Chat transcript - Tribeworld chat

Question - Tom

All questions and answers are originally from Tribeworld BB Cast Chat (July 28, 2003).

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Q. Have you any tattoos or piercings?
T. No I don't have any tattoo's or piercings, but I used to have my toungue, eyebrow and nose pierced. And I have a real fettish for a tattoo!!!!

Q. Do you watch yourself in The Tribe on Germany? I mean did you ever hear your German voice?
T. Yes, I have heard my German voice......It's cool.

Q. If you had to change your character : who would you wish to be ???
T. Ebony

Q. If you had the chance to be another tv show : besides The Tribe and Revalations : what would it be ???
T. Tough......Revelations.

Q. If you had the chance to spend the day with anyone in the world : who would it be and why ???
T. Travolta.....He embodies cool!

Q. Do you have a girlfriend ???
T. No, Love single life while u can.

Q. I've read that you live in Auckland now?? It's right?? And why??
T. I've just moved up there because there are more acting opportunities but it's probably a short term option.

Q. What your plans for your future??
T. At this stage I definitely want to continue with my acting career and I've got a recent dose of the travel bug.

Q. whats your favourite land??
T. Samoa

Q. Do you look up sometimes the tribe or hp's about you??
T. I have the occasional wander through Tribeworld which is interesting to see fans comments and feedback.

Q. Which is your favourite soccer team?
T. Real Madrid. got to go with Becks!

Q. Do you remember me? I'm Franzi from the Meet&Greet in Oberhof/Germany where we did Wood Jumping and Swinging!
T. Yeah, Franzi, how are you? Had a great time on that Adrenalin pumped day. Hope all is well in your life and thanks for coming on the bb.

Q. Do you think there is an age limit for people who watch the tribe? I'm 23 and my best friend is 24. We enjoy the show very much sometimes people judge us by our age because we're older then most of the cast members. I think it's stupid what do you think?
T. No way, definitely not an age limit. The show is targeted to be enjoyed by people of all ages and as an actor it's nice to see that we have some older fans. Actually, the oldest fan is 81!

Q. Think there might be any hopes of Ram becoming a Mall Rat?
T. Let's just say that Ram always seems to be out for himself and will work with anyone he has to to get what he wants although as the English fans will have seen, he does have a soft side so it's hard to predict.

Q. Have you talked to any of the cast (I heard you became good friends with Matt Robinson) but have you talked to any other cast members like Joseph Crawford, Fleur, etc? (pleease tell me if you have talked to Joseph)
T. I haven't caught up with you for a long time but funny you asked 'cause we're gonna be catching up for coffee over the next few days. And you should be hearing from him on Tribeworld soon.

Q. Are you ready to start filming Tribe 6 whenever that comes around?
T. Yeah! Definitely looking forward to it big time and it will be good for the fans to have another angle to the show and nice for us to work in another country.

Q. Are u looking forward to dragon con?? Please look out for me cause I'm coming from ENGLAND to see you guys again (I came to Bradford as well!!) my name's Arabelle and I'm going as Gel and a techno!!!
T. Looking forward to catching up with you again. make sure you make yourself known as one of our british friends.

Q. Do any of the cast have annoying habits???
T. Just like normal people we all have traits that can be annoying especially when you're working with people so closely.

Q. Do u think Ram should change his clothes seeing as he was left on rubish dump wearing them!!?? And also he would be less recognisable without the uniform!!
T. Valid point that I've definitely considered myself but the writers of the show always have a long term vision.

Q. Do any of the cast have annoying habits???
T. We all do!!!

Q. which cast member is most like their character?
T. Caleb

Q. which series of the tribe do you prefer?
T. 5

Q. who do you think is best for Lex? Taisan, Zandra or Siva?
T. Siva

Q. when someone is 'deleted' by a computer, can they be reprogrammed?
T. No. Only by their creator!!

Q. Jess or Ram?
T. Ram

Q. Ebony/Java/Siva?
T. Java

Q. Whats your fave Ram / Tribe quote?
T. Didn't they tell you, I'm a genius! — Ram

Q. Are u eva gonna get a costume change?!?!
T. I hope so.

Q. Who's more you? Ram or Jess?
T. Jess

Q. Who is the funniest of the cast in The Tribe?
T. Matt

Q. Who do you get along with best of the cast?
T. Meryl, Megan.

Q. What is the biggest mistake you've done while recording The Tribe?
T. Turneed up not well prepared... Never again.

Q. I love the tribe obviously!!! I think your a wicked actor the scene with you and Ruby/Fleur was so sad it made me cry. Was it hard to do that scene?
T. Thanx 4 the kind words, it was cool to work with Fleur.

