Peter Deluise is a name synonymous with the Stargate franchise for many fans. Known for his fast-paced directing style, encyclopedic knowledge of Stargate mythology, and an unrestrained sense of humor, DeLuise has been a pivotal figure both in front of and behind the camera. This exploration delves into the multifaceted career of Peter DeLuise, celebrating his return to the Stargate universe and examining the qualities that have made him a beloved figure in science fiction television.
A Glimpse into Peter DeLuise’s Stargate World
For those who have followed the Stargate journey from SG-1 to Universe, the name Peter DeLuise resonates deeply. Joseph Mallozzi, in a candid blog post, reminisces about DeLuise’s vibrant presence during the SG-1 era. DeLuise’s office, a “Stargate shrine,” was legendary, filled with bizarre and fascinating props and alien designs. This eccentric space became an unexpected draw for visiting children, charmed not just by the peculiar exhibits but by Peter DeLuise himself. Mallozzi recounts how DeLuise would engage with these young visitors, culminating in his signature “Pull my finger” joke and an unforgettable Barney the Dinosaur impression.
Beyond the laughter, Peter DeLuise is recognized as an incredibly hardworking and talented individual. He has contributed significantly to the Stargate franchise, scripting and directing some of its most memorable episodes. After years deeply invested in SG-1, DeLuise took a break as the series concluded. However, the Stargate universe beckoned him back, and he returned, much to the delight of colleagues and fans, to direct an episode aptly titled “Fire.”
Peter DeLuise Answers Fan Questions: Humor and Insight
Mallozzi’s blog post transitioned into a fan Q&A with Peter DeLuise, offering a direct line to the director’s thoughts and experiences. DeLuise embraced the opportunity, answering a wide array of questions with characteristic humor and surprising depth.
Directing “Window of Opportunity” and Writing “Fragile Balance”
Delaynie inquired about the fun behind directing “Window of Opportunity,” a fan-favorite episode known for its time-loop antics. Peter DeLuise revealed the episode’s lighthearted moments were often spontaneous additions to meet time constraints, which ironically became its highlights. The inspiration for “Fragile Balance” stemmed from a rather unusual source: the naked puppet of Thor. Observing the Asgard puppet’s lack of genitalia sparked DeLuise’s curiosity about Asgardian reproduction, ultimately leading to the storyline in “Fragile Balance.”
Stargate Cameos and 21 Jump Street Nods
Fans often spot Peter DeLuise in cameo roles within episodes he directs. Juralas asked if this tradition would continue in Stargate Universe (SGU) and if he would include 21 Jump Street references, as he had done in previous Stargate series. DeLuise confirmed his cameo in SGU, hinting at a more abstract appearance than usual. Laura further probed about his favorite walk-on role, to which DeLuise cited “Wormhole X-treme” and “200” where he actually had lines and embraced the silliness.
The DeLuise Humor Legacy
Amac251’s question shifted focus to Peter DeLuise’s upbringing as Dom DeLuise’s son and the influence of his father’s humor. Peter DeLuise eloquently described his father’s humor as “beyond belief,” rooted in intelligence, sensitivity, and insight. He emphasized that despite the comedic legacy, he and his brothers were driven by the common desire to make their parents proud.
Sci-Fi Conundrums and Stargate Logic
ThomasJohnBrown presented a detailed, hypothetical scenario involving the Dakara weapon from “Reckoning” and the potential for human cloning via Stargate. DeLuise, while acknowledging the intricate question, humorously deflected the scientific plausibility, stating that the Ancients likely didn’t intend the Stargate as a cloning device. He cleverly suggested the fan might earn a story credit if a “Send in the Clones” episode ever materialized.
Longevity in the Entertainment Industry
JimfromJersey, a long-time fan of DeLuise’s work across various shows, sought insight into his longevity in the entertainment business. DeLuise humbly attributed his continued employment to a “desire to remain employed,” jokingly suggesting his bosses notice his dedication, even if it involves scrubbing toilets.
