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Newsletter 01 (1997)

This interview is property of the DXF (German Xena Fan Club). Copying this in any way without written permission is prohibited. All rights are (c) by the DXF 1997.

Exclusive Interview with Sandra Wilson (Mother of Reneé O'Connor)

1. What do you think of the show XWP?
XWP is creative and entertaining in a beautiful setting and centers around some of my favorite people in the world. I love the writing, the twists on mythology and adaptations of other stories.The vast range of audience that it appeals to reveals its genius. I love the show.

2. How does it feel that your daughter is the face of a fictional character who is a huge inspiration to many people? (People write stories and poems because of the character of Gabrielle, young women see her as a role model, men and women dream about her).
My heart has swelled so that I feel ten feet tall, and my face is one big smile. Gabrielle is a delightful character that causes people to say the nicest things to Renee. The warm and loving messages flow through me to her. lt is very gratifying.

3 . Does the popularity of the show scare you? I mean, there are some good sides to being popular but there are also bad sides to it (very little privacy, fans stalking Renee or family members), and as we all know mothers can be very protective of their children.
Renee grew up in a large city and lived on her on in Los Angeles for seven years. She learned early to look out for herself and to trust her instincts. She's trying to leam how to balance the demand for her time to be accessible, but still have the much needed private time. I'm hoping that people will understand that she regenerates herself during her private time and honor that.

4. Did Renee ever consider another career option or was it 'actress' from the day she was born?
Renee wanted to be an actress all of her life. Even as a toddler she was entertaining. She loved costumes and make believe. I remember her borrowing my video camera to film scenes she created with her friends. She loved every aspect of theatre, as well.

5. lf you had to choose another profession for your daughter, what would it be besides actress?
Anything related to entertaimnent.

6. What role did you play in getting your daughter started in acting?
I found the best schools and instructors in our area and drove her where she wanted to go.

7. What was Renee like as a child? Did she play a lot of make-believe?
Renee was a delightful child. She was very easy to work with and good natured. She loved school and was blessed with many friends. Renee's make believe became more and more of a production. As she grew, her productions became more elaborate.

8. Do you see any correlation between the character of Gabrielle and Renee's own personality?
Renee is as determined and creative in reaching her goals as Gabrielle, but Renee is shy and would never intrude or confront someone in an adverse situation. I don't know if it's maturity or Gabrielle's influence, but Renee does have a good sense of herself.

9. Renee's really working out now (kickboxing and so on), did she practise any sports when she was a child?
Renee loved gymnastics, swimming, skiing, dance roller skating, dance, volleyball and softball.

10. One of the possible outcomes of the Xena/Gabrielle relationship is a lesbian (bisexual to be more precise) relationship. Would you rnind such a development? Regarding Hollywood's homophobic attitude, what do you think a development like this would mean to your daughter's acting career?
XWP is popular because of its vast range of audience. lf you can view the show with innocence, through a child's eyes or through the eyes of someone who has known real love, you will only see love and friendship. The ambiguity of the relationship is entertaimnent. XWP,"Renee has many skills", let's wait and see. :-)

Thanx, Ms. Wilson.

(The author wants to thank Rocweb for the shown support)