Monday morning - with NO JET LAG. I could have a good chin-wag (Australian for chat) with my mates Penny, Pip, and Gabz. But the 4400 powers seem to operate on an epic level, so I guess there is one 4400-style power I wouldn't mind. If I were to have a power, I would like to be able to visit people who are no longer living, to be able to see them and talk to them and say things to them that need to be said, e.g. if someone never got to say "I love you" to their dad or mum and misses out on such a chance because the person has died, then it would be great to be able to help that happen.

Q: How does it feel to be playing a mother on the show? Are you a mother in real life?
- Termara, Bahamas

JM: Hi Temara. I LOVE playing a mother on the show. It gives me a chance to work with Conchita. She is a dear, dear girl and we are great pals. Not only that, she is a wonderful actress and so professional in every way. She always knows her lines, she is always prompt, she has a great spirit on set, and she is very appreciative of the crew and people around her. We all love her to bits. Although I have no children myself, I am a godmother and auntie in real life.