In June of 1987, with forty dollars in my pocket (I didn't own a wallet) I came to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. I am right now sitting in my office at the computer trying to remember what it was exactly that made me want this life.I remember Steve MaQueen was asked the same question, "For the girls" he said. Although its not a bad reason, its not it. I never grew up wanting to be an actor, in fact, it had never even crossed my mind until a friend towed me along to an audition. I sat in the lobby and waited for him. When all the producers and the director came out of the room they started talking and milling about and in a few minute I was offered the job. I laughed and walked out the door with my friend. I thought they were having me on. Regardless, it is safe to say, shortly thereafter, acting became an obsession. I dedicated much of my adult life to the pursuance of a vastly different life than I had ever envisioned for myself. It is twelve years later and I have no regrets. My desires have evolved and broadened into different facets of the entertainment industry, I attribute much of this to the changes in myself personally. Has it been easy? We'll talk. I've watched a lot of friends die in this town, ( death takes on many forms.) I do consider myself lucky. I do also recognize that I am responsible for creating and capitalizing on some of that luck. But I am competitive only with myself. I recognize my time here is not a constant. It is a truth. A time. And it too will pass. So I will celebrate it. With you if you like. Being here, you have decided to share part of the journey and I welcome you. 

Question 1 - In respond to Kestrel's question:
Does Paul like Nick becoming an immortal?
It's something I've been confronted with for months. Even within the first few shows, the producer's were mentioning the possiblilty of this happening. As I mentioned to Firinn in an e-mail, I thought it was a bad idea. Nick's mortality and humanity, as opposed to Amanda's immortality and unscrupulousness, are the Ying and Yang providing a balance for this fable. However, once I stated my opinion to the TPTB, as an employee, it's my obligation to fulfill my contract. Once I stated my opinion, the next thing to do is to behave professioanlly, and respectfully, to the larger interest of the show. Whew, I said it.

Question #2: Jenny - Do I like being a sex symbol?
If they printed currency, and put sex symbol's images on the notes, and let's just say Andrian Paul was a hundred dollar bill, by the time Brad Pitt and Mel Gibson and many others had taken their rightful places, I'd be a penny on the street, picked up by a grateful scavanger, and I'd still be flattered.
(This comment resulted in the hundred dollar bill artwork found in the GIF Shoppe's Kalaki Gallery.)

Question #3:Lurks asks me, "What other poems do I like?"
One of my all time favorites is from A.E. Housman. It's called, "To an Athlete Dying Young." It also has immortality echoes, keeping in line with our sentiments. "...and silence sounds no worse than cheers, once the earth has stopped the ears..."

Question #4: Rebecca asks if I've had any experience with swords before.
Two years ago I played the role of Christian in Edmond Rostand's, "Cyrano de Begerac," in a large regional theatre outside of Los Angeles. Two years before that I played Romeo with the same theatre group. Both roles required intense training with rapier and dagger, which as you know, involves more thrusting than slicing.

Question #5: Georgette wonders if I was to direct an episode of the Raven.
I was in fact contracted to direct episode 20 - "Ex-files." By the time the script arrived, we were fighting the clock, the conditions, long hours, and I had contracted the beginnings of a intense pneumonia.It was decided to then change it to episode 22.The sickness intensified. It seemed prudent to let this one slip by as well.

Question #6: Teresag - She wonders if I can sing, have sung, or will ever sing.
While on "Lonesome Dove", Scott Bairstow and I used to write songs together. It quickly became a habit and now a hobby. As for my favorite acting venue, give me Broadway or give me death. (I'm a sucker for immediate gratification.)

Question #7: Siobahn - She asks if the crew saw my "goods".
Damn right. They saw "tout les chose." This tatoo preoccupation has provided me with countless chuckles sometimes even fits of laughter.

Question #8: Watcher too - Now that Nick's an immortal, do I want a Season 2?
I can see a lot of possibilities for this new twist in the plot. Some of them are appealing some are not. Obviously, a lot of things have to fall into place before there can even be a season 2. There are serious discussions about the structure of a second season, in terms of cast and storyline. But this is all mute until the producers find a distributer for the U.S.

Thanks for the questions! I'll keep dropping in from time to time. But for now, I'm off to NY for that Broadway experience. 

    Posted by Paul Johansson on Thursday, 10 June 1999, at 10:01 a.m., in response to The stage crew emerges:  IMMIES revealed!, posted by petshark on Wednesday, 9 June 1999, at 11:29 p.m.