Family, Cooking, and Favorite Episodes
Whovian inquired about Dom DeLuise’s well-being and Peter’s culinary skills, along with his favorite Stargate episode. Peter DeLuise conveyed thanks for the well-wishes for his father, admitting his own lack of cooking prowess. His favorite Stargate episode is “Urgo,” cherished for the opportunity to work alongside his father, and he also expressed fondness for “Wormhole X-treme.”
On-Set Pranks and Tormenting Extras
Gilder asked about Peter DeLuise’s “masterpiece” on-set prank. While downplaying the “masterpiece” label, DeLuise shared an amusing anecdote of tormenting extras playing dead Jaffa, creating hilarious moments of frozen stillness and faux-serious directives.
Directing New Actors in SGU
PoorOldEdgarDerby’s multi-part question included his feelings about directing a new cast in SGU after years with the SG-1 and SGA ensembles. DeLuise expressed enthusiasm for working with new actors, praising the SGU cast and welcoming the fresh dynamic.
Favorite Directing Experiences and Unfulfilled Stargate Desires
ChelledeBoer, a long-time admirer since 21 Jump Street, asked about his most difficult and favorite episodes to direct, the challenges of directing, acting aspirations, and unfulfilled Stargate wishes. DeLuise cited “Condemned” as the most difficult due to a large cast and numerous scenes. “Urgo” and “Wormhole X-treme” remained his favorites. He humorously lamented not seeing a zero-gravity romantic encounter between Walter Harriman and Sam Carter in an alternate reality.
Directing Style and Improvisation
Artdogspot, appreciating DeLuise’s commentary style on DVDs, questioned his directing origins, the influence of his acting background, and his approach to improvisation. DeLuise explained his move into directing stemmed from a desire for more creative stimulation beyond acting. His acting experience aids in actor communication and anticipation. While valuing improvisation, he noted Stargate scripts were typically tight, limiting spontaneous additions, except in the case of his father’s guest appearance.
April Fool’s Pranks and Humor
TheHuntressDiana inquired about April Fool’s pranks, revealing DeLuise’s aversion to elaborate pranks, favoring instead subtle, humorous responses to actors seeking validation after a scene. JK Carter simply asked what makes him laugh, eliciting a list ranging from unguarded moments and human shortcomings to his family, Jon Stewart, Steve Carell, and his young son.
Directing Combat Scenes and Set Preferences
Major D Davis questioned the difficulty of directing intense combat scenes, favorite Stargate series to direct, and preferred set. DeLuise found the combat scenes in “Stronghold” enjoyable rather than difficult. He favored SGU for its shooting style and the Destiny set for its spaciousness, depth, and practical lighting.
Genre Preferences and Supernatural Anecdotes
Morjana explored DeLuise’s genre preferences and experiences on Supernatural. He revealed a preference for comedy and romantic comedy, enjoying entertaining and making people laugh. An anecdote from the Supernatural set involved a physically demanding scene of demonic possession, resulting in a sore neck but a fulfilling acting experience.
Working with Family and Future Stargate Projects
Robert inquired about directing his father in “Urgo” and the possibility of future collaborations with his brothers, as well as potential writing or directing roles in future Stargate films. DeLuise cherished the “Urgo” experience and expressed hope for future family projects and continued involvement with Stargate, leaving his future open to possibility.
Directing Family and DeLuise Humor Genes
Libkat probed about directing style adjustments when working with family and the nature of DeLuise humor. Peter DeLuise admitted to being on his best behavior with his father and playfully “drunk with power” when directing his brothers. He humorously pondered if humor is genetic but affirmed his brothers’ ability to make him laugh.
DVD Commentary and Gary Jones
Jim from West VA and Blaine Nielsen both inquired about DVD commentaries and the potential for Gary Jones (Sgt. Walter Harriman) to join. DeLuise expressed enthusiasm for both commentaries and collaborating with Gary Jones, highlighting their comedic chemistry.
Stargate Memorabilia and Pop Culture References
Deeinsouthafrica jokingly asked about Stargate “junk” inhabiting his house, to which DeLuise playfully defended his memorabilia collection, even referencing a “Tok’ra nose hair trimmer.” Lewis referenced a Roger Daltry song mentioning Dom DeLuise and a Bill Pullman movie referencing “Dom DeLuise” wine, showcasing the family’s broader pop culture impact.
