Prodigy Online

10/18/95, 3:45 PM ET Kellie Martin/Life Goes On

Moderator (Speaker) We're live at CBS in Los Angeles with actress Kellie Martin. Thanks for joining us tonight. Please submit your questions to Kellie now...

Moderator (Speaker) OK...Here we go.

Moderator (Speaker) Kellie Martin, who many know from LIFE GOES ON and CHRISTY, joins us to discuss a variety of subjects, including her latest project, which is a drama called THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON. In the film, Kellie plays a teen who through a series of events determines that she may have been kidnapped as a young child. We'll discuss the movie and much more tonight as we chat live with Kellie Martin... Welcome Kellie!!!!!

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Good evening. Thank you for hanging out with me tonight. Ask me anything within reason. :)

Moderator (Speaker) OK, Kellie. Let's get to the questions...

HELLKEEPER (Member Question) Do you enjoy being a movie star?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) First of all, I'm not a movie star but I love being an actress.

andrees (Member Question) Do you have a fan club? address please

Kellie Martin (Speaker) We do not have a fan club, but letters can be sent to CBS, Inc. Television City 7800 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, Ca. 90036. Thanks

Christy 222 (Member Question) What's it like to work with such great actors? What's Sharon Lawrence like?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I've been very fortunate to work with amazing actors such as Tyne Daly and Patti LuPone... Sharon Lawrence is very sweet and very professional.

andrees (Member Question) what are your future plans

Kellie Martin (Speaker) School.

One Day More (Member Question) Hi Kellie....first of all, I loved your work on Life Goes On and Christy...I wanted to know how life as a teenage actress affected you...As a 15 y/o I know teenage life is tough, but with the added pressure of being on a hour show...things must have been very trying.

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I wouldn't call my life "tough". I love what I do which is probably why I have stuck with it and dealt with everything that comes along with working.

HELLKEEPER (Member Question) What are your favorite roles while acting

Kellie Martin (Speaker) My favorite role thus far has been Becca on Life Goes On.

One Day More (Member Question) What are your general interests and how old are you?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I love theatre and ballet and art. I'm 19 years old.

HELLKEEPER (Member Question) Did you enjoy making this movie

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It was very quick and a little bit more than I could handle because I was going to school at the same time, however, the actual filming was great.

Drakonus Nox (Member Question) Do you see yourself becoming typecast due to your "nice" roles as Christy and others?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I don't feel that I have been type cast as a good girl because of Christy. The most recent parts I have taken have shown me in a completely different light.

Moderator (Speaker) Kellie Martin works with some heavyweight actors in her latest project. THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON also stars Sharon Lawrence (NYPD BLUE), Jill Clayburgh, Edward Hermann and Richard Masur. Ask Kellie about working with such veteran actors...

Tuba Chik (Member Question) How did you get into the acting business?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) My aunt worked for Michael Landon and I was friends with his daughter. I told her that I wanted to be on her Dad's show and I was.

HELLKEEPER (Member Question) How long did it take to film

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It took 2 and a half weeks to film.

Drakonus Nox (Member Question) Do you see yourself expanding, doing perhaps comedies or horror films, in the future?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I would love to do a comedy next. I'm dying for a comedy! A horror film might not be bad either. :)

Tuba Chik (Member Question) What was it like to get educated on a set? Did you ever attend a normal school?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I attended normal school up until high school when I started working on Life Goes On. On the set I had a tutor for four years which composed my high school education. I loved working with a tutor. It was very beneficial in some ways and in some ways I feel like I should have been at high school with all the other kids which is why now I go to college.

LOVYA (Member Question) What school are you attending now? What is your major?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Yale and I'm an art/history major.

Scarlton (Member Question) What is it like being an actress?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Its great, I love it! Its not as glamorous as most people think it is, though.

PARAMAGIC (Member Question) Have you ever thought about making a romance, like When Harry Met Sally or something like that?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I would love to make a film like "When Harry Met Sally" if someone would like to give me the part, I'd say "YES".

