He was three minutes early. While participants were still enthusiastically checking in by saying hi, at 11:57 am on October 1st, 2009 Alex O’Loughlin kicked off his first-ever live chat with fans with a cheerful, “Hi gang, this is fun isn’t it?”
This unleashed a flurry of greetings, and so he went on to add, “This might get a little crazy, so let me just say in advance thank you all very much for hanging with me today.”
For the next 62 minutes, CBS’s Aussie favorite released submitted compliments (many with a heartfelt thank you), answered various questions thoughtfully, and fielded others with the tact of the experienced diplomat that he is. Humorous and quick-witted, Alex is well able to think on his feet.
Many names from his “rad” fandom he will have recognized from MySpace and the number of nationalities represented elicited a friendly, “Hello, Planet Earth”.
Although the theme of the event was Three Rivers, off-topic questions also received a response. The chat revealed a little bit more of this multifaceted talent:
The Actor
Q: Would you consider yourself a method actor?
A: I suppose you can consider the way I work or elements of the way I work and approach character as method. I absolutely throw myself into every role and try to live and breath each character I play. I am also and have always been an inquiring mind.
The Guy
Q: How did you get interested in motorbikes?
A: I loved them since I was a kid. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a deep fascination with engines and a longing for danger.
The Diplomat
Q: I just love your tattoos and [I] was wondering, do they have a meaning?
A: They all have meaning… but we all need secrets 
Q: Does any lady have your heart at this time?
A: My mum.
The Comedian
Q: I know you are on MySpace. Are you on Twitter or Facebook at all?
A: No. CBS has begged for both but I’m thinking about creating my own… It’s going to be called TWITFACE.
The Wise
Q: From vampire to doctor… what did you want to become when you were a child?
A: I wanted to become a jet fighter pilot, but my 1st grade teacher told me I would never be able to because I have asthma. Always teach children to reach for the stars.
The Family Man
Q: What’s the meaning of the golden signet ring you often wear on your pinkie?
A: My pinkie ring is my family crest. Aside [from] the watches I wear, it’s really my only piece of jewelry. It was a gift and holds great significance.
If you missed the chat or want to revisit the event, read the transcript:
Just so you know I asked him a question!
You guys all asked such creative questions, it was a pleasure to just sit back, read and guess which ones he would respond to! I hope he does it again this year; it was such a GREAT way to connect with his fans and it certainly seemed like he was enjoying himself too.
Thank you MizzoH. I did miss the chat because I was away last week. I will revisit the event and read the transcript. Thanks again.
Amazing to be able to participate on the chat with Alex, even though I didn’t get any of my questions in, still Alex made me feel part of the chat! Alex is such an amazing man!!
Thanks mizz for posting this article. It’s always a pleasure moment when reading your writing. Thanks again for being so talented
I love your rendition of the chat, mizzoH, thanks!! It was a wonderful experience even for me, who could be there only for 5 minutes and did not get my question passed. It was beautiful to feel him talking to you with such attention and affection and to read his wonderful answers. Yeah, he’s a great young man. We already knew that, but he confirms it and deepens the feeling every time he communicates with and for us. Thanks Alex!!
Thanks so much for posting this……..I can finally get a ‘feel’ for the type of man Alex really is. He’s letting us ‘in’ a little bit more with every interview…………..unintentional or not………..his true self comes shining through! He is truly an amazing man……….and he’s OURS!
The chat was great mizzoH! So interesting to watch him responding to so many. He was, as always, gracious and humble in accepting our praise and support of him and his career!