Q. Do you think the tribe has turned from a teen drama series to a wanna be sci-fi series?
T. No, I love the small elements of Sci-fi in the Tribe, we've always had it.....no biggie.

Q. Do you get fed up of the lycra? btw your techno boots are very cool!!
T. And yep, I am a bit sick of the lycra, but it's part of my character, so I live with it.

Q. Hello Tom!!!! I'm one of the Israeli Tribal Site webadmins! How are u frist? In israel we are all big tribe fans!!!! We really sad that the tribe cast wont come to Israel soon but we still keep the dream alive! We all know u are a great actor and appreciate your work! We will love to see u soon in Israel, its not that scary like people say it is! I'm ask you to say something for the Israeli fans, something that I'll put on the site!
T. Awesome to hear from you, Id love to come to Israel one day and with plenty of promo work being done for The Tribe at the moment you never know, we might be there sometime. Thanks again and lots of love to all the Israeli fans.

Q. Hey, Tom. Have you ever seen episodes from series one of "The Tribe" and compared them to series four and five? Have you noticed how the writers basically took a really good, realistic, teen/adult show and changed it into a kids show as low as the"Power Rangers" Its sicken, the virtual reality shit was a big blow out for "The Tribe". Don't get me wrong, though. Your a really great actor and you express Ram very well. I personally like "Ram". I just with "Ram" could be somebody else and not the leader of the big bad "Technos". I haven't really seen series 5, being in America and all, so hopefully it will improve. I've been seeing things on the Internet, photos, video clips and all that and it looks like its much better. I thought I once saw a love a picture of you and one of the Cassi sisters in bed (or hay I should say). Its amazing after having "sex" with her that your make up was perfect! That must be some strong stuff. Ok, I'm done with my little rant.
T. thanks for your comments because they are productive. I think the show has definitley evolved and that it has changed in a positive manor.

Q. What is the most horrific thing you've ever come across about yourself while surfing this board?
T. These BBs definitely make you find out things about yourself that you didn't know.

Q. Who in the Cast do you lest get along with and who do you most get along with (Come on now, everyone has favorites and lest favorites.)?
T. I'll stick to my favourites cause it's not fair to say something like that on the WWW. My fav's are Calen, the Cassies, and Matt.

Q. Have you ever had any relations with any of the male or female cast members?
T. No purely friendships.

Q. If you don't mind, what is your sexuality?
T. 100% hetero baby but open liberal towards others.

Q. What product do they use to get your hair to spike like that?
T. The dreaded gaffquat and it is the base product for all gels, waxes etc. It's very strong.

Q. Do you like all the attention you get from being on "The Tribe" I personally couldn't handle it. Its funny how people flip all out over somebody because they've been on tv. I'm not sure If I would be flattered or annoyed.
T. We're pretty sheltered here in NZ and it took a bit of getting used to on the promo trip. But as I've adjusted I've come to enjoy people's appreciation of the show. It's nice to get peoples feedback.

Q. What kind of person is Beth Chote? Bitchy, sweet, evil, weird, freaky, girly girl, tom girl. (I had to throw in a question about beth, I run a site for her.)
T. She's one of my favourites. Mature beyong her years.

Q. Is this another T.V. star or such you are looking forward to seeing that will be there (Dragon*Con)?
T. Luke Perry. I remember watching Beverly Hills 90210 when I was a kid. And Rowdy Roddie Piper.

Q. Have you ever visited the United States before?
T. Yeah, I've been a couple of times but not for the last 2 years. Looking forward to going back there.

Q. Are you bringing your guitar to Dragon*Con?
T. I don't actually have one at the moment but I might be able to borrow one off my big brother. hint hint.

Q. If so are you going to perform us a little something?
T. Not too sure at this stage but you never know what happens on a promotional tour so I'm up for anything.