PARAMAGIC (Member Question) Did you ever do any musicals?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) If you heard me sing, you'd know why I don't.

PARAMAGIC (Member Question) Did you and your romantic interest on Life Goes On ever have an affair of sorts? Honestly!!

Kellie Martin (Speaker) No, it was strictly a professional relationship.

DAWGSS (Member Question) Kellie, Do you believe and why do you believe that such wholesome shows as CHRISTY have such a hard time in the ratings......We love you as Becca and CHRISTY..

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I think that they do not receive as much hype as the controversial shows which is why they do not do as well in the ratings. I do think that there is a place for the family drama and I think that television needs the family drama.

AeroJamSpri (Member Question) I read that book

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Good! :)

babey (Member Question) I loved Life Goes On..When did the show first go on the air and when did it go off the air?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Life Goes On started in 1989 and finished in 1993.

Gorham (Member Question) The scenery in Christy is gorgeous. Where were you filming and were the conditions anywhere as difficult as the show?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) We were filming in Tennesee. The conditions were not great, however, they were not nearly as difficult as what Christy had to really deal with.

Timothy D (Member Question) Has there been any word of Christy being picked up for the next season?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Nope. I have no idea what is happening with the show.

TerryFine (Member Question) I thought you were great in Life Goes On, would you like to do another TV Series? Maybe a comedy?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I can't do a series right now because I'm at school. However, after school I would love to do a comedy.

TerryFine (Member Question) I've heard you also go to college. Do you find it difficult to have a social life while doing so much other work?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I have a very SMALL social life. Very small.

Timothy D (Member Question) Other than "Matinee" and "Troop Beverly Hills" have you done any other feature film work?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I had two lines in Jumping Jack Flash with Whoopie Goldberg and if you go to the video store, you'd probably see a few very bad movies that I did that never made it to the movie theatres.

FREYA 3 (Member Question) On LIFE GOES ON, what was it like to work with a mentally handicapped person?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Chris Burke, who played Corky, is an amazing person to work with. He is incredibly professional and he taught me a lot.

Moderator (Speaker) A PROGRAMMING NOTE :) Hope you can join us in chat next week. Our guests will include Susan Olsen (The Brady Bunch), 9PM ET TUES; Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal, 5PM ET WED; Actress Annette Funicello, 10PM ET THUR...

ERER (Member Question) Kellie do you believe that becoming a "star" as changed your perspectives on life?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It depends on what your definition of "star" is. I have never or will never consider myself a star. And I think that working in the business has changed my life in many ways, good and bad.

FREYA 3 (Member Question) Kellie, how old where you when you began acting?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I was 7 years old.

Trouser (Member Question) I think you are a great actor. Besides your work, what television shows do you enjoy watching in your free time?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I don't ever watch television. When I am at school I don't have a television set.

Christy 222 (Member Question) What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you on a set?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) My first screen kiss was actually my first kiss and it was in front of an entire crew and my mother. That was embarrassing.

andrees (Member Question) You've had two TV movies in about a month, any more planned this year(about what)

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I'm filming another movie of the week this summer called, "When Summer Comes" Its for NBC and will be on in the Fall.

bl1 (Member Question) What has been your favorite episode of Christy?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It hasn't been on yet but I'll tell you that it is about Christy getting kidnapped.

a1der (Member Question) Are u the real Kellie Martin or just a secretary

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I am the REAL Kellie Martin, the only Kellie Martin, thank God. :)

Timothy D (Member Question) What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Ballet, reading, writing, traveling.

ILUVWILSON (Member Question) HOW WERE YOU CHOSEN FOR THE ROLE IN YOUR NEW MOVIE?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) They actually sent me the script and asked me to do it, which isn't usually the way it goes. I usually auditioned for roles.

rbk1959 (Member Question) Kellie, what happened to the first Paige on "life goes on"

Kellie Martin (Speaker) You are very perceptive. I'm impressed. Honestly, the first Paige on Life Goes On got pregnant and left the show. Therefore, the show replaced her.

