Isabell, Sweden:   I wonder what you liked the best about playing Sully in Dr Quinn, and was it the best role you've had? Or have you another favourite?

Have a nice summer!

JOE LANDO:     The thing I loved best about playing Sully was the ability to be outdoors each and every day. It was beautiful at the ranch.  I loved the people I worked with. I really enjoyed myself. Every actor gets a role close to their heart and Sully was mine.  It was my best role to date.  Second would be Peter Scarbrow, because of the topics we were dealing with, and that show was very close to my heart too.

Estrid O, Denmark:    What kind of job do you prefer; in front of the camera or in back, maybe writing manuscripts or…

I love to see pictures of your family - Your lovely wife Kirsten, is she from Scandinavia? - Her name looks Scandinavian.        

Best wishes to all of you.

JOE LANDO:     At this stage of my life I would prefer to be behind the camera in a producing, writing, directing capacity.  Unfortunately, during the time I should have been laying the groundwork for that, I was very busy acting on Dr. Quinn and not allowed or encouraged at that time, to take part in other activities, while on Dr. Quinn.  Higher Ground gave me the opportunity but unfortunately that show was short-lived.

Mary Ellen S, Hickory, NC:    In "Washington Affair," Sully shoots pool left-handed.  Are you ambidextrous?

JOE LANDO:     Yes, I am.  I do a lot of things left-handed.  I do play pool left-handed and if I’m shooting right-handed, you know you’re being set up.    

Beth, Columbus, OH:     What was your motivation for doing the show Higher Ground? It was short lived, but I've got to say it was inspirational. I work with at-risk adolescents now, and watching that show during my high school years is a big part of what motivated me, so I guess I've wondered what it was like for you dealing with that type of material.

JOE LANDO:     I have to be honest, when I first signed on for the show it was going to be more of an adventure action kind of series, which I really wanted to participate in.  The stories evolved and everyone saw it happening and loved the direction it was going.  A lot of the writers and the producers saw it more fulfilling than just being eye candy and I was happy with the way the show evolved.  I know it would have gotten better and better if it was allowed to continue.  On a positive note, we had 22 shows we worked hard on and so many actors came out of that show who are acting on TV all the time and I’m happy for them.
    
Susan T, Orange, VA:     When will you make another TV movie and what do u do when you r not making movies? For 2008 what kind of projects will u be doing? How is your newest child doing?

JOE LANDO:     My guess is as good as yours as to when I will do another TV movie.  I would love to be working right now.  My kids, except for William, are in school.  In the near future I have nothing lined up.  What I seem to do when I’m not making movies, I’m making babies. They seem to fall during little hiatuses. Jack came right after Dr. Quinn cancelled. Christian arrived after Higher Ground cancelled. Kate, I was on vacation.  William came during a big open period in my career.  Now I am going to go back to work, I’ve been prolific enough at home, and I need to make money to pay for these kids’ education.

Kelli:  Joe, I think you did a good job acting as Sully on dr.quinn medicine woman. Who is your favorite actress to you? What was your favorite part that you acted in on dr.quinn medicine woman? Are you and William Shockley friends in real life also?

JOE LANDO:     My favorite part on the show, it is hard for me to pick that.  I’d have to say I had so many favorites it is hard for me to pick one.  My favorites don’t necessarily feature Sully only. I just loved to lose myself and watch the performances of the other actors. 

Meryl Streep is one of the best in what she does.  She is consistently so good.  I used to really enjoy Nicole Kidman but something odd happened with her.

William and I are friends.  We haven’t seen each other a lot lately; our schedules conflict. I hear him on TV all the time and I know he is doing really well with his voice-over career and writing and has been for a long, long time.

Leslie F, Canada:   I would like to say what a great job you did on Dr. Quinn.  My children and I have watched it for some time now and it has bonded our family.  I have enjoyed Dr. Quinn so much that I wanted to know if any of it is like your real personality?  Sully was a wonderful person that seems unreal but I sure wish he were.  I guess I would like to know that you are somewhat like that.  LOL

Anyway, thanks for the work you did to make the series so good!

JOE LANDO:     Thank you very much for the compliments on the show and I‘m honored you enjoyed my performances.  I think Sully and I are very like each other in many aspects.  I think that, as the character evolved, the writers wrote to my strengths and I think much of my personality is in Sully and much of Sully's personality is in me.

