Things are quiet for Bill on the work front at the moment, but Ed Gass-Donnelly, who directed Bill and Karyn Dwyer in 'Polished' last year, has put a trailer up on his site to whet everyone's appetite for his award-winning short film. You'll need QuickTime or the RealOne Player with DivX plug-in to view it, but don't let not having either stop you downloading them -- you'll be rewarded with tantalizing out-takes and a voiceover by Bill. Please visit 3 Legged Dog Films for a look.

Mr. Gass-Donnelly also shared that a US broadcast of 'Polished' is currently being negotiated, and a DVD compilation of his films is forthcoming later this year...Good news for everyone concerned, including us fans! My sincere thanks to Mr. Gass-Donnelly for keeping us posted.

I've been bouncing in and out of contact with everyone while hubby and I house-hunt -- a pressing matter only because our lease is up soon, and the prospect of living out of a cardboard box doesn't seem quite so romantic when it's 20 below outside. But that's no longer a concern as we've found a new roost...in Florida! One last hurdle before we're finally settled in mid-April. Then my only distractions should be alligator wrestling, hurricane evacuations and fire ant decimation.

We're back, and there's lots happening! First the bad news: 'Body and Soul' (PAX) has been cancelled after only two months on the air. Apparently its ratings didn't feel good enough for Feel Good TV.

The good news is that Bill is plenty busy otherwise. He's hosting the new Discovery Channel series "Critical Eye", which takes a look at the science -- and lack thereof -- behind the paranormal and unexplained, and is being produced in cooperation with Skeptical Enquirer magazine. He has just finished shooting an action/adventure kid flick called Max Rules in Seattle (director Robert Burke), is currently in Banff to do a cameo as a sexy French chef opposite Joan Plowright in The Great Goose Caper (also starring Chevy Chase), and is then off to Toronto for a CBC miniseries called "Callagan vs Hemmingway".

And the best news yet -- next year, Bill will be appearing as Danish physicist Niels Bohr in Copenhagen at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal. Copenhagen focuses on Bohr and his ex-student and close colleague, German physicist Werner Heisenberg, who together revolutionized atomic physics in the 1920s, only to find themselves on opposing sides in WWII. The play runs from May 8 - June 1, 2003. To reserve tickets, contact the box office on (514) 288-3161.

No doubt Paul and I will be there, as we've finally completed our move from the UK to NY State!

Bill reports that he has a recurring role in the new series 'Body and Soul' for PAX TV. Check your local cable listings!

Last August I reported that Bill had appeared in a short film called Polished for director Ken Gass-Donnelly. My bad -- that should be Ed Gass-Donnelly, who wrote to correct the error. He also wanted to let us know that Polished took two awards at The Nickel Independent Film and Video Festival, which went off in Newfoundland last month: Best Short Film and Best Actor - William B. Davis! The film will be touring the festival circuit and is headed for TV as well. Kudos all around!

Reminder: Bill will be reading the part of The Commander from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" on August 11 & August 18. The shows can be heard at 10:05 p.m. / 11:05 p.m. maritimes / 11:35 p.m. NFLD on CBC Radio One's Sunday Showcase program (Canada). You can also listen online by connecting through the CBC Audio page using RealMedia or Windows Media Player.

'Canada Reads' is an annual program organised by CBC Radio One (in Canada, in case you aren't following things here) with a lofty goal: to rekindle interest in the lost art of book-reading. Listeners vote for their favourite tomes by Canadian authors and the CBC serialise the top five for radio, the concept being that if the general public won't read for themselves, maybe they'll enrich their lives by listening to a dramatization read by famous celebs.

If you happen to live in Canada you can catch Bill reading the part of The Commander from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" on CBC Radio One, August 11 - August 18, at 10pm Toronto time. Otherwise you can listen online by connecting through the CBC Audio page using RealMedia or Windows Media Player. [I'm pretty sure this is live internet feed as I tuned in recently and the news was up to date -- I'll post an advisory if anything changes.]

Currently Bill is in the midst of producing, writing and directing a short film, as well as being scheduled to host a series of upcoming programs for Discovery. (Details to come.) Life for the Boss goes on after The X-Files...Did anyone doubt it? :)

[See Online articles for an interview with Bill regarding his hosting of "The Science of Death" for Discovery earlier this year.]

