For six years, he's been Agent Fox Mulder on the hit series "The X-Files,"
but "the fatherhood is out there" for DAVID DUCHOVNY whose wife Téa
Leone is expecting their first baby in the next few weeks. ET Correspondent
Lisa Canning managed to slow down the busy daddy-to-be (who is writing and
directing "The Unnatural," one of the season's final episodes to be aired
April 25) for a chat -- and to tell us whether it's a boy or a girl!
Lisa Canning: This is very grand! Motion picture-type look.
David Duchovny: Well, it's the "X-Files," big TV stuff...
Lisa: Is it intimidating directing this big scene?
David: Yes, it's hard to keep it all in your mind at once. But I have
a lot of help. I've got a great D.P. [director of photography], and a great
first A.D. [assistant director], and they're keeping me straight.
Lisa: Has it changed your view as an actor?
David: Yes, it has. I will not be late to the set anymore, because
that really screws up a director. You're pushing so hard to make your day,
and to get all the work done. If an actor is talking on the phone in his
trailer for five or ten minutes it really screws you up -- so I will not
be that actor anymore.
Lisa: What was it like directing yourself this week?
David: That was the first day, so that was my first day directing.
I was acting all day, so it seemed normal, but it was a little distracting
because I was watching the other actors. It was a little schizophrenic, but
I think it was okay.
Lisa: How about directing GILLIAN [ANDERSON, who plays
Agent Scully]? Did she laugh at you when you tried to direct her?
David: No, we had a really nice scene outside where we were playing
baseball, and I think she liked the scene -- so that helped.
Lisa: Do people pay attention to you as a director? Do you have things
under control here?
David: Yes, I think I do. It's working pretty well. It's not easy.
It's such a difficult show to direct because it's so busy, and there's so
much work to be done in such a short time. The best thing is that I wrote
it, so I know exactly what needs to be done. It would be harder if I had
to direct someone else's writing. I know the story really well, so that helps.
Lisa: So are you ready for fatherhood?
David: We're ready, we're ready... Bring it on!
Lisa: Have you done the baby room?
David: Yes, all done.
Lisa: Did you help with everything?
David: A little bit.
Lisa: What did you do?
David: I looked at it when it was done and said "That looks good."
Lisa: Is it a boy or a girl?
David: It is a boy or girl!
Lisa: Oh, come on, David!
David: I don't know. We don't know. None of us know... honestly.
Lisa: Are you absolutely scared out of your mind about becoming a
dad?
David: Yeah, but I think it's a little like directing, in that it's
terrifying -- and then you get there, and it's still terrifying, but at least
you have something to do rather than worry. Before the baby comes, it's all
just worry. Then when the baby's here, I'll actually have something to do.
I'll take care of it, which is far better than just worrying.
Lisa: Since you've been directing this episode, do you think you'll
direct what happens in the delivery room with the video camera?
David: No... But ET is invited to come along and film the delivery
of the baby.
Lisa: We'll be there! How's Téa doing?
David: She's doing well. She wants to do it. Nine months seems like
a long time after awhile.
Lisa: So this is your last season?
David: No, next season.
Lisa: How are you feeling about that?
David: Good. I think seven years is a long time to do a show. I'm
ready!
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