ERER (Member Question) Is it hard for you to juggle school and a career at the same time?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Sometimes it is no problem and sometimes its more than I can handle.

Moderator (Speaker) Kellie Martin stars on CBS next Wednesday in the film THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON. It airs from 9-11PM ET/PT. Ask Kellie about the film now.

rbk1959 (Member Question) Kellie, I know that you have a twin sister, does she want to act?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I don't have a twin sister. I have a little sister who wouldn't be caught dead acting. :)

Trouser (Member Question) If you could choose any character role to play, what would it be?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I want Holly Hunter's part in The Piano.

Gemseeker (Member Question) 1. I just wanted to tell you that I thought you were excellent in "If someone had known". I was in the same sort of situation about 10 yrs ago (although it wasn't as bad as the movie) and feel you accurately portrayed it!!!!

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Thank you!

MISS 1 (Member Question) why did you want to become an actress?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Quite honestly, I didn't want to become an actress. I just wanted to be on T.V. When I started working on Life Goes On I realized that I loved acting and it was more than just being on TV.

Gemseeker (Member Question) How hard was it to make the transition from TV to movies?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Its not hard... I look at the characters before I look at the medium.

StudDon (Member Question) Kellie are you married??? ;)

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Not yet.

bl1 (Member Question) Does the character Christy share similar qualities as you?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) We're both very outgoing and energetic. I'm not quite as pious as she is, though.

W T BRAT (Member Question) Hey Kell what do you think about your upcoming film airing on may 24 ??

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Its not bad. :)

Sweety 3 (Member Question) What other acting projects are you pursuing right now?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) This summer I'm doing a TV movie called When Summer Comes and a movie for Lifetime, the cable channel called The Fight For Thirteen (a movie about WW2).

ZLZLZL (Member Question) Tell me, how hard was it for you to prepare to do the movie if someone had known?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) When I originally read the script, I didn't want to take the part because I felt that the subject matter was too difficult for me. But I decided to take it and I went to a battered women's shelter to research the part. After talking to them I was really excited to do the part and I felt that it was an important movie to make.

KimmyB (Member Question) As I'm sitting here, I'm watching a commercial for your new TV movie. Do you like doing the TV movies?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I do like doing TV movies and they work out with my schedule very well.

ERER (Member Question) How much are you getting paid to do this? And don't tell us you are doing it for free!!!!!!!!! Three digits, four digits????

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I am doing this because I love to type on the computer and I promise you I am not getting paid.

Moderator (Speaker) ERER, I'm not sure if I'm getting paid

CGsports (Member Question) What was your favorite episode of Life Goes On?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It was an episode about my ballet teacher. I think it was during the second season. Most people don't remember it, but that was my favorite.

Kelly Lob (Member Question) Kellie-Do you like kissing Randall Batinkoff on Christy?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Indeed! He's not bad to look at either.

Sunflower 8 (Member Question) How was it working with a downs actor? I have a downs sister.

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Chris Burke was a wonderful actor to work with. I in fact still keep in touch with him.

Sweety 3 (Member Question) Do you have any pets, and if so, what are they?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I have a dog named Sparky and he is very cute. He's a poodle.

CGsports (Member Question) Does it bother you that more popular actresses get a lot of the publicity when you are just as good as them?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Thank you for that sort of compliment. Bottom line, I love acting and whatever benefits (press, etc) I receive from acting are fine but they are secondary to the acting.

Sunflower 8 (Member Question) How do you fit into the idea of a role model for young people?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I don't consider myself a role model. I do think that my characters such as Becca and Christy are role models to teenagers. I have just been very fortunate to play such admirable characters.

Undertall (Member Question) Do you still keep in touch with the other actors from "Life Goes On"?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I keep in touch with Chris Burke, my brother on the show, and Patti LuPone and Chad Lowe.

KimmyB (Member Question) I really loved Life Goes On. Was it tough working and dealing with all those issues that were so controversial?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) The last season of Life Goes On dealt with AIDS and presented a character who was living with AIDS as opposed to dying of AIDS which hasn't been done on television very often. Of course, dealing with an issue such as this is difficult. However, its important and necessary to address these issues on television because it reaches so many people.