Even though Season 9 hasn't finished airing internationally, and unlike some critics I don't like to review what I haven't seen, something I learned about the final episode enticed me to bash out my thoughts on the subject. Seeing as it has to do specifically with our favourite Smoking Man, you can find it on the X-Files: CSM page.

As many of you already know, CSM is back! And not a minute too soon, as his much longed for return apparently runs its course in the X-Files series finale, 'The Truth'.

Season 9 never made it to UK shores so yours truly hasn't personally witnessed the circumstances surrounding CSM's resurrection, or his fate. The words 'smithereens' keep popping up on the message board, though. Oh dear....

TV-Now did an interview with Bill just before the finale aired, which you can read by hopping over to the Articles page.

On a personal note, my husband and I decided in December to move to the USA, and we've been spinning in circles preparing ever since. The house is now sold, the frivolous belongings are packed -- isn't it amazing how little one can live with? -- and the new puppies are housebroken. All we're waiting on is Paul's visa. (A shame he's British and not Cuban...we'd already be in Miami.) We don't expect to be on our way till later this summer. Until then, I'll be endeavouring to keep ahead of things with the website. But have patience. I'm living out of a cardboard box and it's a tight fit.

My apologies for the delayed update, everyone! The cause was an e-mail of mine that went MIA while Bill and his partner Barbara moved house last month. They are still in Vancouver but are enjoying more spacious digs in a nicer part of town.

Meanwhile, it seems no one can claim not to have been impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks -- not even our celebrities. Bill writes:

"Work is happening but is quite reduced. Two main factors. First was the strike that didn't happen but meant that studios stockpiled a lot of inventory. Now, after Sept 11, there is a lot of worry as to what to produce. Eventually it will pick up but it's quiet now. I just did a guest bit on a feature called 'Aftermath' in Montreal. And they want me to play the Canadian Ambassador for a MOW (movie-of-the-week) in Costa Rica."

If that happens he'll let me know, and I'll pass the word along.

Those familiar with Bill's love of water-skiing won't be surprised to learn he's just back from competing in the Canadian National Waterski Championships in Toronto, where he won his age division again this year!

He also took time to shoot a short 'art film' called Polished for director Ed Gass-Donnelly, who is the son of an old friend of Bill's -- director Ken Gass. Bill says, "...It was a really interesting role, a man going through a change of life as he gets his shoes polished." He appears with Karyn Dwyer. Polished may turn up on TV and appear at film festivals.

The latest Q&A installment covers both August and September; the next will go online in October. Since Bill has been so very good about getting replies to me in time over the past several months I thought he deserved a holiday. Unpaid, of course. ;)

If you're thinking of writing to Bill you can find his new fan mail address below. Please take a moment to read the updated tips I've provided, for Bill's sake as well as your own.

And now a small commerical break.....

Don't underestimate the power you have as a fan!

If you want CSM back in Season 9 of The X-Files, tell Chris Carter and FOX Network about it.

Chris Carter
Executive Producer "The X-Files"
20th Century Fox
10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(USA)

Working Both Sides of the Camera

Bill has confirmed his appearance in a forthcoming epsiode of Andromeda, entitled 'The Interview'. He also reports: "The 'unabomber' [mentioned in May] didn't happen. They were slow making an offer and in the meantime I had an offer to do a film with Laura Dern called 'Damaged Care'. Although it's not a large part it is very prominent in one section of the film. This was a great experience, working with her, and the director [Harry Riner]."

And for those wondering if Bill would be doing any more screenwriting after his success with the X-Files ep 'En Ami', the answer is yes! For some months now he has been working on a script -- not for 1013, but a full-fledged screenplay of his own -- and a recent public reading garnered a very encouraging response. Details as they emerge!

Thanks to V. for this info: Bill will appear in The Outer Limits episode "Worlds Within" on June 29 at 10 p.m. EST (N. America). It shows again at 1 a.m. EST on June 30, so you've got no excuse for missing it.

A little birdie tells me that there's a chance Bill may be appearing in the series 'Andromeda' next season. I haven't verified this information with The Man yet but I'll keep you updated.