Susan L, Troutdale, Oregon:     I would like to know how you feel about living life with passion?  I often think about moving to San Francisco, it is my dream yet something doesn’t feel right about it?  What do you think?  By the way, we have the same favorite song, which is what inspired me to write to you.   Thanks.

JOE LANDO:     I believe you have to live your life with passion. That’s the only thing that has helped me become somewhat successful in life. I had a dream and went after it and I pursued my wife with the same passion.  I tell my children do it well, the best you can, or don’t do it at all, and never give up.

Susan M, Tipp City, Ohio:     I hope you get on days of our lives, because I watch the soap every day. You would be a fresh face on the show. You are very talented person, and was very good on dr.quin. thanks

JOE LANDO:     Susan, I hope you’re right.  I would love an opportunity to work over there.  I met some of these actors back when I was on the soaps. They have a good show and I would love the opportunity to work with some of those folks.

Beth, Tennessee:     Is there any chance that your series Higher Ground would become available on DVD?  My family and I made it a habit to watch that show while it was airing - it touched us, thank you for working on it.  A good message was appreciated despite the tough situations the kids were in.

Thanks very much.

JOE LANDO:     Thank you for your comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the show. I’ve been told by Matthew Hastings, the creator and one of the producers and director of the show, they were coming out with a DVD version. We have yet to see it transpire.

Joe Saunders, San Diego:     I have been a fan of yours since I was 10 and watching One Life To Live as a child. You were always one of my favorites. With the big 45th anniversary of the show coming up, I heard they were bringing back alot of old favorites. Are you going to come back for an episode or two? If not then, would you ever? I would love to see what has been going on with Jake Harrison the last 15 years!

JOE LANDO:     I never thought I would say this, I would like to know what was going on with Jake over the past 15 years myself.  It was the beginning of my career, on that show, and I would appreciate it if they gave me a call. I suggest, if you want to see me on the show again, or see Jake again, you write to ABC daytime. Frank Valentini is the producer of the show. Address your emails to the powers that be at ABC. I would love to see a Jake and Lucky reunion. Brian Tarantina remains my good friend.  We have great chemistry and it shows up on the screen.  We were good friends in real life also. Brian taught me a lot about acting, as he told me and will tell you.

Lynn T, Ithaca NY:     Hello, Mr. Lando.
Pardon this lame question, but what is the biggest challenge you have ever faced as an actor?-Is it more difficult to have a physically stressful role or one that is emotionally demanding? Also, as a former producer of your own show, does that not afford you some extra clout when you look around for other projects to do? Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you again on the screen some day.

JOE LANDO:     Having been a producer, you would think it would give you some clout but you are only as good as your last job.

The more stressful is the emotional, not physical.  With the physical, you get achy muscles and that’s about it, but the emotional stays with you for a while.  Imagining sad or difficult moments are hard to put out of your mind, especially if you are trying hard to do it and put yourself in the place of that person at that moment; it’s hard to get rid of that.

When I did the movie with Peter Coyote, playing that guy who was a serial killer, that kind of bothered me.  I would try to put myself in the mind of a person like that and walk around and found that disturbing, looking at everyone I saw and thinking, are you thinking those thoughts.

Emotional scenes like I did on OLTL, with someone dying that you loved, that was an awful thing to put yourself through.  When you finish and you are happy with the way it came out, it does feel very gratifying.    

Penni, NC:     Hi Joe. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. It means alot. I would like to know what is the ideal role you would still like to play that you haven't yet?  Now that the kids are a little bit older, do you think it is harder to raise a girl than a boy in this day in time? Why or why not?

JOE LANDO:     In all honesty, the role that would pay the best and get me home by dinnertime.

Definitely raising a girl is going to be tougher than raising boys.

Christine, France:  HI Joe.  I recently watched Cinderella's Daughter with a little girl and she loved it.. You know as little girls like Prince and Princess Stories ..I was wondering if  your daughter Kate has seen this movie and  if yes  what  does she think of her Daddy being a lovely Prince (or King)? I send you all my best for  a new role. We miss you on our screens.