Um..I don't know what to say...I'm so flattered.Okay, well, I'd like to accept this award on behalf of my alter-ego.
Unfortunately though,I did shave for tonights festivities. Firstly, I'd like to thank the Highlander Universe for finally accepting me
into such an elite club.I know it was a precarious beginning, thats the nature of beginnings.It reminded me of being the new kid
at school.Where to eat lunch? But here we are now celebrating together.And I do thank you all.Not only for the award but for
your incredible devotion. I can't speak for E.G. but I have to admit I very much enjoyed cyber-surfing through the forum when
time allowed this year.I enjoyed the comments.I am a huge fan of passion.To me, the greatest human quality is passion.Believe
me in my chosen field skill, education, even luck can only get you so far.And that is what I enjoy so much about the Highlander
fans; Your Passion. This is an incredible awards ceremony and I'll never forget it.I also want to thank all my friends at the
OPJFC (and my Little Green Dwarf).I guess some of you noticed the slight limp as I stepped up to the platform.Well its nothing
serious, I was just trying to have a tatoo removed from my 'nether regions'.Strange though, ever since I was shot in the chest a
little time back, the tatoo keeps growing back. Strange.

Petshark great job!

First of all, I'm very flattered by the comments posted by those of you who've had a chance to see Limbo.Naturally I was very nervous about what the response may be.I only know I was driven to make the film the way I had seen it in my head(despite severe opposition to various elements by my producer and several members of my cast).The story came over me during a long period of uncertainty and disillusion and served as both as an artistic release and emotional catharsis.The story came to me in the form of a recurring nightmare.Stabbed by an amiable yet violent assailant I lay bleeding to death in an alley.As the unwitting people pass by and mistake my predicament for folly or inebriation I slowly bleed my life away.It strikes me as both comical and tragic.Not unlike life.The morality is interpersonal.I hate to comment on that.I hope it has a common yet varied meaning to each member of its audience.I tried very carefully to not impose a morality of my own.Although one could make an argument for the opposite.I have more to say on this.I need to find in my books a reference I've made in the film in order to explain it.I'll be back soon.

I would like to give credit to the players of Limbo and give a short explanation of my relationship with each of them.

Dale Midkiff was Sonny.I gave him this name as it was the name my grandmother called my Dad as a boy(his real name is Earl).In the original draft of the script his name was Sinner.It is his journey.Dale and I did the Ed McBain T.V. movies for N.B.C. together ,he was also the star of Time Trax,The magnificent Seven the series and Pet Semetary.He is a terrific actor and a great guy. The two goons who throw Sonny out of the bar are Nick Cassavetes and Troy Duffy.Nick is one of my
oldest friends.You may recognize him from a lot of things.Face-off with Nick Cage and John Travolta,Mrs. Parker and the Vicious circle.Not to mention he is a terrific Director,She's the Lovely and Unhook the stars.He is in Vietnam at this moment location scouting for his next film.

Troy Duffy is a very talented writer and Director.He sold a highly sought after script to Miramax called The Boondock Saints.Two brothers who go on a killing spree in the name of God.The film which he has been completed will be out soon.It has Willem Dafoe as the lead.

The girlfriend was Missy Crider.She was suggested to me by her Agency and I thought did a great job.She starred in Powder and several other films.Her boyfriend James Woods was on the set supporting her much of the time.

Holt McCallany was the mugger and was many peoples favorite performance.Holt and I used to share a house in Los Angeles.We became friends through a boxing club years ago.He is a real terrific actor and has been in films like Alien 2,Casualties of War,Jade, and upcoming films starring with Brad Pitt and Ed Norton in the Fight Club and Robert Deniro and Cuba Gooding JR. in Navy Divers which he is currently filming in San Diego.

Gina Mastragiacuomo was Magdalene the prostitute she came on the night before the role was shooting and really poured her heart into the role. I was really proud of her performance it was some heavy text and a difficult monologue.She has been in many things including Goodfellas for Martin Scorsese.

The two gay men were Costas Mandylor and Pete Johansson.Costas did this piece for me as a favor.He was currently working on something else and came right from the set.He is an old buddy and has been in many things.We worked together on Players the series he costarred with Ice Cube.

My brother Pete has mostly focused his career on stand up comedy.In my opinion the hardest job in Hollywood.He is doing very well and has signed an excusive deal with H.B.O.He was on Craig Kilborn last week and is negotiating for David Letterman in the fall.

The two cops were Jason Priestly and Max Martini.Jason is my oldest friend here in Hollywood in fact, we moved here together from Vancouver.He has been busy over the last few years on a little known series called Beverly Hills 90210.

Max Martini is also an old buddy.Jason introduced us back in the late Eighties when Max was an artist in New York.Well he is on fire now.He has been in 'Contact' with Jodie foster.Saving private Ryan.(He was the platoon leader of the Matt Damon's company trying to save the bridge.Now he is costarring in a series with another of my old fiends Scott Bairstow from Lonesome Dove,it premieres in the fall called Harsh Realm.(from the creators of X-files.)

The prist is a very good friend also his name is Jack Milo.He is an old pro.Having done all kinds of theater all over America and playing the very funny restaurant owner in That thing you do directed by Tom Hanks.Jack also trains Holt and I for our roles.He is incredibly insightful with what is known as breaking down a role.

Panda the cat was very hard to get.Busy schedule ,flight arrangements, first class hotel and all the sardines he could eat.It didn't run too smoothly.At one point I just screamed "Alright You direct the Damn thing then!'but alas cooler heads prevailed. After locking himself in his trailer we finally just succumbed to his demands.Next time I'll just give Shannon Dougherty a call.