CSM Write-In Campaign: Please write Chris Carter at the address below and ask him to bring back CSM. Bill suggested taking this course of action just after I made my original appeal to all of you last month, so go ahead, be prolific in confidence! (Need I add, don't write anything you wouldn't want your mother reading.)

Well, folks, here we are at the end of Season 8 and there's still no 'smoke' on the horizon. The only conspiracy fans who are happy at the moment are those who prefer Krycek calling the shots. To them I say: enjoy it while you can.

[Woah, another of my predictions comes true...!]

The rest of us need to make a concerted effort and demand the resurrection of the *real* boss! So write a letter, stick a ream of paper in your printer, and carpet bomb Chris Carter's office at the address below during the hiatus!

The head honchos over at The X-Files may not know what they're doing, but their counterparts over at The Outer Limits do: Bill has just finished filming another episode for them.

He also says he's growing his hair long for a possible stint as the unabomber. In case anyone's wondering, yes, there is a script involved.

In a recent note, Bill shares: "I'm just back from Calgary, where I was playing the chief priest to the Oracle of Delphi for a show called 'Mythquest' which has not aired anywhere yet. It was good to get back to work."

A search online shows 'Mythquest' to be a children's PBS series, which is tentatively scheduled to begin airing this Fall.

From the UK Sky Satellite Magazine for February: "We may not have seen the last of the Cigarette-Smoking Man. Says Carter, 'Last time we saw him, he was lying at the bottom of a flight of stairs looking in pretty bad shape, but no-one said he was dead'."

When I asked Bill if he'd heard anything about this, he said yes -- from this page! (I suppose there is such a thing as being too efficient at information gathering....) Even so, this is the first positive sign we've had where CSM's fate is concerned. And CC wouldn't wind us up, would he?

Happy New Millennium, everyone! I received a note from Bill the other night saying he and Barbara enjoyed a terrific Christmas and some skiing together over the holidays. Nothing new on The X-Files/CSM front to report, but Bill is watching and finds Season 8 to his liking. I'll comment when the new season begins here in the UK.

Now, in case you hadn't noticed, Bill's birthday is coming up on January 13th. There's a link off the front page for you to leave a birthday message for him, so if you haven't done so already, leave your wishes!

Bill is in "Perpetrators of the Crime" on January 13th at 5 p.m. on Cinemax, and on TMC at 7.55 a.m. on the 16th, and 12.55 p.m. on the 24th. (All times Eastern USA; check your local listings.)

Update to below for Netscape users: because of the use of an invisible frame, CTRL-D won't bookmark properly. Instead, right click on the link that now appears for you and choose 'add bookmark'.

We've gone large here at the William B. Davis Homepage and acquired our own domain name. From now on, you can get to the site simply by typing http://www.williambdavis.co.uk/ in your browser. It's easier to remember, and you'll always find the Homepage with it -- even if I get the wild urge to move to another server one day.

There's a handy little link on the main (front) page to help you add the new URL to your favorites list if you're an IExplorer user. Netscape users can use CTRL-D.

So don't wait. Bookmark it. Now.

All right, people, I know you're out there. Maybe you'd like to chat? If so, head over to the newly installed message board, affectionately titled 'Ciggies not Included'. We're friendly and have all our innoculations. Trust me.

All right, people, I know you're out there. Maybe you'd like to chat? If so, head over to the newly installed message board, affectionately titled 'Ciggies not Included'. We're friendly and have all our innoculations. Trust me.

If you're detail-oriented you'll notice a few aesthetic changes to the website as of today, including the elimination of the natty old navigation bar. If you're using Internet Explorer 3 or up, new links will be blue with a rollover effect and will change color when clicked. Netscape users probably won't get any color change or rollover effects until someone in power decides cross-browser script compatibility is a good idea.

Feel free to tell me what you think and most especially if there's a problem. We aim to kill -- er, please.

Rumour Control -- Contrary to reports being made on some X-Files sites, Ten Thirteen has not approached Bill to appear in Season 8 as of this moment in time. While it's entirely possible this could change as the season progresses, the current rumour probably stems from the potential to use already existing footage of CSM.

Bill spent all of Thursday in London doing interviews -- in person, by phone...you name it -- for the following European publications: The Guardian, Cult Times, SFX, DVD Review and DVD Monthly.

