Hi, I am Anthony Edwards. AMA!

In 1994, NBC launched two major TV shows, ER and Friends, both with characters called Rachel Green(e).

Can you confirm that your ER character's daughter was part of a mystery cross-show time-travel storyline and that I am the first person in the world to have cracked it, and am due a huge cash prize?

Edit: Guys, I CAN believe I got top comment with this, it's an awesome comment.

you are a natural zero hour fan. You rock at conspiracies.

I have to say sir as a member of the military I would like to let you know that Top Gun still has a heavy influence in the aviation community. I deployed to Afghanistan with armor art on my helicopter that said "Spoiler Alert, Goose Dies". It had a picture of your helmet in between the two sentences and I never failed to get a reaction from it everywhere I went.

Wow I am actually speechless. What you're doing is 100x more amazing than any silly pretending I ever do. But I am honored that what we did inspired you. Thank you.

I still laugh about the story of Noah Wyle on a plane when someone had a heart attack, and everyone looked at him expecting him to help. Has anything like that ever happened to you?

A flight attendant once said to me she wished I was on the plane the day before because someone had a stroke. I thought to myself if I ever have a stroke I hope theres a real doctor there.

Last year I watched ER all the way through from season 1 to 15, it's an incredible show that should be considered alongside The Wire as one of the best of all time.

Dr. Mark Greene was my favourite character, and your final episode never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It's great to have you back on TV, please stick around.

My question would be: what was your favourite episode of ER? And did you continue to watch it after you left?

I guess I was most proud of the episode in season 1 when Dr. Greene saves the child and loses the mother. Every once in a while I tuned in

How was it working with Tom Cruise all those years ago and are you still buds or did you lose that loving feeling?

we bonded for life right after he killed me

Your death in ER was one of the saddest things I saw on tv. That one seemed like a fun cast though, do you have any cool ER set anecdotes?

In a birthing scene instead of revealing the normal fake rubber baby we used a green pointed alien doll and the actress playing the mother nearly had a heart attack

Who's choice was it that you would be the only actor who kept his shirt on during the famous volleyball scene in Top Gun?

i cried for a week

How often do people run up to you spewing Top Gun references?

weekly and a lot when I go to car races.

Can you still laugh like Goose when Iceman says "the plaque for the alternates is in the ladies room?"

yes just did it for my daughter

Favorite quote from Top Gun?

gives middle finger "Sorry. I hate it when it does that."

Hi Anthony,

Could you talk about how difficult it was to leave ER? How long did it take you make the decision and what was it like telling the other cast members?

Thanks, I'm a huge fan of your work!

It was tough at the time and I do miss working with those great actors.

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I am proud of my hair in that film. My children always make fun of my Bieber flip in that film

My best mate is a huge fan called Goose. He is getting married soon. Would you send him a video message for his wedding day if I asked very nicely?

I can't send a video or photo but you can tell him this: "From one Goose to another Happy Wedding! Don't lose that loving feeling". -Anthony Edwards

Hi. Thanks for doing this AMA. I heard that while you were playing Dr. Greene, you had the opportunity to direct several ER episodes, and that love of directing led you to leave the show. Were you involved in the decision to write in the brain tumor? Was there a reason a brain tumor was chosen rather than a different method of death? For a show that confronted mortality nearly every episode, I found Dr. Greene's death very affecting.

Since they knew I was going to leave they were able to plan the story two years in advance, so the first year we dealt with the medical aspect of a brain tumor and the last year, the emotional aspect of dying. great opportunity to give talented writers a platform.

Hey Anthony!

I don't have a question. I just wanted to say as a kid growing up, ER was my favorite show. It made trauma medicine and medicine in general, so interesting and I awaited each episode. Dr. Greene was always my favorite character.

When your character developed the brain tumor in Broca's region, I had my mom find me a Neurological Oncology textbook so I could learn everything I could about it.

I cried so hard when your character died. I remember knowing it was going to happen but still feeling like I had lost someone really important. So many actors from ER inspired me but you, for whatever reason, made me desperately want to be in the medical field.