Shelby 4 (Member Question) How come Christy isn't being showed anymore?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It is coming back Wednesday, June 14th, from 8 to 9 PM (ET/PT).

Moderator (Speaker) That's on CBS...

ZLZLZL (Member Question) How hard is college, is it as you expected?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) College is really hard. It is as difficult as I expected. However, I love it and I can't wait to go back.

a1der (Member Question) Why are u home on this Friday night

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I am NOT home. Why are YOU home on this Friday night?

Moderator (Speaker) Hey A1der, it's only 6:30 in Los Angeles

The Fiddler (Member Question) Kellie, we have enjoyed your work on both Life goes on and now and Christe, Do you have any contact with the young man who played Corky? How is he doing? Is he acting at all?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Chris Burke is a good friend of mine and he travels around the world for the Down Syndrome Association. Basically he makes speeches and meets with people.

Woogsbie (Member Question) What are you studying in school?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Psychology, art history, English and electrical engineering were my classes last semester.

CGsports (Member Question) What was it like to do a part in which you were abused in If Someone Had Known?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Playing a character who is battered was incredibly difficult. But I cannot imagine what it is really like to live in a household of domestic violence.

a1der (Member Question) Do u have any siblings, are they jealous of u

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I have a little sister who is not jealous of me but thinks I am a big nerd.

Sunflower 8 (Member Question) What kind of ballet do you do? I'd enjoy hearing about your dance experience since I also am a student of ballet.

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I've taken ballet since I was five. I was on point for years and then decided that I wasn't going to be a dancer because I was an actress and I should give my feet a break. However, I think ballet is the most beautiful form of expression and if I wasn't an actress I'd like to be a dancer.

Eyes25 (Member Question) We saw your latest TV special. You were great !

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Thank you.

AZ Red Head (Member Question) Where did you grow up?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Southern California.

curious25 (Member Question) Have you ever been to Arkansas

Kellie Martin (Speaker) No.

Big Heart21 (Member Question) Kellie, Who inspire you to be a actress?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) The actresses I admire the most are Jodie Foster, Holly Hunter.

newgyrl (Member Question) Why did Life Goes On go off the air?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Bad ratings.

The Fiddler (Member Question) What role did you play on the M Landon show?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I was in the last episode of Father Murphy and I worked with Michael Landon again on Highway to Heaven.

Mensa21 (Member Question) I just want you to know... you're pretty good looking. :)

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Thank you.

Kelly Lob (Member Question) Being such a critically acclaimed actress I a sure you are offered many roles. What would you consider the most "off the wall" role you have ever been offered?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I think killing Tori Spelling was pretty off the wall.

KimmyB (Member Question) I think this chat system is really great. Do you like doing this? Will you ever do it again?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Only if you guys are nice to me. \

a1der (Member Question) What year is this for u in college

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I am a freshman.

Vulcanix (Member Question) Do you hope to succeed in any other goals besides being an actress?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I'd like to own a gallery some day. I'd like to live in Paris and I'd like to write a novel.

QUOSENT (Member Question) Are you still Scott W. from Full House?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Yes.

sweetashunny (Member Question) Do you have problems with fans at school?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Not at all. Most people at Yale don't ever watch television.

Heed1 (Member Question) Hi Kellie , you're an excellent actress. Did it take a lot of hard work to get where you are?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I've taken acting classes since I was 9 years old and I've been working since I was 7 so I guess that is hard work.

SENATE (Member Question) WHO IS YOU R FAV. ACTOR

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Holly Hunter and Jodie Foster... ummmmm ummm Robin Williams, Everyone asks me this and I don't have an answer.... I should come up with an answer, shouldn't I?

CBOYUP (Member Question) Thanks for the opportunity....Does an actress (actor) feel job related pressure and stress to meet deadlines as do the rest of us "working stiffs"?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Absolutely. You have to turn in a performance at a specific time otherwise an entire crew is waiting for you and you hold up production.