I want to officially apologize for not publicizing an online interview I did last week. It is in fact, here at home, where I should have mentioned it first. It was a an interview request that I had been told of only a day in advance. Despite the short notice it was my fault. It won't happen again.
And to my beloved Dwarf..FORGIVE ME!
I think its time for our own Q&A period anyway.Don't you?

Can I just go on record here and give my opinion on this whole speedo debate?
HATE THEM. Talk about being restricted.
By the way THAT film was my first job in Hollywood many years ago. We all start somewhere and I have to admit it is good for a laugh. I have a friend who somehow got hold of an audition tape I recorded around the same time. Horrid, embarrassing are a few words that come to mind. Well he invited me to a party and put it on the V.C.R. in the living room. He just let it play until I walked into the room and saw it. All in fun.
I'm off and working again tomorrow to Vancouver. Its always fun to explore new characters and storylines but I just caught the tail end of an episode of The Raven and I have to admit I waned a little nostalgic for our old friend Nick Wolfe.
Time is a slippin my friends. I look forward to another character with whom I have such affinity.
Sleep well, Paul. 

It is lost on me at times, the need and necessity of pain in these lives we have. But it is a common bond we share. There is no amount of money which can purchase a reprieve. It is not exclusive to the poor or wealthy. It is ours, collectively, death and loss are pure social truth. No one is immune from this duty. So, do we re-examine its place in our lives, write poems ,odes or eulogies to soften the blow. Do we deny ourselves the truth or do we drink and medicate this body and prolong the necessary mourning which must eventually rise above the level of the floodgate and come crashing over in huge waves.
A little scene which happened yesterday on the plane home to L.A. to see Damaskus in the animal  hospital.
Man sits staring out the window as the details of the event sink into his whole being. He starts to shake slightly, but not imperceptivly. A young girl looks at him.
Girl
You O.K.?
The man looks at her.
Girl
Somebody ill?
Man nods.
She won't leave it alone.
Girl
Who is it?
Pain is a personal thing, but when it dwells so close to the surface it finds it s own voice.
Man
My dog has had a heart attack.
Girl
I'm sorry.
He nods.
Girl
Is he going to be alright?
He turns away.
Man
No.
She shakes her head.
Girl
You see. Thats why I'd never get a dog or a cat.Its too hard.God, you spend all that time with them.You raise them. You love them. You watch them grow old.Then they die. Its not worth it.
He wants to yell at her , scream at her.WAKE UP! Not worth it? LIfe is to be experienced from the greatest triumphs man can achieve to the pits of hell, depression, despair, loss.It all comes from the same place.We can feel this deeply then we must.It is to cry and laugh as it is to be human. Loss and gain define us.It frees us from a life of arbitrariness.  But these things can't be explained they must be learned, and they always are.
Man stares out the window. He opens a treasure chest of memories.
Man smiles.

To all my dear friends who have offered such kind words. I thank you most gratefully.
And Goodbye Damaskus dear friend. 

Wow ! What a fantastic experience. I've just returned home(L.A.) and I couldn't wait to drop in and pass on my thanks to everyone involved in this charity event.Despite the postponement, the event was a great experience.I had such a wonderful time meeting those of our delegation who were able to make the trip to Austin. I've got to say I was rather nervous at first.How does one live up to some of the comments on these threads?! Well I was absolutely put at ease.They were wonderful to me.Very kind and respectful and fun and well lets stop here. Okay the real test?Mom.Am I right?Moms suss things out very quickly and she was very impressed.So, on behalf of Mom, and myself, THANK YOU!THANK YOU!
Can we talk about great gifts! It felt like Chistmas!
Paul 

From the beginning of this journey a very special person has made extreme sacrifices of their time, efforts, talents all for the sake of me. It is not only one of the great compliments of my life that she has built this domain from an image first conceived in her head but it is humbling to know so wonderful a woman. My heartfelt thanks to a real cyber-goddess. I'm so proud of this site and all the other things we've discussed and been able to achieve together. My hat goes off to you Pat. Little Green Dwarf for president! 

Just wanted to drop in to bid adieu while I venture forth into another new project. It sort of came from out of nowhere and I must say South Africa has always been a fun and exciting place for me to visit. I have an old high school friend down there so I might stay on for the holidays. I will be travelling with my laptop so I can stay in touch with all of you and to update the progress of the film. Besides, the little green dwarf has been trying to sneak into my luggage so be aware of updates through her little green hands as well. Best regards to you all. 

Hi there, Just thought I'd try and keep in touch while on the road. There's not a lot of time for enjoying the "Dark continent" as Hemmingway referred to it since the work schedule is so intense but I'm trying.   Lets see, well my horse's name is midnight and I have to bribe him to work hard(rather lazy)with carrots and rubs.I'll try and find a scanner and send some photos soon.
Best to all of you.