JOE LANDO:     Thank you.  In fact, Kate has not seen that one.  It was one of the jobs I did because I planned on having my kids watch it but I forgot about it.  My kids have only seen five or six Dr. Quinn episodes. I don’t play a lot of my stuff for the kids,  it just doesn’t seem like it’s me.  I don’t show them a lot of my stuff. I don’t want them to think I’m different or anything like that.

Christine, France & Marie, Germany:     Hi Joe
In 2003 you described a typical day in the Lando household. Could you tell us a typical day in 2008 with four little kids? It must be very busy!!lol! I admire you two! And are you able to take a day off of family duties - once in a while - so that your wife and you can spend a day without the kids? Thank you very much.

JOE LANDO:     A typical day here, Kirsten gets up at 6 a.m., makes the lunches and breakfast for the kids. The kids wake up at 6:30 with me, come down, everyone eats.  I walk the boys to school, Kirsten cleans up in the house. I go to the gym for an hour, come home. My wife leaves, takes Kate to school, goes to the gym, leaves me with William and I do whatever around the house until it’s time to pick up Kate from school and time for me to pick up the boys from school. Then there’s sports to go to, baseball, flag football, dinnertime, homework, family time, and then to bed.  The night ends at nine for Kirsten and me and the kids go to bed around eight.

I can’t remember the last time that happened honestly.  Even if we have the opportunity we choose to be with the children anyways; we’re gluttons for punishment.

Jessica, Georgia:  Do you miss acting?
Does Will favor u more or Kirsten?
Has Jane seen will yet?

JOE LANDO:     Jane has seen William.  William seems to be like the other kids, just a 50/50 percent combination of the two of us.

Do I miss acting? A tiny bit but not a great amount.  Every once in a while I miss the creative outlet, but I don’t ache for it like I used to.

Evelyn, Germany:     Just recently we receive NASN on pay-TV and we can watch North American Sports now. So my husband and I watched baseball for the very first time. And what should I say, we both immediately got hooked! What a great game! As often as possible we watch the baseball league (MLB) live now (because of the time difference we often go to work next morning with still tired eyes, yawn :-).
You and Kirsten are Cub fans, right? Hey, the team is on a roll!! Go Cubs go, go Cubs. Do you watch baseball games at the stadium in L. A. (like the last game Indians vs. Dodgers) or do you prefer to watch them at home on TV?

JOE LANDO:     I always watch the Dodger games on TV and I’m able to get the Cubs games occasionally.  Recently James Keach was nice enough to give me four tickets for the Cubs against the Dodgers and I took my two sons and father-in-law and we had a great boys day out thanks to James.

Evy, Germany:   There are so many famous people who are or were addicted to alcohol like Mel Gibson, Robin Williams, singer Keith Urban and others. How can an actor/actress get a grip on it, not to become addicted? Joe, for you as an actor with up and downs, was it ever difficult not to drink too much? Were you ever endangered to get addicted to alcohol or drugs?

JOE LANDO:     I think, yeah, this business lends itself to that kind of problem; idle hands are the devil’s workshop, that downtime is often difficult for people because you can work so hard for so long and all of a sudden it stops and people sometimes go astray.  My downtime is busy and I haven’t fallen victim to that.  You have to take care of yourself and check your habits.

Nadieh, The Netherlands:     Dear Joe, me and my mom are a huge fan from Holland, the Netherlands!!  Recently dr quinn medicine woman is at tv again!! She has seen them all, and now again. I watched it when I was nine years old. Am eight-teen years young now. And I recently buy series one of medicine woman. I want them all. (sorry if my English isn't so good. I hope u can understand it a little bit!!
But are you still making movies now? Or have u take off to be with you family? What should be logically of course!!
I hope you answer my question. And I really hope I see you in the spotlights again. Oh,  I have also the movie Deavelsbed ( I really love that one) killer flood, and any place but home. Good movies!!

Bye bye...

JOE LANDO:     Nadieh, your English is better than my Dutch and I thank you for your compliments.  I hope to be working again soon.  Keep checking the web site because I’m sure Judy will keep you informed.