Z100 FM (Member Question) I thought you and Chad Lowe were great together. Do you keep in touch?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Yes, Chad and I friends and will always keep in touch.

DaggerGirl (Member Question) Where was the TV show "CHRISTY" shot? Was it really shot in the Smokies?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Yes, the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee

QUOSENT (Member Question) What kind of music do you like to listen to?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Classical, U2, Live, Tori Amos, Sting.

Stringgirl (Member Question) I WANT TO BECOME AN ACTRESS DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) If you are at school, do school plays. And if you live in Los Angeles, New York or Chicago, try to get an agent and go on auditions.

GOGOP (Member Question) WHY DO ALL CHILD STARS END UP IN IVY LEAGUE COLLEGES (BROOKE, JODI, YOU)? ARE YOU ALL THAT SMART?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I don't think I'm smart. I just got lucky. And besides, child stars don't always end up at Ivy League Schools. Some of them rob convenience stores.

SketchMan (Member Question) Is the movie "The face On The Milk Carton" gonna gone be like the book?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I believe it follows the book very closely.

Annah B (Member Question) What famous actors\actresses have you worked with?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I guess the most famous actor I've ever worked with was Lucille Ball. I've worked with Whoopie Goldberg, John Goodman, Shelley Long, Tyne Daly...

KimmyB (Member Question) What was it like to work on Sea Quest for that one episode?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It was fun.

Naubbi (Member Question) Where do you see yourself in oh let's say 10 years?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Living in Paris, sitting on the Seine, eating bread and writing.

Moderator (Speaker) Sounds good...

bl1 (Member Question) How does it feel being a celebrity at Yale? Do you feel in place?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I'm hardly a celebrity at Yale. I'm much more impressed with the people I'm meeting than people are with me.

CGsports (Member Question) What are some of the characters from Life doing now, like Tommy Puett and Michael Gorjian and Chad Lowe?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Tommy Puett is a father and lives somewhere??? Michael Gorjian just won an Emmy and is doing something??? And Chad Lowe works on films and television and stuff.

savewilly (Member Question) are you and your family close?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) My family is great! They are incredibly supportive of what I do and they keep me going.

Sunflower 8 (Member Question) I know AIDS is a big issue that you dealt with on Life Goes On. What are your views on it?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I am very proud of what Life Goes On said about AIDS. It showed the effects of the illness on the patient as well as on family and friends, yet the character did not die at the end of the hour. Because of the time slot that LGO was in, I think it reached a lot of young people and said a lot of important things.

mackbar (Member Question) Is working on a t.v. show harder than a movie? If it is how so?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Working on a television show is much faster than working on a film.

Oliver Twist (Member Question) What did you do before Life Goes On?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I did a lot of guest starring parts on television shows and movies.

CHAPER (Member Question) Please sing the theme song from life goes on.

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Obladee Obladah

Moderator (Speaker) Sounds good here in NY, Kellie

Eyes25 (Member Question) What is your current TV show about? Milk Carton?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) It is about a girl who realizes that she has been kidnapped after seeing her face on a milk carton.

Drakonus Nox (Member Question) Do you have a strong family supporting your acting career?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Yes, my family is wonderful!

cilbrith (Member Question) Are you interested in sports and if so, what's your favorite?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I cannot do sports to save my life. The only sport I attempt is tennis and I'm really bad.

Woogsbie (Member Question) What part of Tennessee did you film in?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Outside of Knoxville.

model14 (Member Question) How many different places have you taped? Any out of country?

Kellie Martin (Speaker) I'm going to film a show in Prague this summer. I have filmed in Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina

Moderator (Speaker) Thanks again, Kellie...We really enjoyed this tonight!!!

Kellie Martin (Speaker) Thank you for signing on. Its nice to talk to people over the computer. Be good!

Moderator (Speaker) Continue success with your career and at Yale...

Moderator (Speaker) And thanks to everyone who joined us tonight. Have a great weekend!

Moderator (Speaker) Good night...

This transcript reprinted with permission from Prodigy (licensed through Rob M. VanHooren)