Firstly, I want to thank you all so much for making this a fan club site I'm so proud of. It really is for YOU, and a lot of hard work has gone into it on your behalf, so if you get a moment please post a year end thank you to those who've worked so hard to make it a sanctuary for all of us to enjoy.
Now that I've clearly demonstrated how to achieve a run-on-sentence I'd like to apologize for not getting in touch earlier. Its been an incredible end to an incredible year.When I first read this script about a group of soldiers at the end of the U.S. civil war I was impressed with the size of the story.It was extremely ambitious in scale and I didn't think it was possible to accomplish all they wanted to do in the time they had allowed.What does that mean to an actor..Long hours.Well I was right.It turned out to be a grueling shoot.However it was one of the most memorable experiences in my career.I really enjoyed this character and working with this cast and director.(He is also the producer and is based out of London. The Company is called PeakViewing and he says they are on the internet)
Well after wrapping and shaving and cutting my hair I flew to Cape Town to relax for a couple of days before flying back to the states. It was just in time for the second bombing of a restaurant only a few blocks from my hotel.It was blistering hot and the beaches were packed but I'm a northern hemisphere boy and relished the memory of a white blanket of snow on Christmas morn.So I boarded the plane to Miami(snow?) then a plane to L.A.(snow?)O.K. then a plane to Vancouver (Closer anyway).So here I am and here I'll stay until the second week of January.I hope all of your adventures were safer than mine. I wish you the best of life in the New Year.
Peace friends 

Hello everyone and all the best on this day of celebration honoring our loved ones!  I just wanted to take a moment and send my regards to all my friends here in webland.Many cyber-kisses and I hope you all have someone (at least in mind) to share this world with.It sure makes it seem a whole lot better.
Your friend,
Paul 

I just wanted everyone to know how proud I am of this website. I've been becoming more and more the web surfer(as
opposed to webspinner to the spider-man fans)these days and I must admit we have a terrific site. It reminds me how lucky I
am to have friends like you out there supporting my career.I hope to share more good fortune with you in the near future.I am
working hard at keeping it moving forward and opening new doors. It is a marvelous and mysterious life it baffles me why we
sometimes become caught up in petty squabbles. If we could only constantly remain focused on the big picture. I wish you all
peace and happiness. 

We're getting ....well, you know, we are getting older but what the hell. Older ain't so bad. I just want everyone to know it was another special weekend. This is a great place because of all of you. I look forward to many more together. 

It was so great to drop by and see that photo of Damaskus and I really miss that big guy. Well, one more day in London. Tomorrow in Scotland for a wedding. Robert Cavanagh's Mother! And then it's back stateside to Chicago enroute to Toronto. Getting a tad nervous about these festivals.
All the best.
Paul J

Oh those long summer days.It feels like they are getting hotter and hotter every year. Well , I'm back in LA for a couple weeks off before I return to Toronto to finish shooting 'John Q'.Had my first scenes with Mr.Washington the other day and it was a real treat. Reminds me how lucky I am to be in this profession.Hope to have some good stories for you when this is all over.All my best, and try to keep cool will ya please.
Paul 

Two days into preparing to shoot the new film and already it RAINS. And I mean Rain, baby! The South African spring could really make the California spring feel insecure. I just tried on my new wardrobe and if its black leather you want, well.. you got it! All black weather oops I mean leather, what happens when the hot Hot HOT summer days start to kick in? Yikes! Well, the cast seems nice, but it'll be hard to top the great experience I just had on 'JOHN Q', superb actors all of them and quite genuine. Yea , I know, sure, sure, Paul. Well, off I go.Its five weeks of night shoots in downtown Johannesburg(can you say dangerous in Afrikans?) then off to Cape Town for two weeks. I'll be in touch.
Paul 

I've heard about the beautiful hot African days but when you've been shooting three weeks of nights one starts to wonder. Going well. Did that sound a little hum drum? Hope not.It starts with a driver picking me up at 4:30 pm and dropping me off at 6:00 am. Day in and day out, er, night in night out. Moving out of downtown Jo-berg tomorrow to a resevoire (check spelling later) to move the clock back to the dark ages. Still hanging on for the ride. All the best from Africa.
Congrats Kronos! (NOTE: referring to the current racing event winner in the self-supporting fund-raiser)
Paul 

News from the spice island!
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2000, 6:25 am

Yes, 'Jambo' is hello. Its been an interesting few days.Kenya was blistering hot and the scuba divimg was excellent. My buddy from Vancouver, Glenn Ennis, is here with me and we saw a 10 to 12 foot tiger shark about 18meters under near a coral reef outside Watama bay. Great diving and the water was like a bathtub. We fed a moray eel who was easily eight feet long from what we could tell.(please forgive the spelling and other errors I'm on a limited time basis in this internet cafe in Zanzibar) We're in the old Stonetown today walking through the market.I described one scene in my journal from the fish market as," Rows of fish carcasses covered in a black blanket of buzzing flies." Touching and tragic at the same time.These are wonderful people who greet you warmly with a smile at every chance encounter. We return to a more deserted part of the island on the north eastern side facing the Indian ocean this evening. Great thoughts from Tanzania.
Paul J