Anyone who saw Bill's live Big Breakfast interview knows it was a bust -- a scant few minutes long because they ran out of time, the only revelation to come from it is that Channel 4 has a functioning fog machine.

Bill's appearance on The Big Breakfast is confirmed, so fire up those VCRs! (Thursday 2 Nov, Channel 4, 7.00 a.m. - UK)

Also, look for interviews with Bill in the following European magazines: SFX, The Radio Times, DVD Review and DVD Monthly.

My report on Bill's talk in Glasgow is now up for your reading/viewing pleasure. [Linked through the 'Articles' page]

My husband Paul and I are back after an exhilarating weekend trip to Glasgow for Bill's talk. (Beware the masterful understatement!) As soon as it's done you can read all about it under Articles.

Two more upcoming TV appearances came to light during our visit with Bill. First, UK residents should tune in to Channel 4's Big Breakfast on Thursday, 2 November, at 7.00 a.m., where he may appear for an as yet unconfirmed interview.

And fans who are familiar with the sci-fi series 'First Wave' will be happy to learn that Bill shot an episode just before leaving Vancouver last week. Look for it later on this season. (UK viewers probably won't see this episode until next year.)

This weekend just gone saw our favourite actor jetting to NY, where he gave a Saturday talk to members of The Council for Secular Humanism and University of Buffalo students. (Now don't whine at me, I didn't know about it beforehand either. I've decided I'm going to make a World Series bet and hire the man a secretary with the winnings. GO METS!)

Bill's talk, by the way, was sandwiched neatly between a Friday night and Monday shooting schedule in Vancouver for his upcoming appearance in 'The Fearing Mind', the new series from Jim Henson Television. I'll share episode details when I learn 'em, so those of you lucky enough to get this program will know when to warm up your VCRs.

Meanwhile, we here in the UK are drooling in anticipation of Bill's talk in Glasgow at the end of the month, cited below. Tickets are still on sale for any procrastinators in the crowd. And if you can't be there, look for my report and photos in November. Which I might just sell for a nominal fee to help pay for Bill's new secretary. ;)

Season 8 Up in Smoke for CSM

It's my sad duty to report that there are no plans to bring Cigarette-Smoking Man back this season, as recently revealed by Frank Spotnitz to Entertainment Weekly.

Incredible as it seems, The X-Files is moving in another direction. And if CSM is out that must mean away from the mytharc so assiduously weaved together over the years. Fans of the smoke-shrouded demagogue will certainly disagree, but according to Chris Carter the main points of the conspiracy arc have been resolved and alien colonisation will not become a driving theme.

As stated in October's Q&A, no contract has been offered to Bill for Season 8. In a note to me he added, "Which is not to say he (CSM) will never recur -- in a film or Season 10 or sometime."

While understandably disappointed, Bill is looking in other directions too, career-wise.

"But it's too bad for fans of the character," he writes.

The UK's turn for 'An Audience with William B. Davis'

All right, UK X-Philes, here's the chance we've been waiting for -- In a recent email, Bill told me that he's scheduled to give a talk in Scotland on 29 October!

"Talk?" you ask? Lecture, actually. In fact, in recent years Bill has been much sought after to lend his speaking talents at a variety of venues, largely in the U.S. and Canada, and I haven't heard less than a rave review from those lucky enough to experience him in person. Bill discusses several topics such as scepticism, why The X-Files has become such a phenomenon, and of course his role as the Cigarette-Smoking Man -- with a generous dash of charm and humour thrown in -- to make it an encounter you won't forget. This is a golden opportunity for any fan to find out what The X-Files' star villain is really like behind all that smoke.

'An Audience with William B. Davis' comes to the UK through the auspices of CSM Promotions and organiser David Bickerstaff, who does all this hard work simply because he wants to give fans the opportunity to see celebrities they wouldn't otherwise. (Next on David's hit list are the Lone Gunmen -- I'll keep you posted!)

Tickets for 'An Audience with William B. Davis' are on sale now at £20.00 each through Forbidden Planet in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Please see Tours/Cons for specific contact information. I hope to see you there!

