TV Hits Interview June 1998

Our mate Stephen Gately is a right old movie buff! But what we want to know is, what does he get up to in the back row?

You love your films, don't you Stevo?
So what's your all time fave? Ooh, I do love my films and there are so many to choose from, but I reckon I'd pick Stand By Me (teen angst movie starring the late River Phoenix) 'cos it reminds me of growing up - you know, all the joking around you did!

Have you got it on video?
Oh yeah. I've got a really big video collection at home, and my Disney corner's definitely there! I reckon I've watched Bedknobs And Broomsticks the most out of those.

What was the last film you saw?
I watched My Best Friend's Wedding last night with Julia Roberts. She was a bit nasty in it, wasn't she?! But the ending was nice so that's alright! The last thing I saw at the pictures was Titanic, and that was brilliant.

Did you cry?
No I didn't, but I definitely had a lump in my throat. I was sitting between my sister and sister in law and all I could hear was, 'snift, sniffle' - there was no way I was going to look over in case they set me off!

Have you ever cried at the flicks?
No, I haven't. No, wait - I did cry when I was a kid and saw ET

So what's your fave Disney film?
I think Hercules, and no, not just because I sing on it! I like Aladdin, too!

And who's your favourite Disney character?
I like the evil characters, like Scar in The Lion King. I like the character of Hercules, too. I actually know the guy who drew Hercules and for Christmas he sent me a Hercules book signed by the producers and directors. Inside he drew a picture of Hercules with a Santa hat on saying, 'To Stephen, happy holidays. It was grand!

If you could do the voice for any character, which'd you be?
I reckon I'd have to invent a new one! A cute character like Panic and Pain in Hercules would be good. Actually, I'd love to do an Irish leprechaun (bursts into an incredibly good leprechaun impression!) - that'd be grand! There have already been discussions about a Disney movie where Bette Midler would play the mother and I'd play the son, but I don't know if it'll happen. But it's nice to be offered!

What's the scariest film you've ever seen?
I think the scariest one I've seen recently was Scream. My mum and dad had gone to friends for dinner and my brother Tony was out with his mates, so I was on my own. I started watching it, then halfway through the phone rang and oooh, did I jump! I answered it and there was someone on the line, but no-one spoke - it really freaked me out. I'm sure one of the lads knew I was watching it!

So who's your favourite actor?
I like the old school like Robert Do Niro and Al Pacino. Out of the new breed I thought Brad Pitt's character in Twelve Monkeys was brilliant and his accent in Devil's Own was fantastic! Then you've got Tom Cruise who I think is very underestimated - he's done some major films and Jerry Maguire was absolutely brilliant!

And who'd be your leading lady?
I like Cameron Diaz a lot - she just looks very feminine and friendly. And the little girl in Matilda, Mara Wilson, was incredible. Kate Winslet was brilliant in Titanic, and Matt Damon's great, too. I was so impressed with him in The Rainmaker. Then there's Morgan Freeman who was in Seven and John Travolta and... oooh, I could go on for hours!

Who would get to play you in a film of your life?
No idea - who do you reckon? It's really hard 'cos all the actors are really good looking... I guess if my little brother Tony went into acting he could play me, although he's a lot taller than me now!

Have you ever been to the pictures on your own?
No. I like having other people there to talk about the film to! If I'm going to be on my own I prefer to go for walks along the beach or something. I do know people who go on their own just to get away from it all. Being in the cinema can take you anywhere. Like, when we were in Argentina and were feeling homesick we were watching Evita and we could've been anywhere in the world. I like that.

What's yer fave cinema snack?
Mmm, hot popcorn dripping with butter. You have to wear old trousers to the cinema cos you always end up with big, oily patches over them! It's really funny, though - I always get this huge bucket of buttered popcorn and then a diet drink! it's mad, isn't it?!

Where do you sit?
If it's quite a short film, then centre centre. But anything long and I'll sit in the aisle 'cos I tend to go to the toilet the whole time! I'm sure people think I keep nipping out for a cigarette all the time, but I don't smoke. I'm actually going to the loo!

Ever had a snog in the back row?
I haven't, actually. When I was younger all the girls and lads used to go together and I might have had a bit of a cuddle, but that was about it!

Do you go to a lot of premieres?
Not many, although I did get to go to premieres of Hercules all over Europe as I sang at them. But I was really annoyed 'cos Michael Bolton got to sing at the Academy Awards 'cos it was his home ground. I did get invited to The Man In The Iron Mask premiere, but I couldn't go.

Have you ever acted?
Bits and pieces, mainly plays and stuff. I was in a drama group when I was younger. It was really enjoyable. I was a really quiet child and it brought me out of myself. I'd love to do a few cameos - ER would be brilliant!

Have you a fave film quote?
'You complete me...' It was in Jerry Maguire in the scene where they're getting back together, and it's just a really nice line. On Bruce Springsteen's The Secret Garden single there's a version with all the dialogue on and it's ohhh, just so moving! (aaaww - Mr Sensitive! Sweet or what? ~Annika)

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