I wanted to write it in Spanish but I couldn´t figure out the proper spelling for the phrase in my portable English/Spanish dictionary. Ah well, I hope the new millenium brings us less war and pain and instead new and exciting breakthroughs in understanding both scientifically as well as spiritually. (Perhaps even I will conquer my penchance for run on sentences.) I have a lot of resolutions this year and one specifically applies to the following sentence. I want to personally thank everyone for their support of my career and interest in my journey on this big blue marble. Obviously, "appreciation", is on the top of my list this year.You´d be suprised how it can be reciprocal.
Tomorrow I return to Paris for a few weeks before heading home to L.A, which I haven´t seen since August! New Year´s was spent in a melee of different bars and restaurants in Zaragoza, Spain. Today is a short stop to see the Picasso museum in Barcelona and to eat in one of my favorite restaurants in the world, ´Los Caracoles´, in the old section of town for Paella!!
Again, all my best to you in 2001!
Paul

A very memorable birthday! Thank you so much for celebrating with me! I am a very lucky man.
Paul 

I would like to wish everyone an absolutely wonderful Valentine's Day! I hope romance is alive and well and flourishing in each and everyone's home tonight. Much love to you all!
Paul

Little Explanation. Craig Sheffer plays my evil brother Boar who has been sent by Odin to destroy me.Patrick Bergin is wonderful as my father who has sold my soul to Odin in exchange for power and glory.  What a family.

Just thought you might find it interesting. I remember shooting this scene very clearly. It was a Friday evening around midnight and this was the last scene of the night. It had been a long cold week of work in the Parisian countryside where the villa is where we shot the interior scenes for Raven. I asked the properties master if he had any REAL beer I could use in this scene. He smiled and led me away to his truck and opened the door to reveal a cooler full of beer on ice. We had a few and then put a few in our jackets and then brought a few more in our hands. By the time this shot was taken I was a VERY happy Nick Wolfe! Just wanted to share the moment. Best to you all.

Well, here I am in rainy Vancouver on a saturday evening. Its been a few hellish weeks prepping for the film, but as a dear friend of mine once said, "those are GOOD problems to have PJ". Alas I'm returning to Victoria on Vancouver Island tomorrow. All is well and I'm having very productive days, but did you ever get that feeling the closer you get the farther it feels. Saw the Drew Carey show and remembered how weird the cast was feeling all week due to the events of Sept 11 and how nobody really wanted to work especially since the LIVE audience was removed from being a part of the affair. Something about doing comedy in front of an empty theatre. Oh well. Nice to make fun of yourself in this business, sometimes we actors have been known to take ourselves too seriously. No, really. Best to you all. Paul

I hope each of you find a warming and joy filled moment this holiday. It has been a year unlike any other and we are lucky to have each other as we do now. I pray for all my friends here at OPJFC and those who we have lost.(Night Owl) My best to you and your families. Paul J

Hi everyone, I know my long absence has been the stir of some speculation, but sometimes we need to restucture, take stock and slow down. Just to update, "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie", has completed post production and will be screening for domestic buyers within the month. I am very proud of the work by all the actors on this project and the contributions by the cinematographer, Paul Sarrosy and the editor, Eddie Hamilton among others. It was very well received at the American Film Market and we are presently pursuing our film festival options. On the acting front, I have signed on to participate with Craig Sheffer and Moira Kelly in a pilot called(believe it or not!) "Ravens", to be shot in North carolina in few weeks. It is a program for Warner Bros.
Thats it for now as I am using a satellite connection for the internet on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. It is a stunning vacation spot and the weather is gorgeous. Brief rainstorms in the morning give way to spectacular azure afternoon skyskapes. Green curry and papya are the staples and everyone wears a smile. No wonder. Bye for now!! Paul

Thank you all for such unwaivering support. It is especially warming to read one early review of Mrs. Ritchie by a hostile "Hollywood" critic and then still see the support flowing in. It makes me feel lucky to have friends like you out there. Fortunately there were much better reviews to come as well as a few glowing ones(ie. New york times). But through it all you were on my side and I send my warmest thanks.
Off to north carolina next week to settle in for the long year on "One Tree Hill". I am excited and hopeful. I promise to be more frequent, its been a long year. Much love.
Paul J

Posted by Paul Johansson on 6/9/2005, 4:16 pm

I have been away far too long and i beg forgiveness for the AWOL. First i'm in a cast after a little wrist surgery from years of wear and tear from my more athletic days..ie boxing and basketball so this one finger tapping will ultimately make this a short stay. Sorry. I'm finishing up little vacation in my hometown of Kelowna then off to a friend's wedding in New orleans. We'll be back to camera in Wilmington on the 17th of July so i'm squeezing in family and friend time along the way. Its been a long year and many a changes in my life so i owe everyone an apology for being away for so long especially Kate and our favorite dwarf. I'll drop in more often this year and I wish everyone a wonderful rainless summer!