I grew up and the show ended. Went to college and during my freshman year after being miserable in a shit program, switched over to my first love, medicine.

I've been a CNA, a medical assistant, an LPN and finally got my MS in Pathology.

Thanks for fostering a love of medicine in little 8 year old me.

Wow congratulations. The real work that you're doing is 10x more important than anything I ever did on that show. Glad we could inspire you

Hi Anthony! Northern Exposure was my favorite show of all time. Was it fun to shoot? Any favorite moments?

Seattle was a great place to work I love that they built that big geodesic dome for my hyper allergic character to live in

Was E.R. utterly exhausting to work on? It always came across as that when I watched it. Perhaps that was the intention of the show.

We had four kids during those eight years so sometimes it was a great place to nap at lunch! Truth is the work was fun so it didn't feel exhausting.

What about learning all that medical dialogue while working on "ER"? I'm sure that had to be in a pain in the butt getting it all memorized to the point where you'd sound like an actual doctor that understood what everything meant.

We had real docs on the set and they would laugh at us when we got it wrong.

Did you know that there's a $5 fine for anyone that references the movie at the Top Gun Flight Academy?

I guess thats a place I can never visit.

Hi Anthony! My husband is begging me to ask you "is it time to buzz the tower?" He says you'll know what he means.

Edit: I just read him your answer to this question. Now he's ashamed of himself. Haha

Always buzz the tower

I had Jury duty with you last year in NYC. My name had just been called and you were called two people after me. I remember thinking, man it would be cool if it was the real Anthony Edwards. Turns out it WAS you. We chatted in the court for a bit before I was dismissed. You were awesome for tolerating my questions and enthusiasm for both Dr. Greene and Goose.

Since I need a question, how was the rest of Jury Duty?

It turned out to be a really interesting case! I have to admit I don't mind jury duty. I have no problem when people like the work that I do.

Would it make you cringe, or happy if Hollywood remade Revenge of the Nerds?

it would make me happy!

So how were you able to grow such an epic mustache for Top Gun and why don't you still wear such an awesome mustache?

My wife is not a fan of the mustache! I stopped shaving and it grew like most facial hair

Hey Anthony! I was very young when I first watched Top Gun. So young that I thought you actually died in real life. I tearfully made you a card that said 'RIP Anthony Edwards'. Glad you're still alive! Did they still make you go to work after you 'died'?

In movies you sometimes have to die first and then play the live part after.

Best part about working with Alex Kingston?

Her fantastic accent

Hi Anthony. Huge "ER" fan here. Have seen every episode at least twice (except for On the Beach, which I could never watch again -- it was that emotional). Say, do you ever regret leaving the cast or "ER?" Though it survived long after 2002, it was never quite the same without you. All the best. Kevin Canessa, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

i don't regret it because I was able to spend amazing time with my family and traveling around the world for a year. And I will always feel lucky for having been part of that show.

Hi, Mr Edwards! A few questions, if you don't mind!

1) What's your favourite book?

2) What's your least favourite food?

3) If you could travel back in time and attend ANY major historical event, what would you do? Would you change history?

Your death scene in ER makes me bawl like a toddler.

1. My favorite book is The Old Man and the Sea
2. Least favorite food is lotus root.
3. I would protect MLK.

Did you think that Revenge of the Nerds was going to be a hit movie while working on it?

whenever you start a movie you think its going to be a hit. its a bit like children you just hope they turn out ok.

Hello! Have you ever given someone a high five and not finished it out down low?

I find that impossible

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I live in New York men do all the time! just kidding, you would be amazed what people say

You've had many roles & characters, is there a 'dream' role you'd like to take on?

I would love to be a voice in Ratatouille 2 (if it ever happened) I love to cook!

Have a favorite thing to cook? Favorite type of cuisine?

I love cooking stir fry which is fun to improvise with. I love mexican food! I was raised in southern california.

Was there ever an episode of ER that you felt was too sad for TV?

