SODhost: Please welcome Passions' Galen Gering (Luis)!
GALEN GERING: What's up, y'all!

shag91 asks: How are you today?
GERING: Man, things are looking good! Real good! :-) How are you doing?

ChaosAngel99 asks: How was the first day that Passions was filmed?
GERING: Pretty hectic! We had a lot to do in a short amount of time and we were on location, so things were in disarray, but it was a lot of fun!

nevus66 asks: How old were you when you started professional acting and how did you start?
GERING: I grew up in L.A., so it was pretty easy to meet people who were doing it and get involved in the field. If you were in the middle of Ohio or something, I don't know how I would do it! James Hyde (Sam) is laughing because he is from Ohio and he heard me! LOL! I've been doing it for about 10 years. I just graduated from college where I got a degree in filmmaking, so I took some time off from the acting thing.

peanut_15_boo asks: How do you like the other cast members?
GERING: 99.9% of them are just great to work with. I would consider myself fortunate to have that kind of ratio. Especially James Hyde. :-)

honkyfemalehockeyfan asks: I just want to say I love your show.
GERING: Right on! Thanks! Female hockey fan, eh? What's up with the hockey thing?

juansgirl4ever asks: Who is your best friend on the set?
GERING: James Hyde, and Dalton James, who will play Hank, and Travis Schuldt (Ethan). They're my three. It depends because you don't get the chance to work with everyone every day. You get the chance to hang out with a lot of different people, so it's cool. But I've known James for about 6 years. I knew him long before the show. He's a riot. I met James in Miami and I was directing two films that I used him in. And ironically we ended up being in the show together!

ChaosAngel99 asks: Who is someone on the show that you haven't been able to work with a lot that you would like to work with sometime in the future?
GERING: I haven't worked with Ben Masters (Julian) yet. Wait, what am I saying, yes I have! I haven't worked with Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy) but that's about it! I haven't worked with Molly (Stanton, Charity). But that's pretty much it. I think it would be funny to work with Tim! You know who else? Juliet Mills (Tabitha)! She's totally cool. I've worked with everyone else, pretty much. My character's a cop so he gets around, interrogatin' everyone. :-)

peanut_15_boo asks: Is it fun playing a cop on the show?
GERING: Yeah, it is. I never thought I'd play a cop because I always had problems with cops growing up! As far as the character goes, as long as he is agreeable to people, it can't be the only facet to him, that he's a cop. That would get boring.

iluvmiguel1 asks: ARE YOU ANYTHING LIKE YOUR CHARACTER ON PASSIONS?
GERING: Well, my character hasn't had a relationship with a girl yet, so... :-) I guess, sometimes, you know. The fact that the guy kind of flies off the handle...

ANGELAJ20 asks: Hello Galen. Passions is one of the best shows on TV. I was wondering if you get to have any input on your character? Thanks - Ashley
GERING: Luckily we do, there are small things, but most of the stuff comes from the writer. So you know, if you see something that you don't think your character would do, you can approach the producer about it, and hopefully they will agree. But for the most part, the writing pretty much stays as it is.

RoXy_ChiC_4ya asks: Would you please tell the BIG man there to let Teresa get with Ethan!!!!!
GERING: Oh man! Not gonna happen!

toocool9000 asks: how does it feel to be famous!
GERING: Am I famous? I don't know! It's pretty wild having people recognize you and stuff, just being out and around. I don't think I'm famous yet, am I? Nah... I hope not!

two_bigtop_girls asks: WHAT Passion do you have ?
GERING: Geez... I guess just living life to the fullest, you know? Trying to do the best job with what we're getting right now and not getting hung up on things and moving from there!

shag91 asks: Do you enjoy doing the show?
GERING: The show is great. I mean, it's a GREAT job, and most of the people I work with realize that, that we're totally fortunate. There could be 10 other people doing our jobs, you know? I mean, there's no time, because as soon as you're done you have to start studying for the next day, but it's a good environment and you're learning, you know?

JAK102 asks: Hi Galen! Do you answer your fan mail?
GERING: Yes, absolutely!