Posted by Paul J on 10/10/2005, 12:34 pm
I actually have a day off. Well, till 7pm. I finally had a free moment to check in and "lurk", (sounds awfully carnal) and I want to thank everyone for such kind reviews of my work. Alas, some of the personal comments sometimes make this reader blush, but they too are always appreciated. (Oh God, does my mother ever read this site?)
Here's my update for the interested. Just wrapped directing episode 7. Long, hours of night shoots as the script required. As I was given this episode to direct I won't actually appear in it, BUT (apparently some of our readers favorite word, talking to you, Miranda), my likeness will in a LARGE way. Stay tuned to pick up on this hint. This is a testing year with the workload and personal drama's abounding (read Chad Sophia) but I as usual welcome the storms as they make the calm sea's more appreciated. This weekend I will be flying to Napa for a photo shoot and some r and r and then back to work monday. Many regards!!!
Bad Daddy

Posted by Paul J on 10/12/2005, 11:26 am

If any of you get Venice magazine, I did a photo shoot and interview which is on the newstands now. Nicholas Cage is on the cover. I forced everyone to evacuate the loft as I grabbed a fire extinguisher off the wall and turned it into a prop for the shoot.(These shoots can be very boring and I hate posing. Rather just be my silly self). Actually caught my personality on film this time I think. "We prepare a face to meet the faces that we meet". Anyone remember this quote?
Ciao Bambinos!

Posted by Paul J on 1/2/2006, 3:48p.m.

Wow! 2006 is already here! seems like just yeterday I was auditioning in Aaron Spellings office for the role of John Sears! Well we are off to a great start, I'm halfway through my ski trip here at Big White Mountain in British columbia Canada. Great snow! The head writer called just before the holidays and told me HUGE things are gonna happen to finish off this season on One Tree Hill. Can't wait. Much love to all and hope for the best of things to come! Paul

Posted by Paul j on 4/22/2006, 4:56 am

In Bergen Norway they have outlawed tans. Perhaps its the precarius relationship with the sun itself or a preference for the pasty faced heroine who outthwarted the seven dwarfs but nonetheless sun+skin is not looked upon lightly. After our twenty hour travel from Los Angeles to Norway we were met at the airport in a fleet of black BMW's and wisked away to our hotel in the heart of this northern jewel of a city. It resembles a small pre-hollywooded Vancouver with its snow capped mountain s skirting a rich darkly brooding ocean. The main industry is fishing and you can't miss the armada of fishing vessels moored in the port. Once we reached the hotel a band in traditional nordic clothing(I didn't know there was traditional nordic clothing) began beating drums and blowing horns and I quickly looked around thinking we'd somehow usurped a dignitaries arrival. Alas, the spectacle was for us. Mixture of embarrassment and wonder filled my senses and I tried to look important enough to merit the generous reception. A strange look covered their sweet pasty faces as my cowboy boot caught the red carpet and I stumbled onto the ground still clutching a cup of coffee. I smiled and took a slow sip before erecting myself. Good for you Paul, I thought. That'll learn 'em how we do it in Hollywood! Apparantly this was the ice breaker. The onlooking crowd of fans who were once scared of the great and wickedly powerful Dan Scott now felt I was harmless (or human) enough to ask for an autograph and take a picture with. My cover, as they say, was blown. After settling in our rooms we assembled for a press conference in the hotel ballroom. A legion of cameras were there and we sat in a row on the stage. After a brief introduction we sat and waited for questions. A long four or five minutes of silence followed and after staring back and forth at each other for some time we finally broke for dinner. We jumped on a bus which was followed by half a dozen professional security guards and drove to a steak house on near the port. Lets just say that Norwegion food is very .........Norwegion. Hungry, I decided I would like to walk back to the hotel after sitting for so long on an airplane. this soon became a popular idea and we all walked. Security had two lead men walk ahead, two behind and two along side of us. As you can see they take security very seriously here. I just don't know why. I haven't seen any homeless people. There are no gangs. Perhaps there are still a few bands of roaming vikings looking to duke it out witha few celebrities. We went to a bar and after a few minutes i felt I needed to be out walking these beautiful ancient streets, but without the security detachment. I snuck out a fire exit of the bar into an alley. As I emerged from the darkness the lead security guard looked at me and spoke into his sleeve. I was busted.
I awoke at six am and decided my best way to explore on my own is to go jogging. Crisp wet air slapped at my face like a cold rag and the deserted cobblestone streets shimmered in the morning sunlight. This was heaven. I ran along the streets to the wharfs and along the jetty which ran along till it reached the fjords and out into the North Sea. Old medieval buildings and sardine canneries and a stone castle and open squares with statues of Holberg and Ibsen. That is the beginning of my trip. More to come.
PJ