“Affinity” and Sam/Jack Romance
Babancat delved into the Sam/Jack relationship in the “Affinity” episode, seeking clarification on Jack’s ambiguous line. DeLuise confirmed the intentional ambiguity, allowing viewers to interpret the line based on their own romantic inclinations.
Major Lorne’s Origin and Kavan Smith’s Casting
Jason questioned the origin of Major Lorne’s character name and Kavan Smith’s casting. DeLuise revealed the character was named after his brother-in-law, Lorne Loder, and praised Kavan Smith as a standout talent, justifying his recurring role.
Episode Titles and Practical Jokes
Ytimyona inquired about the episode title “Orpheus,” DVD commentary appreciation, and best practical jokes. DeLuise explained the “Orpheus” title’s mythological connection. He appreciated the commentary praise and offered a veiled anecdote about plastic wrap on a toilet as a potential prank, neither confirming nor denying its occurrence. He also recounted a humorous IMDB character name insertion, adding “Major Peter DeLouise” to a navigator character’s uniform.
Dom DeLuise’s Well-being and SGU’s Quality
Judy Derby and Chevron7 echoed the well-wishes for Dom DeLuise and expressed excitement for SGU and Peter DeLuise’s potential directing involvement. Peter DeLuise reiterated his father’s good condition and his positive assessment of SGU’s quality, hoping for future directing opportunities.
Commentary Censorship and Life Balance
Chevron7 further inquired about commentary censorship and lessons learned from Stargate. DeLuise mentioned gentle cautions from “legal” regarding commentaries and recognized the importance of life balance for creative work, noting how marriage and fatherhood enriched his directing and writing. He also revealed “Mystery Men” superheroes as his favorites and cited a need for a break and acting pursuits as reasons for his Stargate departure.
“The Defiant One” Inspiration and Humor in Directing
Reno Nevada thanked DeLuise for “The Defiant One,” prompting DeLuise to reveal the episode’s inspiration from “Hell in the Pacific” and “The Defiant Ones.” Ladyhgiggle praised his humor and questioned its incorporation into his directing. DeLuise affirmed his inclination to inject humor and trust his instincts to create engaging television. He also clarified details about “Robin Hood: Beyond Sherwood” and humorously declined a Twitter presence, opting for “Toots” after vegetable stew instead.
Performing Family and Drive-Thru Orders
Narelle from Aus playfully asked if growing up in a performing family led to constant rehearsing, even for McDonald’s orders. DeLuise described family improv games and a respectful “switching off” when his father was “holding court,” acknowledging his father’s comedic dominance. He also recounted a humorous Captain Chaos tribute from Stargate prop guys.
Entry into Stargate and Directing Styles
Archersangel asked about Peter DeLuise’s initial involvement with Stargate, and Dovil humorously praised “The Defiant One” and his commentaries. DeLuise explained his entry as a substitute director via N. John Smith and Jonathan Glassner. Dovil’s humorous comment earned a playful suggestion to consider television writing.
SG-1/SGA vs. SGU Directing and Scriptwriting
Maruxs inquired about the differences between directing SG-1/SGA and SGU, his entry into Stargate directing and writing, and his best script. DeLuise highlighted the actors as the primary difference between SG-1 and SGA, while SGU’s radically different shooting style necessitated a more realistic approach. He reiterated his entry via N. John Smith and Brad Wright’s mentorship in writing, citing “Evolution Part 2” as his favorite script due to the Burke character and O’Neill backstory.
Peter DeLuise: A Lasting Stargate Legacy
Peter DeLuise’s engagement with fans through this Q&A underscores his approachable nature and genuine appreciation for the Stargate community. His humorous anecdotes, thoughtful responses, and behind-the-scenes insights provide a rich tapestry of his contributions to the franchise. From directing iconic episodes to injecting humor both on and off-screen, Peter DeLuise has left an indelible mark on Stargate. His return to the Stargate universe was not just a professional comeback but a welcome reunion for fans who cherish his creative vision and comedic spirit. His legacy extends beyond directing and acting; it encompasses a deep connection with the Stargate ethos and a playful yet dedicated approach to storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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