Erica O, Bloomington, Indiana when in college and the Detroit area when it is summer:     Hello Joe, I do not believe you actually get these and read them but, if you respond, it would make my day, actually prob. my month. I am 21 and have been a fan of the show since I was a kid and I am currently rewatching all the season b/c... a) I am super bored when I am not taking classes and b) I love the series and c) you are super sexy. Ok, inappropriate and since I want you so answer I will just ask, are you anything like you character Sully or do you identify more with other characters you have played? I really liked the short lived series (sadly) you did I believe it was on ABC family with Hayden Christiansen, what was it called? I am also curious why that did not last because I adored it (in my humble opinion). Anyway, I just wanted to say I think you are amazing and I love your body of work. Also, is there anything you are in now that I have missed or that you are going to be in soon? I just feel you are a true actor, that probably makes no sense, but the emotion that you emit is almost tangible and I get lost in the projects you take on. Perhaps, that is why I love Dr. Quinn so much. Anyway, make a college girls dream come true and write me back. I know you are busy but it would be just lovely. Thanks again,

JOE LANDO:     Erica, I am answering these questions and I’m having Judy be my conduit because my typing would take me forever to answer these questions.

Like I said earlier today, Sully was the closest to my own personality and second to that would be Peter Scarbrow from Higher Ground, the series I was on with Hayden Christiansen. And I hope answering a little bit of this question has made your day a little bit brighter

Thank you and good-bye.

"Ditte B., Denmark:   Right now it is summer and mostly the tv stations that do reruns DQ is on hold though. My question is do you get tired of hearing or see DQ on rerun once again for 100th time? (I don't mind it one bit, since that's the only show with you they do reruns of here, they had Higher ground but took it off, loved that one too).
Thank you for your time answering questions from your fans. Stay safe and take care with family :-D Grand summer to you.

JOE LANDO:     I haven’t seen Dr. Quinn reruns here in the states for two years. So, no. Thanks for asking and you have a great summer too.

Montse, Madrid, Spain:   Hi Joe, it is so nice to hear from you again!  Remember the fan who crossed continents to see you on the DQMW set in Montreal or dine at your invitation in LA? Thank you so much for the time you made so special for your fans.

Congratulations, Kirsten and you have a wonderful family, 4 beautiful children, I am so glad for all of you!  I also hope your parents are doing fine!

If you were entrusted with outlining or even writing a script for a movie, what story would you tell and what role would you save for yourself?  Would you be influenced by the preferences your children have for a special genre of movies, would you perhaps even be inspired by their personality in creating characters?

JOE LANDO:     First of all, it’s great hearing from you again, Montse, it’s been a long time. I hope you and your family are doing well. 

Kids wouldn’t be a huge influence on what I choose to do right now.  I found a true story I would love to develop about a very interesting character.  I don’t want to say too much about it because it is still really early, but I find this person’s story and the events surrounding it very interesting. It would hit home with a lot of people because it really deals with a lot of the uneasy feelings people have today as far as safety and security since 9/11.  I think everyone has experienced a bully in their life. The essence of the story I would like to tell is very dark, more for an adult audience.  I actually discussed this with a few people, they are interested, and I will see where it goes.

Maria F, Portugal:     You are an example of a real family man
As an actor, you are the best - your several glances, an amazing talent, your facial expressions, your body language, expressing so many emotions, and -- and.....You are the best! You will find a very good work because you deserve and you have been pretty blessed. I am Jack fan, too. I like to hear his blog. He has an excellent diction, sweet voice and it is wonderful to hear him! I like that.
Does his father teach him? Good teacher!!!
I would like to ask you if you are thinking to do more blogs with Jack and your others Kids?

JOE LANDO:     I thank you for your compliments. Jack has not been as interested in making any more films.  He was very into it for a while.  Now school and sports have taken him in another direction.  I do believe he has talent, he is a very gifted speaker, and being in front of people makes him happy.  As far as my other children, Christian could be one of the better actors, but he loves baseball and basketball and is a very avid reader.  Kate is a tomboy and I don’t know what direction she will take.  William is looking like he is going to be a very good walker.

Cheryl, Boston:    Is it difficult for your agent to get you an interview for existing shows like Brothers and Sisters, or is it easier to get an audition for a new, yet to be aired show?  We miss you on tv Joe, please come back !!

Do you know what show Jane is developing?  Any part for you, her favorite leading man ?!?!?  It would be wonderful for us fans to see you both together again !

What is your favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July?  Are you a grill man??  Do the kids like fireworks?  Here in Boston the 4th is a big holiday and we enjoy parades, concerts and fireworks.

