The final interview for my 5 quick questions at Wizard World series is none other than Admiral Adama Himself, Edward James Olmos. Olmos was already a legend in sci-fi due his role as Gaff in Blade Runner and because of this and his award winning performance on Miami Vice, he was offered the role of the captain in Star Trek the Next Generation during pre-production and turned down the role.

He then went on to act in the film Stand and Deliver for which he was nominated for an Oscar for best actor. After his nomination he tried his hand at directing with American Me which has come to be a classic in the gangster film genre. Olmos then returned to television first with a reoccurring role on The West Wing then to American Family: Journey of Dreams which he was on from 2002-2004. I also found it interesting that he was noted as making an appearance in in Snoop Dogg’s music video Vato, featuring B-Real from Cypress Hill.

I would have to say the experience of interviewing Edward James Olmos was surreal to say the least and I was a bit nervous as well. Upon sitting down to start the interview and looking across the table I suddenly forgot how to work my H2 recorder, and after a bit of fumbling with it and getting that same look I have seen given to Starbuck on numerous occasions on Battlestar Galactica I quickly regrouped and figured out “the red blinky thing, yeah that’s record”. After passing this obstacle he relaxed and I got to ask “Eddie” a few questions.

Check out the interview after the jump.

1. When you accepted the role of Admiral Adama on Battlestar Galactica did you think the show would become the phenomena that it has?

The answer is no one really knew that the show was going to get to this level, so we all just kinda like held on and we just got more and more understanding of the show and how it was growing, I really appreciate that.

2. How much of yourself do you think is in the character of Admiral Adama?

Basically I think that I embody every character that I do. You know it’s more of a situation of allowing these situations to be understood. I love the character, it’s one of the strongest characters I’ve been able to play, but I also like Gaff a lot. I love Miami Vice’s Lieutenant Martin Castillo, and love El Pachuco. The characters I’ve been able to develop have been a lot of fun.

3. I remember an interview early on in the show, where you mentioned that the show was too dark has your opinion of the show changed over time?

No, I think it got darker as it went along. It’s funny, as it continued, it got harder and harder and harder to watch, because of the psychological and emotional stress they put on the viewer.

4. I know you recently wrapped filming on the Battlestar Galactica film The Plan how did that go?

That went really well. We had a good time doing it and we had a lot of fun editing it, and right now we are doing the special effects which are just stunning.

5. And my final question who would win in a fight between Admiral Adama and Saul Tigh?

I think probably Adama. But Saul would give him a run for his money. He’s a little taller, but he’s not as well endowed as I am.



At this point I made Admiral Adama laugh and I just might get my flight privileges back someday. So say we all.