Q. Do you prefer playing the evil Ram or the gud guy Ram?
T. Well as an actor it's nice to have dynamics so it's good to see both sides of a character so — both are great.

Q. Also, what do you think will become of Ram when Mega get's his ass kicked?
T. Well I'm lucky enough to know the answer to this 'cause it's already been filmed. But I'll have to be a secret squirrel on this and you'll have to keep watching.

Q. Do you use the 'drinking hat' you were given on tour?
T. Yeah it's been a good party trick!

Q. Which would you rather eat. broccoli or bogeys?
T. Brocolli with plenty of Mum's cheese sauce

Q. Is your glass half-empty or half-full?
T. Always half full

Q. Ketchup or brown sauce?
T. ketchup

Q. White chocolate or Milk chocolate?
T. Milk chocolate

Q. What are you wearing right now?
T. Pretty casual it was an early start. sneakers, cargos, zip up and a cap.

Q. What is your parent's nickname for you?
T. I'm usually referred to as my full name, Thomas. both Mum and Dad never call me Tom.

Q. What is your favourite magazine? (Careful how you answer that one ;))
T. NW which is a trashy NZ/Australian magazine or GQ.

Q. Heard you like R&B.. Have you a favourite artist? Or am I just totally wrong?!!
T. Yeah I love my R&B music, I 'm a big fan of Halle Berry's partner Eric Benet. or his music anyway. And I also love the old school slow jams of Boyz to Men.

Q. What's your favourite movie and why?
T. A new film called Dinner Rush. I strongly recommend anyone checks it out. It's really cleverly written, acted and directed

Q. Honestly, What did you think of England, personally I think it's the most wet, miserable and cold place ever and I can't wait to get out of here! But how did you find it, is it anything like New Zealand, and would you like to come back?
T. No it's not really like New Zealand but I think culturally it has so many different things to offer. I loved the fashion and style that London has but I also some other parts of England are nice as well. I loved Bristol.

Q. Which is your favourite New Zealand Island, North or South? You live on South Island right?
T. I've just moved to Auckland which is NZ's biggest city. but if you come to NZ go to the South Island it's definitely the best part.

Q. What was it like working with the Cassie Sisters?
T. Yeah all good. We became so tight that I feel like they are my sisters.

Q. Who are your best mates from the tribe cast?
T. Probably the Cassies and Mr Robinson not to be mistaken for the Simon and Garfunkel song Mrs Robinson.

Q. Which series of the tribe do you like best? ( you can say if you haven't watched series 1-3!)
T. I loved the look of Series 1. the way it was shot and the excitement of a new concept but I think Series 5 is still the best to date.

Q. What are your most frequently asked questions in interviews etc.? all of the bove probably!!
T. do you have any heroes or idols and describe yourself.

Q. What do u think u r in 10 years, married, children (if so, how much), actor, singer, out of work (lol)?
T. I hope that I'm still acting. Yeah, potentially married but who knows and to be honest it's really hard to know where I'll be in 10 years as I tend to live life by the day. It's an interesting question 'cause it's a good to think about.

Q. Do u believe in ghosts or are u superstitious?
T. Not supersticious but I definitely believe in spirits that have crossed over to the other side.

Q. Have ever sumthing miraculous happened 2 u?
T. Yeah, I think that we all have miraculous things that happen to us but it's hard to identify that. I think that when good things happen to you it's important to take note because these things do happen to each one of us every day.

Q. Which character do u prefer 2 play, Jess or Ram?
T. Nice question, they both offer different qualities and I feel lucky because they're at different ends of the scale. but it's always good to play the bad guys so I guess I have to say Ram.

Q. Which season do u prefer, season 4 or 5?
T. Ooh, tough call. I think that the quality of season 5 is better but because everything was new to me in season 4 everything was exciting and all good.

Q. Did u watch the tribe b4 u were in the cast?
T. No I didn't watch the Tribe before I started. I actually don't watch much tv at all.

Q. Do u get along with all the other cast members, or have u had any conflicts with them in the past?
T. 99.9% of the time everyone gets on really well. It's such a cool job to work on because you're constantly working with young, talented people.

Q. Do u enjoy acting more than any other work u hav done in the past?
T. It definitely a world of highs and lows and to be successful you need to love it more than anything.. I do.