Posted by Paul j on 4/22/2006, 4:59 am

Yesterday it was a glorius sunny day here in Norway. 72 degrees of crisp clean air. The town square was awash with locals soaking up the infrequent summer light. We gathered in a bus escorted by the ever vigilant security team and were wisked off to a makeshift oil rig escape facility. Sound strange? good. It was. Nutec is a famous Norwegian crisis company which trains employees of the worlds dangerous jobs to avoid crisis situations. We watched a video went through some crisis instruction and then were all put in red survival suits and herded into an elevater that went up and up about twelve stories. We walked out onto what looked like a NASA rocket launching platform and crammed into a semi vertical submarine suspended by cables hundreds of feet above the rolling black sea. Once strapped in. I mean strapped head to toe. they informed us this was a mock escape from an oil rig on fire in the ocean. Red lights flashed, buzzers went off and boom we went weightless for a good few seconds until SPLASH we crashed nose tip first into the ocean. It was like doing a belly flop off the high dive. Stomach rising up into mouth , blood rushing up into head, dizziness. Woohoo good times. I was sitting exactly next to the pilot where the only small porthole window was located about the size of a dinner plate. I saw the water crashing around us and then us sinking into the blackness of the ocean. A strange feeling of dread came over me when she wispered to herself "hmm we should have come up by now" . Straining against the head straps I tried to see the the situation for myself but then we bobbed up and broke the surface. After a collective sigh from the group all was to be fine. She looked over at me and half smiled. I hate her for that.

Another day of sunshine. The locals are as amazed as we are. They say three days of this is rare and we are lucky to be here at this time. My morning jog is an incredibly beautiful endeavor. Mist rising off the fjord floor of ocean water. I arrive back at the hotel just in time for the morning fish. Its all fish. All the time. Last night they actually just brought out a plate of fish and smiled. No vegetables or accoutrements. Just fish. So I downed my share and we jumped on the bus and went to a tennis center were a few dozen children were waiting for us to play tennis with them. Only these kids were terminal cancer patients. As we were awkwardly introduced I noticed a little boy staring at me. But whenever I smiled at him he would look away not wanting to make eye contact. Finally, I walked over and said hello. His name was Ojan. He did not know english but his mother translated for me and asked him if he wanted to be my partner. He shook his head. Then walked away. Ah, he knows my television show I thought. Gathering on the court we all participated in some drills. I met many of these children, but kept an eye on my friend Ojan. Every now and then I would catch him looking at me. He had lost all his hair and his skin was reddened from chemo. He tired quickly and was clearly worse for wear in his battle with the disease. He was perhaps eight or nine.. In every drill he gave his all. Mad at himself for messing up one shot as he stood in line to try again. I stuffed a tennis ball down the back of his shirt. He turned and looked at me. No expression on his face. I grinned. He did not. Later on I was picking up tennis balls and he hit a ball which flew over the net and hit me in the head. For a moment I stood still then died dramatically on the court for everyone to see. He ran over and stood above me. As I opened my eyes he just stared at me like an unimpressed casting director. But, just maybe, I caught the glimpse of a little smile. We hit the ball back and forth for a little while and still we said nothing. Then we sat up in the bleachers and signed some autographs for the kids and he sat a few feet away from me not saying a word and not asking for anyone's autograph. We were handed medals to hand out to all the kids for participation and I walked over to him and put his medal around his head. As i turned to walk away I felt this little hand take mine. He did not want me to go. We held hands while everyone was starting to leave. And as i got to the door he still would not let go. I bent down and took off my HK baseball hat. Our basketball team is called The Hollywood knights. I put it on his head and he gave me the biggest smile I have ever seen. A lump caught in my throat as he put his arms out for me to hug him. This time it was me who would not let go. We hugged a long time. I walked out the door and down the steps to thew waiting bus. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and said. " Hey, you have a friend", and pointed to a little red skinned boy in a baseball hat waving to me desperately through the window. I know i will never see him again. If I was to come back he would just be a memory. His leukemia has nearly beaten him. But I have Ojan here in this letter and now you do too.
From Norway

Posted by paul johansson on 9/29/2006, 1:52 pm

Well honostley I'VE TRIED. I make a plan to show up at the party and perhaps buy a pair of undies of mine at the auction and wham, life happens. I suspect you all commiserate. So, late as usual, I beg your forgiveness. My thoughts on the premiere? Love to, thanks for asking. I like Dan's dilemma and his delusions of keith. Thrilled to have this 'other' psychological value to play in addition to my other more linnear character choices. The show is smoother to me. More balanced. Well, I'm actually into the 7th episode as an actor today. Wrapped directing late last night. We had a blast. Great show. I don't ask the PTB's whats up in the wind for my character. I prefer, unlike other cast members, to discover it when I get the script. Makes for a fun read(most of the time). Lets keep talking y'all. Peej

Posted by paul Johansson on 1/1/2007, 1:46 am
My wishes to all of you this year is to break out of your normal routine and find a new way to smile! Much love annd friendship !!!
Paul

Posted by paul Johansson on 1/26/2007, 3:10 pm

Well, gosh, gee, um (search tiny male brain) y'all are sweet! Another bloody b-day! Didn't I have one last year? This could become an annnual thing. Thank you all for the kind thoughts and for showing up here on my birthday. Gorgeous cake. Shall I? Okay here we go! (big breath in) and whooooooosh! (Cyber paul blows out the candles) oops one left. hey lets leave it as a reminder of all the friends we have made on this site and especially Kate , Firin, Sandra,Trish, Katie of course you Mistress Rose and all those unmentioned (old age kicking in) for keeping the site alive and vibrant ( no VIBRANT my green troll friend). I'd share my cake with all of you anytime!! Who brought the champagne?????? Paul J