ChaosAngel99 asks: What is your favorite food?
GERING: Thai food.

iluvmiguel1 asks: I LUV YOU SO MUCH!! I WAS JUST WONDERING, WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?
GERING: Oh man! I don't know, you guys! I don't think I have one. Jesse Metcalfe (Miguel) just tried to help me think of one but we can't!

TJMaree asks: What is the best/worst thing about starting on a new soap?
GERING: The worst thing is that everything is in disarray, everything is brand new, and so all the writers and producers and directors are all brand new and trying to find their place, so it's bound to be disorganized. As much as it's exciting it's also nerve-wracking. Obviously the good point is that everybody is coming in with a fresh, upbeat attitude. They want the show to be the best it can be, to attain new levels, and be fresh and exciting That's the good thing about it, among other things.

bd2436 asks: out of all the cast of Passions, who would you say is the nicest and all around best to work with?
GERING: I would say probably McKenzie Westmore, who plays Sheridan.

ChaosAngel99 asks: If you had three wishes, what would they be?
GERING: 1) to be in Bali right now 2) to have the show meet everyone's expectations and be on, and 3) to have it be a great launching pad for me, you know? To move on and do other exciting things, film, TV, what have you.

babygurl19_7 asks: When you go to the set to shoot, how long does it take to shoot just one scene, or one episode?
GERING: We shoot an episode a day, and depending on the kind of scene, like if we're doing a technical scene where things are flying around, that takes longer. It also depends on the length of the scene, and if there are lots of actors in one scene, it takes longer to coordinate and to rehearse, but generally, if you're doing a scene, it shouldn't take more than ten minutes to complete after you've blocked it and rehearsed it.

x_sweetheart_x asks: Galen how did you get the part of Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald?
GERING: Screen-tested for it in Miami and then was flying back and forth between Miami and L.A. during the same week that I was graduating from the U of Miami, so it was during finals! I would take the red-eye back, read a book on the flight, then write a report or take a test. It was crazy; I thought I was going to die! I was up against one of the Iglesias brothers and stuff in the screen test, and I knew they were leaning heavily toward a "name" to launch the show. It was nerve-wracking, you know? I flew back and forth three times. Then the day after I graduated, I had all my bags packed and I flew out and started taping! And since then, it's been non-stop. :-)

RoXy_ChiC_4ya asks: How can we get in touch with you by mail??
GERING: Through Passions, care of NBC, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, CA 91604.

BlondeSparkles asks: What is your favourite movie?
GERING: Oh man! Depends on the genre, but I guess Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now are a couple favorites. Intense war ones. Comedy-wise I thought There's Something About Mary was great. Life is Beautiful was a cool story.

FINEGIRL_20 asks: IS JESSE METCALFE THERE WITH YOU?
GERING: I think he's in the other room now.

ChaosAngel99 asks: Are you surprised with all the hype that surrounds Passions?
GERING: I think there should be more!

x_sweetheart_x asks: Where were you born?
GERING: L.A. Jesse is getting a pedicure right now!

juansgirl4ever asks: Why is your character so mean?
GERING: Well now, talk to the writers! He means well! He makes positive choices.

kricket_00_99 asks: What is your grudge against the Cranes?
GERING: That's a secret!

ChaosAngel99 asks: Do you have a girlfriend?
GERING: Not at the moment, but I'm looking!

ANGELAJ20 asks: Hey Galen. How would you say Passions is different from all the other soap operas? Thanks - Ashley
GERING: I think it's funny, you know, it's got humor, which a lot of soaps don't have. It tries not to take itself seriously. It's fast-paced. It's got this whole crazy spiritual storyline. It's new, it's young, it tries to be hip...

JAK102 asks: The Lopez-Fitzgerald family is Latin. Do you have any Latin roots?
GERING: Yeah, Spanish, from Spain.

kricket_00_99 asks: How was it like coming in second in the hunk contest and loosing to your brother?
GERING: That was a SHAM! He knows I shoulda won!

Veronnikka_98 asks: Could we PLEASE have some autographed handcuffs?
GERING: I'll do my best! Do you want the pink furry ones?