Q. And just a small thing i think John Travolta is a gr8 actor too!!
T. Good call! We'll have to sort out a fanlisting :)

Q. What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
T. Bungy jumped on a mountain bike in Queenstown (NZ) and I slept on the ice in Antarctica for 2 nights!

Q. Have you always dreamed of acting in a soap?
T. Well it's definitely plenty of fun 'cause the drama levels are always high and luckily Ram hasn't been too much of a multiple lover unlike some of the others!

Q. if you had to change your career, what would you change it to?
T. A chef or a builder.

Q. Do you believe in Aliens, Ghosts, Angels or something else like that?
T. yes.

Q. Are you religious?
T. yes I am.

Q. When you could be a woman for one day, what would you do?
T. Well this is a family show... I would take notes on what is going on inside her head.

Q. Can you discribe yourself in 3 words?
T. Intense, loving, entertaining

Q. Who was the first Tribe Cast Member you ever met?
T. It was Dan Weekes and then Meryl

Q. Can you speak other languages? Which?
T. Nah not really a wee bit of pigeon samoan.

Q. Do you have a wish for Tribe 6?
T. Just that it will go ahead and be successful and as much fun as Series 5.

Q. Which country you see an Tour, did you like the most?
T. I liked everywhere we went but Denmark would probably take a slim victory.

Q. Who is your best friend from the Cast?
T. My heavyweight brother Matty (Slade from series 5)

Q. When do you come to Germany again?
T. There's no confirmation at this stage but hopefully not in the too distant future. Love Germany and would be happy to visit again.

Q. Who is your favorite actor from The Tribe?
T. Matt Robinson (Slade from series 5) and Meryl Cassie (Ebony)

Q. What is your favorite emotion to play?
T. What a lovely question! Deep pain. the reason being I think it's a good outlet so that you don't have to feel it yourself! You feel that you've had a weight taken off your shoulders and can go on with a smile on your dial.

Q. Do you have a pet?
T. No

Q. what would you do after The Tribe?
T. Suppose that's one of the exciting things about being an actor, you never know what's going to happen next. So you have to live every day as it comes hope it's another acting job.

Q. what is your favortit country?
T. Samoa

Q. what is your favourite drink?
T. Cranberry juice

Q. what is your favourite colour?
T. Navy

Q. what is your favourite actor?
T. John Travolta

Q. what is your favourite food?
T. Curry

Q. What is the special project you are doing?
T. You'll find out very soon what it's all about.

Q. Do you like your character?
T. Yeah, thoroughly enjoy playing Ram. And it's been great in Series 5 have a character advance and a few changes.

Q. How is the weather there?
T. I'm just looking out the window and it looks like we've got a beautiful Wellington blue sky. A good day for a latte in the sun.

Q. Are you coming back in Series 6?
T. I'm unsure at this stage but it looks very hopeful and I'd love to be back on board.

Q. Did you like the tour?
T. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Had an absolute ball. And felt privileged to be so many marvellous people in so many different places. An experience I'll never forget.

Q. Do you have pets?
T. No I don't do pets too well. I love animals but I'm not really responsible enough to have a pet.

Q. Do you still have your tonguepiercing?
T. No I had to take it out for Revelations. It didn't work too well with some of the period pieces.

Q. If you could play an other character in The Tribe who would that be?
T. Darryl.

Q. Would you be angry if a fan would call to your house phone number?
T. yeah i would. Just because private time is private time. I think it's important to keep your personal life separate.

Q. My friend Mirjam couldn't be here cause she is on holiday, But now she became ill(sick)..
T. The terrible flu has been going around in NZ and I got a dose of it myself. I send her heaps of love and hope she gets well soon.

Q. Which character of Film or TY would you like to play?
T. Woody Harrelson's character in Cheers

Q. How would you describe yourself?
T. Intense, loving, sensitive, considerate and entertaining

Q. When you could be another person / celebrity for 24 hours, who would it be and why?
T. John Travolta 'cause he's a tank.

Q. I want to act on stage or in front of the camera, can you give me any advice?
T. Be sure to observe people around you, take note of their habits and traits and really be a watcher instead of a doer at times. Try to take it all in. Make brave decisions and have confidence in the choices you've made.