Posted by Paul J on 6/11/2007, 7:05 pm

My friend Holt told me that a few days ago. I've been busy. Business busy. sure. Personal busy. Oh yea. I must admit it gets harder and harder throughout the years in this business to take breaks. I sometimes have to force myself to remember, "oh yea its summer. I should have fun!" Looks like the forum is picking up again. I never knew One Tree Hill would become so long lived. Pleasant suprise. Ah Dan we never knew ye, lad. Such a great suit to wear. Thats how I think of Dan. A great finely made, expensive, arrogant suit. Not so ill fitting as you'd think.
Alpha Dog is a great movie. Is dark and touching and offensive and accurate. Nick asked me to play the part of Pete, named as a hommage to my little brother. He found this rather amusing. Nick has a wonderfully unique sense of humor. The tatoo's took nearly three hours to put on and took a few days to fully remove. I was supposed to be shaving my head but Mark Schwann put a big red X thru that idea as the show was about to start shooting a new season.
I'm living in Venice Beach for the summer and writing a movie for Nick and look forward to season five. I'll check in much more often but mind the sand cause Its Beach season!!!!
Paul

Posted by Paul J on 12/6/2007, 1:16 pm

April may be the cruelest month but certainly December has long sharp nails. She scrapes away at you with her mind numbing slaps of wind. Today all is balmy and bright in North Carolina. Five scenes left to shoot for me. And as usual I am in the last scene on the last day of the last episode of the year. Four years straight. Will we get to finish the season? The storylines? The series? Writers strike aside that is an unknown. In my business unknowns are all you get and if you need roots or schedules you can rely on find an office job. Christmas for me is family time in a big way this year. As I lurk I often see people sharing their travails and woes and the great pangs of existence here on this forum. None of us are immune. Like you, I try to celebrate the time we've got.
I'm here acting but my off time is awash with the next project I'm writing. It is dreadful, tedius, hair pulling and I wouldn't change that for the world. All the more reason to press on. I will. I just caught a few moments of the Raven on a youtube clip. I missed that show. Very nostalgic. Oh Nick, why didn't you just KISS her and be done with it???!!!
Wait till you see the return of Dan!!
He's BAAAACKKKK!

Posted by PAUL j on 4/22/2008, 11:31 pm
Unfortunately I won't be able to make the James Lafferty Charity game this year. I have a previous work commitment in Los Angeles. It will be awesome this year and I hope all those planning to attend will continue to show support for this great event.
pj

Posted by Paul J on 4/23/2008, 8:33 pm, in reply to "Re: To say I'm disappointed.. "
Got your e-mail. I have to shoot a scene in Nick Cassavetes movie, "My Sister's Keeper" this thurs and friday night. I have explained to James Lafferty and he understands. Sorry I'll miss you but this is the nature of the biz as they say.

Posted by Paul j on 5/17/2009, 4:40 pm
Yes I am alive and well and not living in a penthouse hotel with furniture wrapped in plastic like Howard Hughes. For those interested, I have no idea if I'm going back to One Tree Hill. I have no deal in place. I am in Los Angeles restarting old friendships and pursuing various career opportunities. I'll check in more often to the OPJFC. I promise. Thank you all for your continuous and enthusiastic support!
Hilariously yours,
Paul

Posted by Paul J on 1/26/2010, 8:54 pm(on Paul's Birthday Forum)
A nice vintage cabernet and a few toasts. Keeping it simple this year. I am in awe at the constant show of love and support from you, my friends! PJ

Posted by Paul J on 11/13/2010, 11:40 am
Dear friends, I have been gone a long while and before I beg for your forgiveness please allow me to make a modest explanation.
I undertook a monumental task. In fact, I think the bravest thing I've ever done was try to attempt to direct a book of such pedigree and complexity that the mere mention of attempting to shoot it as a film made Hollywood
producers fall to the ground in fits of laughter. Nonetheless, as bold and arrogant as am, I accepted the assignment. From May of this year until now I have completely immersed myself in this project. As we come closer to locking the final cut of the film I slowly can re-emerge into a normal life. I am heading back to North Carolina to direct an episode of One Tree Hill but as of yet no plans to reprise my anti-self Dan Scott. Love and happiness to all of you.
My friend Kate hopefully will now stop writing my epitaph and believe I have not been abducted by aliens. Um the other-worldy type. Sheesh. xxoo

Posted by Paul on 1/26/2011, 8:42 pm
I cam continually flattered and amazed at the kindness extended by all of you on this forum. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Much love to all!
Paul

******
Posted by Alex on 1/25/2011, 8:16 pm
Did Paul direct tonight's OTH because he wasn't credited as director?
******
* Re: Episode 8.12
Posted by Paul on 1/26/2011, 8:43 pm, in reply to "Episode 8.12"
Valentines episode!!!

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