BlondeSparkles asks: Do you think you character will ever help Theresa get over her Ethan crush?
GERING: I sure hope so, because she's driving me crazy! :-)

riverfenix182 asks: What music do you listen to, any Blink 182?
GERING: Absolutely! More alternative, from Jane's Addiction to hip-hop. A wide variety, actually.

LilCutie38 asks: Have you always wanted to be on tv?
GERING: No, never! It was just my luck!

local_girly asks: Will you be coming to Hawaii by any chance?
GERING: I hope so! I have never been to Hawaii. I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, Kawaii in particular.

Chelsea_Babe_2000 asks: Can you tell us what you do for you probably oh so little spare time?
GERING: Mostly, you know, beat up on Jesse Metcalfe. And write. Play basketball. Play beach volleyball. Drink heavily... :-)

Liz1623 asks: Did you go to college?
GERING: Yes, I went to NYU and the University of Miami.

shag91 asks: Who were your inspirations when you were growing up?
GERING: I don't know that I had any. I mean, none really come to mind. I guess just my friends, you know?

Laws_Of_Princess asks: Do you get negative responses since you replaced Another World?
GERING: Yeah, but I think it's starting to fall off, hopefully. I mean, I can understand: the show was on the air for what, 35 years?

shadows_of_love_and_hate asks: Do you have any pets??
GERING: I have a three-legged cat and I'm looking for a dog! The cat's name is Stash. It had four legs until a couple weeks ago. It's kind of a gross story, but she got hit by a car, and the rest is history. The cat's jammin'!

andrea702 asks: Galen have you seen the Blair Witch Project?
GERING: Yeah, it was all right. I don't know what all the hype's about. But actually, I saw a really bad copy of it, so I don't know if it's fair to say anything about the true experience.

nickimonk99 asks: Do you have any sisters or brothers?
GERING: One sister, yeah.

cousinluv asks: hey are ya there? Do you know our cousin Dalton James?
GERING: No way! Dalton the Dolphin, that's what we call him! Yeah, I'm watching him right now. He can't get his lines straight; they've had to redo this take about eight times.

tee_67_02 asks: HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR LIFE HAS CHANGED NOW THAT YOU'RE IN THE SPOTLIGHT? THANK YOU TARA AND AMBER
GERING: Hi Tara and Amber. I mean, it's changed good and bad. You definitely have less of a private life. But there are assets too. I was in a crowded restaurant the other day and I got a table really fast. That was kind of cool. I was like, "All right!"

RoXy_ChiC_4ya asks: What kind of car do you drive?
GERING: I just had a '73 Ford Bronco and right now I'm driving a rental car because I sold that.

b_a_b_y_g_69 asks: What does your name mean?
GERING: Just that I'm a product of hippie parents! But actually there was a philosopher named Dr. Galen, back in the 13th century, who said that we are all comprised of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. He also discovered that it's the heart that pumps blood. So they kind of named me after him, but that's a little sketchy.

ChaosAngel99 asks: What do you have in your CD player right now?
GERING: This new band called Speaker. They're not signed. They're alternative. That's what's in there. Being in L.A. we're pretty lucky to hear a lot of new bands before they come out.

LilCutie38 asks: Did you get the part you auditioned for?? P.S. I LOVE the show!!!
GERING: Yeah. Luckily enough!

peanut_15_boo asks: Can you tell us what happened to your father?
GERING: I'll let you know when I find out! All I know is that he disappeared, and the Cranes had something to do with it... most likely...

riverfenix182 asks: did you get made fun of when you were little for being named Galen?
GERING: Oh yeah, all the time! That's why I have such an attitude!

k_kerce asks: Do you have any bad habits?
GERING: Yeah, I'm trying to quit smoking. I heard it'll kill you.

sweetsmilingamanda asks: Has a movie ever made you cry, if so which one?
GERING: Yeah, you know, there was this fox movie when I was a little kid... I can't remember what it was called... but being a filmmaker, I am kind of a softie for a good film. I cried at Life is Beautiful. I was with a girl so I couldn't let her see, you know. I was like, "I've got something in my eye."