Q. How are you?
T. I'm excellent although it is the top of the morning and there is plenty of caffeine being consumed. More importantly how are you?

Q. Who is (are) the most important person(s) in your life?
T. I'd be in trouble if I didn't say my Mum but the one who's dearest to my heart is my little nephew, Teddi. And also my brother Geoff.

Q. What is your favorite music?
T. Hip hop

Q. What do you hate? What do you love?
T. I hate early mornings and cold food and bad service. And I love late nights, hot food and good service.

Q. I read on TW that you are a good cook. That's cool. So what's your fav food to cook?
T. I like to cook anything and everything, try to mix up the international flavours a bit to go for the ecclectic mix.

Q. On TV, there was a report about the Tribe Tour and you made something like a "Rugby-Dance" there. Can you please tell me the text for it?
T. Apologies but I wouldn't know how to write it. It's a native New Zealand war dance called the Haka.

Q. Do you like filming "The Tribe"?
T. Hell yeah!

Q. If you could play any character in "The Tribe" you want, which one would it be?
T. Darryl

Q. Have you ever watched "The Tribe" yourself? If yes, how is it to see yourself on TV? which episode did you like best?
T. Yes I watch the occasional episode just to see how the show is going. but it's pretty tough watching yourself onscreen. Favourite episode is cliff hanger end of series 4.

Q. Everybody thinks so: you+Meryl Cassie = relationship! right or false??
T. False dahl!

Q. Which do enjoy more, acting or singing/playing guitar? And you can only choose ONE
T. Acting

Q. Do you have any plans to pursue your music career?
T. Yes

Q. What are you most looking forward to about Dragon*con?
T. Just meeting the American fans finally.

Q. Do you enjoy playing Ram or would have rather played a different Tribe chacter?
T. Definitely Ram, I like his layers

Q. And the ultimite question: Boxers or Briefs??
T. Boxer briefs

Q. Tom do you surf? or do any other water sports?
T. I used to bodyboard a little bit, but not lately. Heaps of my mates do though.

Q. Hello Tom and welcome to the Boards!! Firstly i admire you as a person, and i have my own website devoted to actors from the tribe, i have a section devoted to you in honour of the first cast chat i have been able to attend with a poem, wallpapers and my art. I would be so happy if you could go there and just answera few questions for me, just go to the Tom Hern section, http://groups.msn.com/TheTribeWallpapers . I would be so greatful and honoured that you could take the time and go there. Thank you Well i need to ask you a question seen as this is a cast chat, well in england i have a thing about rice and peas, Cmon Tom Hern and rhyme with me when i say rice, say and peas!!, so cmon tom, RICE
T. Hi Roberta, Good luck with the Tonsilitis. jelly and icecream's the answer. Apologies that I never got to answer your post on the cast chat but we had a massive overload and we didn't have time to answer everyone's questions. I made it to your site. keep up the good work! And thanks for your time and effort! Much love and God Bless. Herndog

Q. just wanted to say i am very disapointed that i am not able to go to dragon con this year, but i am hoping that the cast does some more apearances in the us. i was wondering how did you get your break into acting and at what age.. not to brag but i acutally got to be an extra in a movie and loved it... acting is so much fun. i would love to hear from you and hopefully meet your one day. love and older fan
T. Thanks 4 da message. Well, I started acting very young but spent quite a few years presenting b4 I broke into professional acting. If you enjoy being in front of the camera, you should pursue it. (Although it aint always what it's cracked up to be. All lifestyles have their ups and downs!) Much Love, T.

Q. how was the sugababes concert in London? did u like it? I love the music of the girls and I really would like to see a concert od them too...but they didn't visit Germany so far...it's a pity!
T. Yeh the sugarbabes concert waas primo!! I thought the girls were really cool, especially the 1 with the black hair and beauty spot piercing. Thanx 4 asking. Herndog.

Q. just wanted to ask if you're doing something for the new Tribe Album? Would love to have Tribal X-Mas on it ;-) And by the way, do you remember me? Frankfurt Airport, I asked you for an autograph and you hugged me ;-) There was no flash but the pics are ok (but the quality is not the best....)
T. Hi, yeh I hope I'll get a a chance to offer something up 4 the album but who knows. I will be releasing something musically in the near future!! Hope all is well in Germany!