Outlander’s bad boy, Tobias Menzies, displayed quite a bit of wit today during a Twitter Q&A. He was joined at different points by both Maril Davis and Terry Dresbach. You may think you like him now…. wait until tomorrow!
Q What do you do to unwind?
A Tennis, love my tennis.
Q You have a whip, do you have handcuffs too?
A That would be telling.
Q Is this your most challenging role yet? If not, what was?
A This is certainly up there, but I played Hamlet in the theatre, that was a little challenging too.
Q How does it feel to be not so liked as a character? Does it affect your real life?
A Oh, I think you like me a little bit, right?!
Q Which one do you like to play best, Frank or BJR?
A Really enjoying them both, the variety is fun.
Q Coffee or tea? And how do you take it?
A Coffee, milk and a dash of sugar.
Q Has Outlander afforded you with more opportunities in film?
A Haven’t had a chance to test that water yet, been too busy filming the show, but I hope so. Would you go see my film?
Q Of course we would! You have a huge following now, in case you didn’t know.
A Is the right answer.
Q We know some really…ummm… dark stuff is on the way. How was it like filming those scenes?
A We’ve been shooting the Wentworth stuff these past few weeks. Yeah, it’s dark, what can I say.
Q (Diana) has said that she’s BJR. What about you – more in common with BJR or Frank?
A I love that Diana says this, it’s great, who could blame her, he’s kinda the best.
Q Love your work on Outlander, well done! Preference: latte or mocha? (I’m a barista.)
A Flat white.
Q Who is the most studious on set? #isityou
A Hmmm, good question… if you’re not sure it’s probably you.
Q Do you improvise a lot on set? Love your work… and striped socks.
A No, no real impro, we work on the script a lot and try to stick to it, it’s quite a precise form of drama.
Q Will we learn what tortures Black Jack and why he takes it out on others, not just Jamie?
A Yes, this episode is kinda all about what’s driving Jack, what’s going on underneath.
Q Did you ever shave yourself with that cutthroat thing?
A No, you?
Q Do you have an itch to direct any future episodes? Is this an option?
A I would love to actually, always had a desire to direct at some point… watch this space.
Q Justice or mercy?
A Wow, we’re getting philosophical… mercy.
Q Was acting your first love?
A No, I wanted to be a tennis player. I was brought up on McEnroe, Borg, total rock stars.
Q Do you play against Maril Davis and Caitriona Balfe?
A (Terry Dresbach) LOL, no, not with me. Though I did play for most of my youth. He would wipe the floor with me.
A (Maril Davis) I think we could probably take Tobias #butcheatingmightbeinvolved
Q Will you also be playing BJR’s brother Alex in the next season?
A Be fun! But I would have to do scenes with myself…? What could possibly go wrong.
Q Yes or no to Marmite?
A YES
Q So, have you ever had to switch from Frank to BJR in the same day of shooting?
A Not yet, but I feel sure there’s gonna be a day…
Q How did you find the humanity in Black Jack? Does he even have any!?
A Definitely, it’s not interesting if he doesn’t, don’t you think?
Q Favorite outfit, ’40s or 18th century? You look fab in both!
A Both great, (Terry Dresbach) is a genius, but have to go red coat.
A (Terry)That is because it is so bad assssssss. 😉 And Frank is like buttered toast. But with crisp edges. Toast. Warm golden brown, dripping with butter, once you get past the edges.
Q Everyone loves a man in a uniform!
A (Terry) I never found them sexy. They should have support groups for it.
Q Who is your favorite singer/band?
A Can’t stop listening to Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn.
Q Are you a bit jealous – not being able to wear a kilt?
A Are you kidding! The kilt is a ridiculous item of clothing… get dressed!
Q Who is your favorite tennis player?
A Now Djokovic.
Q Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?
A Is this the start of a joke? I don’t know, why?
Q Ron’s podcast said it was your idea to wipe Jenny’s face with your finger – is visiting your dark side fun?
A Yes, I’m afraid all that kinda kinkiness tends to be my idea. ho hum #AskConnor
Q Any TV shows you’re currently watching?
A First season House of Cards enjoyed a lot.
Q Did you also do screen tests with Caitriona? How did they go? Instant chemistry or slow and sweet?
A No, I didn’t do any chemistry stuff, they kept me separate, probably wise.
Q Does BJR know how evil he is?
A I think so, but he draws the boundaries in a different place to most people, but he’s immoral, not amoral.
Q Do you have any welsh ancestry because you sure look like my brother…
A Not as far as I’m aware… but that is uncanny!
Q If you could meet anyone, living/dead, who? What one question would you ask?
A It would have to be, What’s it like to play two characters?
Q How do you step out of the mind of a dark, difficult character at the end of a work day?
A Who says I do?
Q Do you prefer cats or dogs?
A In my old age, I have become a dog person.
Q Do you have plans to come to Brazil? Here you have many fans, you know.
A Are you inviting me?
Q (from Maril Davis) If you wrote your autobiography, what would the title be?
A Can I be honest? My head is so fried by typing like a madman for 30 inutes I can’t remember what we said .AHHH Hey, I know I’m a little late, but… HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Now please put me out of my misery, what was the title we came up with?
A (Maril Davis) No worries. I know you still care. I was hoping YOU’D remember the title. I think it had something to do with Diana Ross? Scratch that, it was Chaka Khan, but Diana may have been involved as well. #wearegettingold
Q 20 questions… give me an answer. You miss the theatre?
A Yes, but I’ll be back there soon, well, kinda, in a hotel room anyway.
Q I’m sad you never answered whether you would rather fight one horse-sized Heughan or 100 duck-sized Heughans.
A 100 duck-sized ones, no brainer.
Q I wanted to know if you read the book?
A I’ve read the first book and 200 odd pages of the second.
Follow me in Twitter: @ErinConrad2
Read my Preview of Episode 106, The Garrison Commander
And look for all my other Twitter Q&As!