Chloie16 asks: What has been your favorite scene to film, so far?
GERING: Favorite scene was... probably the most rewarding was a scene I had to do with the girl who plays Whitney, Brook Kerr, Theresa's friend. It was a neat scene because it really talked about all the racial barriers that we face today, not just with my culture or her culture, but all cultures. I think it was just on yesterday. It was really challenging because it was like 10 pages.

cousinluv asks: Hey do you really call him Dalton the dolphin?
GERING: Yeah! No, of course not! We call him Doofus! It's so funny you're his cousin!

Opal_273 asks: What's your middle name??
GERING: Luis! LOL! I don't have one. It has to remain undisclosed.

carmenmadden21 asks: do you wear boxers or briefs
GERING: Oh come on. Depends on the day. Whatever's clean!

Charms208 asks: I was wondering if you are going to get together with Sheridan???
GERING: Well, um, I don't know yet! Not if she keeps smashing into my police car, acting like a fool!

smile253_05 asks: On Passions you play a policeman. In real life, if you were not an actor, what would be your career choice?
GERING: Filmmaker.

Liz1623 asks: What did you major in at NYU?
GERING: Filmmaking and screenwriting.

toopurrfecto asks: GALEN is such a nice name. Does it fit your persona? What is your attitude in life?
GERING: Pretty easy-going, actually, which is different than this character I play. Not a lot of hang-ups. Live and let live.

soccrbecky asks: Have you ever done theater?
GERING: Yeah. Some Tenessee Williams stuff, Sam Beckett.

sweetsmilingamanda asks: Do you have a favorite cartoon character?
GERING: I love cartoons! Like the old Bugs Bunny, Scooby Doo, Yosemite Sam.

carebear_4_4 asks: do you like the person you play on the show ?
GERING: Sometimes!

bd2436 asks: Oh, do you like the character of Timmy?
GERING: Who is Timmy??? LOL

RiverThroughMySoul asks: What do you hope to be doing, career wise, in the near future?
GERING: I would like to be either working on, or in any aspect of directing, writing, acting in some interesting films, you know? That would really be fun. Or a good primetime thing, like a comedy show would be great.

Ska_and_punk_gurl asks: Do you believe in fate?
GERING: That is a great question. I am still trying to figure that one out.

soccrbecky asks: what is you fave holiday?
GERING: Well, I like Christmas, because it's the longest one, and I usually get the chance to go snow-boarding!

callofcthulu asks: Any good books you've read that would make a good movie?
GERING: Yes, The Confederacy of Dunces. That would make a great movie.

adrian_darkblade asks: Stop, you're scaring Timmy...
GERING: LOL!

bd2436 asks: If you had a sister in life, would you be as protecting with her as you are with Theresa?
GERING: No, my real sister is smarter than Theresa so I wouldn't have to be!

true_lover_girl99 asks: Do you believe in love at first sight?
GERING: I believe that... No, that's not love, that's infatuation. Love is a process of trust and companionship. Something that you build over years, or many months. Although you certainly can like someone a lot.

groover_d asks: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS?
GERING: I like Friends, Frasier, I guess that's about it. I don't watch a lot of TV but those shows are fun.

sports_girl4ever asks: Hi Galen, I was wondering what kind of sports do you like? Thank you
GERING: I dig watching football and basketball and also playing basketball. And I played Pro-Beach Volleyball on a two-man tour for a couple of years.

lizzie_gh asks: I just adore Passions.....you must have been pretty psyched when you got the job, huh?
GERING: Oh hell yeah! Although honestly, I didn't even have time to enjoy it, because as I said, I was in the midst of finals, and it was hell, especially with filmmaking because you're up all night editing your films. It was total chaos. I didn't have time to enjoy it. Phone was ringing off the hook and I was like, "I don't have time to talk about it!" But it's fun, it's cool. It's great to be out here. I was looking for an excuse to move back to L.A. from Miami, and this was it!

smile253_05 asks: Galen, you are a great actor, and you do a great job on the show. What is your co-star Jesse Metcalfe like in person??
GERING: He's just like his character.