7 Sept -- Correction! Tch, I've been broadcasting the wrong name for this event. It's "An Audience with", not "An Evening with". David Bickerstaff reminded me today that this is an afternoon talk, Scottish logic being do everything in the afternoon in order to leave the night free for fun and frolic. A philosophy we can all hang with, no? My apologies for the small error.

Now, if only I could remember if it's "Edin-burrow" or "Edin-burra"....

My husband and I will be on vacation from Sept 11-26, so the latest Q&A (below) covers both August and September. My mailbox is always open though, so keep those questions and comments for Bill coming!

Fight the Future for CSM

We already know that Mulder won't be around much next season and Scully looks to be partnered with someone new. But could it be that 'Requiem' spelt the end for our beloved CSM as well?

In a note dated 20 July, Bill writes, "Things aren't looking too good for old CSM. While there is talk of using me later in Season Eight there is no sign of a contract being offered. Serious CSM fans should write in perhaps."

You heard the man! So unless you're really looking forward to a season of Scully investigating the dark side of Feng Shui, write!

Chris Carter
Executive Producer
"The X-Files"
20th Century Fox
10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035

Despite the uncertainty, Bill is staying busy. He's just completed filming Anthrax and is off to Edmonton to portray Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for children's TV. And with the summer comes waterskiing -- Bill recently won his division at the BC provincial championships!

The August issue of The X-Files magazine talks with Bill and Rob Bowman about the making of 'En Ami', and includes some great photos of Bill and Gillian. In the Cult Times special June issue (#14), Bill talks about 'En Ami' and 'Requiem' and how he'd like CSM to be remembered.

We're taking a miss on the June Q&A and will proceed directly into July or August, just as soon as Bill's schedule permits [See Previous Q&As]. Meanwhile, keep sending your questions!

Well, as most everyone knows by now, CSM is pushed down a flight of stairs by Krycek in the last episode of Season 7 and left for dead. Can it possibly be that our favourite nine-lived nihilist has smoked his last Morley? Will this demagogue among villains never again pull a string and smile with malicious delight as the person at the other end jumps? Can he not, as it were, rise from the ashes?

Bill doesn't know either. But like the rest of you out there shouting "Foul!", my money's on good ol' CSM. We can but wait and see what Season 8 and the mind of Chris Carter bring.

Never one to let a lackey get him down (shame on Krycek -- he was like a son to CSM!), Bill remains busy, skeptically-speaking, with recent talks for Secular Humanism in Los Angeles and for the University of Calgary Alumni Association. He writes that he also appeared as a tv star at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida (isn't that type-casting?), and is shooting a film called Anthrax in Calgary. On June 3rd, he takes on the role of Cornwall in a staged reading of 'King Lear'. Mysteriously he adds: "And I am working on a screenplay along with fifty thousand other people." One could drown in that writing pool!

I'll do my best to get details and report them here. In the meantime, enjoy the slightly belated May Q&A below, and check out Hiding in the Light's coverage of Bill's talk at the Kennedy Space Center!

Bill writes that he has just finished shooting Out of Pocket with Flashdance's Jennifer Beals. Out of Pocket has a tentative release date of next year. Also, he has a cameo in the TV comedy "Becoming Dick", which stars Robert Wagner. Busy, that's what we like to hear!

Next week Bill is off to L.A. to film the last X-Files episode of the season–or of the series?

“No one knows,” he writes.

Just received a note from Bill saying the episode he wrote, number 15, will air in N. America on March 19th. Chris Carter had his hand in the final product of course, but Bill says it retains his original intent. CSM plays a major role and some of the content is bound to have you leg-sawing, so don't miss it!

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...and his name is Bill Davis. Unbeknownst to us, he conspired with the webmistress over at FOX's new X-Files Site to make this the first X-Files actor homepage listed there. It's quite an honor and we couldn't be more pleased.

Bill, you make one heck of a Kris Kringle - thank you!

Travesty: CSM doesn't appear again this season until episode eleven. He must be off honing his new telepathic powers....

For the record, as a child Mez did not put her sister's hamster on the turntable at 78rpm to exercise it.

Waiting for an unforeseen conspiracy arc plot twist? That may be just what's in store this season: Bill has taken the screenwriting plunge and is collaborating with Frank Spotnitz on his own concept for an upcoming episode. He says he's enjoying the writing process a great deal.

That should make a few X-Philes nervous!