JOE LANDO:     I’m currently looking for a new agent.  My agency was a victim of the long and painful strike so I’m currently looking for a new agent.  Jane has just done something for Hallmark and I haven’t talked to her about it yet.  And as far as the 4th of July goes, I will be running in a 5k with my wife.  We have a barbecue at my in-laws and see the parade and fireworks that night.  It is a very small town event for that and we like the small town Americana feel about it.  We are big fans of the 4th of July

Linda b, London, England:     Hi Joe, do you still find reality shows not to  your liking as their  is a lot more being shown on tv at the moment, do you feel that you could ever appear in one?

thank you for answering our questions i hope the  future is brighter for you.

JOE LANDO:     Sadly to say, I’m starting to become more tolorent of reality shows and watching more than I care to, more talent driven, like Amercian Idol or So you Think you Can Dance. I still find salacious reality appalling and I really don’t see myself appearing in them any time soon.  I had friends i.e., Danny Bonaduce, who appeared in them and who didn’t come off well. Hopefully, you’ll see me in a real show soon.    

Jayme, Chicago, IL:   Hi!  I'm a big fan of yours from your one life to live days.  I know you keep in touch with the actor that played Lucky.  (Sorry, can't think of his name)  I was wondering if you keep in touch with any of the other actors (Jessica Tuck, Robert S. Woods etc..) and would you ever be interested in coming back to OLTL?  I would love to see Jake/You on my screen everyday!  Thanks.

JOE LANDO:     I keep in Contact with Brian Tarantina a couple of times a year; he is always a house guest during pilot season when he comes out.  We call him our eldest.  He is the only one I remained in contact with. I used to talk with Bob Woods but we kind of lost touch.  I like those guys and Jessica Tuck a lot.  We all have our separate lives.  From time to time I tune in to see what is going on on the show. I would love to go back and do a short stint on One Life to Live.  I wouldn’t want anything long term because I would have to move my family to New York and I don’t think everyone here will be up to that, but anything is possible.  I would have to be presented with a possible situation.

Debby K, Pittsburgh, PA:   Joe, I have several questions.  Please feel free to answer as many as you like.
1. What was the most difficult stunt you did for TV or movies, and what made it so?
2. What is your favorite genre of acting:  action, comedy, serious drama, western, science fiction?
3. What is the most common misperception of you?
4. If you could be known for one roll in show business, what would you want it to be?
5. What is the nicest thing that anyone ever did for you?
6. What is the most important life lesson you would like your children to know?
7. What was the most significant turning point in your career and why?
8. What kind of feeling does it give you to act?
9. Have you or any of your relatives ever traced your genealogy?  Any interesting results?
10. What\'s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

JOE LANDO:     You’re a very inquisitive person. 
The most dangerous thing I’ve done, other than riding a horse faster than I should have, was in No Code of Conduct, when I burst out of the back of the van and was firing off while we raced.  It was dangerous. I was only cabled on the side of my arm.  I was hanging out the back and it was scary.  The camera car was tailing us very closely but it was  quite exciting and the most dangerous stunt I had ever done. 

Acting is a rush and all actors get addicted to it.  You get on a sound stage, it heats up your body. It’s a very addictive feeling. I think every actor gets a type of fear, controlled fear, where you know what you’re doing, you know that you’re prepared, but it’s like standing in front of people with your pants down and really exposing yourself, in a sense, and I think that attracts all actors to what they do. 

The best advice I ever got was from Johnny Cash on the set of Dr. Quinn on how do you avoid the pitfalls of fame and show business.  He told me, “Joe, never become a slave to your possessions.” He was trying to tell me don’t get yourself in over your head financially and enjoy your fame and don’t let it abuse you or become trapped by it.  I think I enjoy what I have but it doesn’t make up who I am.  My kids are good people. I try to set a good example, tell them to be compassionate to others, and to count their blessings.

Alyssa B, NY:   I have followed your career from the beginning. I absolutely adored you as Sully.  What are some of your hobbies? I am eager to hear from you!!

JOE LANDO:  My hobbies are: I love hiking, Number 1, being outdoors, enjoying myself in simple pleasures, being with my children, going fishing, playing tennis, baseball, that’s about it.  Simple things that I learned to do and love when I was a struggling actor.  And I love to ski but that takes a certain amount of money.