ChaosAngel99 asks: What is your idea of a perfect evening?
GERING: With a woman, that is? Going to some uncharted territory. You know, like just doing something different. Being on the edge of some cliff overlooking something, no one else around, just enjoying each other's company, and you know, if you have a picnic or a bottle of wine, something, just watching the sun go down, losing time with each other. That's my idea of a perfect evening. Well, it's a good start anyway... :-)

soapbubblesy2k asks: Hey Galen, what is your dream car?
GERING: The Porsche Carerra convertible. I'm going to have to get one of those soon....

amanda175_1999 asks: Do you ever visit sites dedicated to Passions or yourself specifically?
GERING: Well, since I moved, I haven't set up my computer yet. I did once, with James Hyde. It was kind of weird seeing yourself in that medium, because it's such a new medium, and seeing stuff you hadn't put up or known about was a trip!

cousinluv asks: do you have any scenes with Dalton because you are both cops?
GERING: Dalton's not a cop!

WonderGirl_13045 asks: Would you be as rude to a family like the Cranes, if you were facing the same situations in real life, as you do on the show?
GERING: Worse!

Sweet_Chik_2003 asks: Would you ever date anyone that's not famous?
GERING: Oh yeah, of course!

sweetsmilingamanda asks: Well, this a weird question, but here it goes. Do you believe in Aliens and U.F.O.S? :-)
GERING: When I was younger I saw some UFOs, honestly, with my sister. We were sure we saw it. But I haven't seen anything lately, so I'm kind of skeptical. Although I don't know; Jesse's keeping something in his dressing room and we don't know what it is... I think he's got an alien up in there...

Miss_Congeniality_1999 asks: I absolutely LOVE Passions... will it be continuing after the summer???
GERING: Yeah! For sure! For many summers to come!

Liz1623 asks: Which celebrity would you really like to meet?
GERING: I would like to meet Al Pacino, Quentin Tarantino, and Angelina Jolie.

Charms208 asks: When is your birthday???
GERING: February. I'm an Aquarius. February 13, right before Valentine's Day!

RiverThroughMySoul asks: Are you working on any movies or anything now that we can look to see you in in the future?
GERING: No, not yet. No time yet!

BlondeSparkles asks: Are you crushing on anyone that you work with on Passions?!
GERING: Oh yeah! All the women are hot! Hard not to be!

Butterfly_890 asks: If you drove a new VW bug what color would you get?
GERING: I would never drive a new VW bug! I'd drive an old one!

kiara1_99 asks: Are you into internet chats?
GERING: Oh yeah, all the time!

Butterfly_890 asks: Do you have any history on TV before PASSIONS?
GERING: No, not really. A bit but nothing as significant as what's going on now. Independent films, mostly.

iluvmiguel1 asks: COULD YOU GIVE US A HINT ON WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE ON PASSIONS?
GERING: How about: love, drama, jealousy, deception, romance... Ethan Crane just walked by!

soccrbecky asks: Do you consider yourself sexy? :-)
GERING: No, not really! No. You know. Not really. I'm glad some other people do!

sundance_kid_75 asks: What's your favorite ice cream?
GERING: Cherry Garcia. Oh yeah, it's all about Cherry.

k_kerce asks: How would you describe the perfect girl for you?
GERING: Well... Low maintenance. Funny. Intelligent. Being attractive would be a bonus. That's probably all I can ask for!

kiara1_99 asks: What is your happiest childhood memory
GERING: Getting away from the cops! LOL! No, honestly, just growing up in L.A. was a great time, living dirt clods at each other... in the mountains and having dirt clod fights, just throwin' dirt at each other...

SODhost: We'd like to thank Galen for joining us tonight! We had a blast!

Laws_Of_Princess asks: My name is Jules and I just wanted to tell you that you make the show....thanks for brightening up my day Galen!

Mc_Lyte_2002 asks: Galen, I am not saying this to gas you or nothing but you are my fave character on the show, keep up the good work!

Butterfly_890 asks: I just wanna tell you, you are a wonderful actor and I love PASSIONS and you role on it. Keep up the good work (Could you tell Jesse I think he a hottie?). Thanks!~~~Danielle Look
GERING: Bye everyone! I had a great time! Thanks for coming and asking such great questions! Please write me c/o NBC -- I would love to hear from you! And keep watching!

kirsten_samantha asks: I love Passions and you are great!

guam_girl97 asks: You are doing a great job!!

shag91 asks: Congratulations on all your success!