Twilight Portugal

Exclusive Interview with Edi Gathegi:

   1- We know that you were born in Kenya. What memories do you keep
from your home town as well as from your childhood?

My father brought my family out to the states when I was 3 years old.
My family didn't have much money by any stretch of the imagination so
we didn't even have many pictures because cameras and photography
sessions were a little out of the budget. But when I went back to
Kenya when I was 16 for a few weeks, I RECOGNIZED people and places
having only my memories as a child as a reference. It was the most
bizzare yet beautiful experience. One of the best childhood memories I
had is of me flopping around in a mud puddle, thrilled, calling out to
my mother, "I'm swimming!"

2- What are the marks that your culture has left in your work and in
your life?

I am AFRICAN-AMERICAN in the true sense of the hyphenation. Born in
Africa raised in America as an American citizen. My culture and my
history have left a knowledge not many Black Americans have access to.
For that I have a known history, I am grateful.

I can play characters from the culture I was raised in and characters
from the culture I was born in easily. Other characters, I have to
work on a little more

4- Since your plaing a mythical being, which is the amount of miticism
present in your life (if their is one at all)?

Sometimes I believe in ghosts.

5- Do you believe in love as reported in this book?

ABSOLUTELY. I have been. There is also a thing that happens in your
youth where the world seems small and those things immediately around
you are the MOST important and perhaps only things in the world. To
want to be a part of those things so bad that you can see no other
way, no other options. To want to die for those things. When you've
found something that your convinced you can't live without. But the
reality is we are people. Survivors. We will learn to heal from life's
obstacles. It may not be what we want, but we will adapt. Move on. But
this unremitting irrevocable fealty to another person isn't any less
real because you're young.

6- The "normal" question would be like "who would you like to
interpret?". But our is exectly the opposite, if you're ever to be
portrayed in a movie or play, who would you like to play you?

I'm not well known enough and my life isn't interesting enough for any
body to see my life story! And quite frankly, my life is still
unfolding so the script is "being developed". Can't attach the actor
until I know what is going to be required of them

7- Do you think the public's knowledge, or the fame, in any way
changed your personal life?

It has to a degree. I get recognized almost once a day. When I decide
to leave my bat-cave, that is. LOL. But I don't know if that qualifies
as life changing. It is a simple "Hey! are you the guy from that one
thing?" and I say, "Yes." and they say "cool!", and I order my latte
and I'm on my way.

And really cool Portuguese site administrators ask me to do fun
interviews!

8- Which was the character that you had to change your appearance more
physicaly? Since that in Twilight you must use props for Laurent
(we're supposing that you're using Contacts or CGI)

Twilight. Hair and Make-Up plus the contacts took forever to get on
and get used to. Not to mention I had to hit the gym a little extra
hard, because I wasn't wearing a shirt underneath my jacket!

9- What do you think about the diferences betwen Meyer's vampires,
(like not having fang)?

I love it. It's not cliche. I usually have negative connotations I
associate with vampire stories and movies, admittedly, but this is
completely opposite in her world. I'm actually a genuine fan.

10- If you had to do some type of advertising for your character, what
would you say?

"You know you want to be friends with him... I dare you..."

11- We know that you celebrated your birthday not that long ago. What
would be your ideal gift? And Laurent's? (LOL)

uhhhhhhh.... a wahl t-edger clipper, a crap-load of DVDs, a collection
of bestsellers, a gift certificate to ZARA, a MAC computer with all
the bells and whistles, a semi-professional Sony DVX Digital Video
Camera, and a Lexus RXH400 hybrid. That was a combination of dream
Birthday, Christmas, and Chinese New Years! LOL.

Laurent would want several hundred gallons of human blood and a sexy
party.

12- When you watch a movie what does attracts you most? Do you think
Twilight will have that element?

When I close my eyes and imagine THIS movie, I will hope it is
suspenseful. In general, I want to see truth, I want to laugh at
unexpected moments, and I ultimately want to cry.

13- If not Laurent, point out another character in Twilight that
you'dl like to play?

James. That's because I'm a bad boy.

14- How do you feel about being a part of this huge thing that
Twilight became?

Two words: Excited, and Honored.

15- How long did it toke you to build Laurent's character? Do you
think Laurent is a complex character?

He is interesting. Complex to an extent. But he definitely would be
more complex if he was in the story more, and you could learn about
his background more and who he is and how he is in different
situations. I just hope I'm doing a good job bringing out what IS
there in an interesting way.


17- We know it is a hard feeling to describe, but what do you feel
before entering into stage (theatre)?Do you have any ritual or
superstition?

I can't talk about my ritual, but suffice it to say, I am sick all day
before the FIRST show. I am overwhelmed with feelings of fear. Then
the MOMENT I step on the the stage, it all goes away and it becomes as
easy as breathing.

18- What was the 1 st play that you ever made?

A play called "The Game that Never Ends" written by my dear childhood
friend Bianca Montgomery. I saw video footage of that play and I must
admit, I have no idea how I'm privileged enough to do TV and film
after THAT performance! They should have ended my career then!

19- How do you defined yourself as a person and as a actor? What's
your biggest virtue and your worst defect?

I'm perfectly imperfect. A walking contradiction. A complicated simple
man. My friend Hector said that, and I loved it and relate to it.

20- If you could choose any of the supernatural ability of Meyer's
vampires what would it be?

Tough question. I want them all! But if I had to pick, I'd say speed.

22- Have you ever been in Portugal, or ever been curious in visiting
our country?

I'm very curious and interested. But where would I stay

23- What would you like to say to all the fans that wait impatiently
for the movie to be release?

Enjoy Twilight Tuesday's! Keep your eyes peeled for new information, I
heard they are going to tease us with cool stuff until the movie comes
out. Be patient... I'm told it will be worth the wait...


Thanks Edi for being so kind with us and given your free time. We
really think your performence as Laurent will be GREAT!!!
The Portuguese fan base gives you all our support.
Thanks again.
All the Best.
Twilight Portugal.


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Love from Portugal

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