The legendary 'Amanda Tapping', beloved for her iconic portrayal of Colonel Samantha Carter in 'Stargate SG-1', continues to captivate audiences with her diverse talents. Known for her compelling roles in 'Supernatural', 'Travelers', and 'Sanctuary', as well as her extensive work as a director, Tapping remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
While many associate Tapping with the sci-fi genre, she reveals her initial draw wasn't specific to it. "I'm more drawn to the character and the story," she explains. It was 'Stargate' that opened her eyes to sci-fi's potential for storytelling, leading to a prolific career in the genre. Currently enjoying a beautiful day in Vancouver, walking her 105-pound Bouvier/Rottweiler/Mastiff/Boxer mix, Tapping is as happy as can be, reflecting on a career that has spanned both acting and directing.
No discussion with 'Amanda Tapping' is complete without a nod to 'Stargate SG-1' and the enduring chemistry between Sam Carter and Jack O'Neill. Tapping candidly discusses the unrequited love storyline, attributing its unresolved nature to real-world factors like Richard Dean Anderson's reduced schedule and her own maternity leave. Despite the "shame" of it not happening, she agrees the unrequited aspect "made the series so much more interesting." She also fondly recalls the constant "onset hilarity" with the cast, especially Richard Dean Anderson and Christopher Judge, emphasizing how their genuine joy translated to the screen. "Every day we laughed," she shares, a testament to the incredible working environment.
Beyond her acting prowess, Tapping has built an impressive directing career, now boasting over 70 episodes. She credits 'Stargate' as her "PhD in how to make television" and 'Sanctuary' as a pivotal experience, where she was deeply involved in every aspect, from funding to post-production. "Creatively, Sanctuary was arguably one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had," she shares, highlighting the show's unique messages of "embracing the weird and celebrating that." She also hilariously recounts the bizarre, low-budget fun of filming the cult sci-fi comedy 'Space Milkshake' with Billy Boyd and Kristin Kreuk, proving her versatility and commitment to joyful creation.
Tapping expresses immense gratitude for her dedicated fanbase, particularly the "generous, kind-hearted group" of 'Stargate fans'. She's actively involved with a mental health initiative tied to fandom, recognizing the supportive community it fosters. While rumors of a 'Stargate reboot' persist, Tapping confirms nothing official, though she'd be open to reprising General Carter. She'd also "reprise Helen Magnus in a heartbeat," loving the character's darker, rule-breaking nature. Fans can also look forward to her voice work in the upcoming "Levels" and her directing work on Netflix's "Dead Boy Detectives" and Fox's "Murder in a Small Town." Her ongoing contributions to both acting and directing solidify her status as a true sci-fi legend, inspiring and connecting with fans worldwide.
© Adama Toulon - from YouTube Transcript - with AI