Test 1

In July, 1996, William Shockley answered written questions posed by the High Hussy and members of the Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman email discussion group (DQMW-L). The interview provides a rare glimpse into this intelligent man's philosophies about acting, music, art, and the world around him. The following is the interview text in its entirety.

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I'd like to ask you about "Hank Lawson." Since I'm the self-appointed, in-depth analyst of the character of "Hank Lawson" on the DQMW-List, I would be greatly interested in learning how the man who actually plays the role views him. Who and what is Hank, which of the early scripts made him "gel" for you, and how much input have you had into the development of this character?

In the world of television pilots and feature films, you only get one shot to show what you have. In the case of "Dr. Quinn," we had an order for a pilot only. No additional shows. There was no grace period to "figure things out" or "find our rhythm." The entire production clicked from the word go. Beth Sullivan wrote a brilliant story, and subsequent scripts allowed different shades of "Hank" to be revealed.

I feel the greatest input I've had into the development of my character has been to do the homework. At the end of the day, I've hopefully made interesting choices with natural execution. Everything else is up to the spirits...



Did you originally audition for the role of "Hank" or another role?

I auditioned for "Hank" originally.



If you could be a different character in Colorado Springs, who would it be?

I wouldn't want to be anybody other than "Hank Lawson."