Funny story, my mother was pregnant at the time, and her and my father watched ER all the time. She was 9 months pregnant with my sister, so it was around 1996 and the episode was a woman who dies giving birth. They stopped watching the show after that, and havent watched it again to this day. It freaked them out that much.

the night that that show was on tv my wife wouldnt let me back in the house

Hi Anthony! Welcome to Reddit. As a UK Redditor new to "Zero Hour" can you tell me a little about what the show is about? Thanks!

my wife is kidnapped because of a clock she finds and that leads us to an international conspiracy with ties to nazi germany 1938.

how often do you feel the need for speed?

less and less as I get older

Favourite episode you directed on ER? Favourite person to direct?

Sally Field favorite person to direct.

My football coach in college gave a speech in tears about never leaving your wingman. Did that film have a lasting effect on you in any way?

Yeah I dont let good looking short guys fly me anymore

So... the volleyball montage... What was the idea behind that scene?

(Also, I should mention, Top Gun is one of my favorite movies ever and it's the movie I use to test out every new piece of home theatre equipment I buy!)

I worked out a lot but apparently not enough I was the only one with the shirt on.

What did you enjoy most from your experience filming Top Gun?

flying

As a man, one of the only movies that make me cry is Top Gun. Goose was our friend and you made us like him. Great job. Second, were you ever worried that losing your hair would impact your career?

don't be ashamed to cry man. Robert Duvall, Ed Harris, Stanley Tucci, Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis to name a few.........

I've heard from actors who both love and hate directors like David Fincher because he does a huge number of takes at times. I was wondering if you experienced this during the filming of Zodiac and as an actor are you a fan of this or not?

Also, I didn't know about your new show, but I googled it and it sounds very cool. I will watch if it ever comes on TV here in Australia.

i love working with david fincher

Did you like filming Miracle Mile? That movie, along with many others of the 80's, gave me so many nuclear war nightmares. Thanks. Dick. Just kidding. Keep on rockin'!

Yes at the time it was one of my favorite movies, a film maker taking a big risk. Like Zero Hour tonight!

Wow! An Anthony Edwards AMA!

First off, I feel you should know that I bought a shirt that says "Goose is my Wingman" on it a few days ago.

Secondly, what was it like working on the set of Zodiac? Any personal interest in the topic?

Thanks for doing this AMA! You are an excellent actor!

Zodiac was really interesting. Fincher gave us big thick binders full of documents that our characters had used in the actual case. Nice shirt man

I'm a huge fan! I've viewed so many of your films and I watched you on ER during your entire run there! My favorite film of yours is Miracle Mile. It has an amazing atmosphere to it and the music from Tangerine dream really adds to the affect! What was it like to star in that film and did you have any idea it would receive a 'cult following' one day?

Yes it actually screened at a "end of the world" film festival last year in NYC.

What are your personal beliefs when it comes to the paranormal?

I like the idea of them, I just need proof. What are yours?

How old were you when "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" was filmed? What was the most memorable thing about doing this film?

I was 18. It was my first film so everything was exciting

favorite album of all time?

James Taylor's Greatest Hits sorry I'm a bit of a softie

Goose! Top Gun is my favorite movie of all time, I get emotional every time your final flight comes up still! I just want to say thank you for being a part of the movie that inspired me to become an aerospace engineer today, this is the hat that I wear every day. So thanks for being awesome! You're the best!

Congratulations man! Love that hat! I finally got my pilots license two years ago planes rock!

Can I be Goose and you'll be Maverick?

No I'm Goose!!!!!

Hi Anthony.

If you can remember that far back.. was there a great rivalry between Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer on the set of Top Gun?

I also love you as Mark Greene on ER. :-)

I think they enjoyed playing nemesis

does your car have an ejector seat?

I try to avoid those now

First of all you are an amazing actor and you have worked with a lot of amazing actors.

1) Who was your favorite actor to work with? Why?

2) What was your favorite project to work on?

Thank you for doing the AMA!!

Favorite actor was probably Alan Alda. My favorite project was the latest; Zero Hour. It was fun and now you all get to see it tonight!

I've always wondered, in Revenge of the Nerds, were you ready for the "sex girls", the "really really real sex girls"?

*edit, forgot to add movie title to avoid being overly obscure

haha I forgot about that

Oh Anthony! I have had such a crush on you since The Sure Thing. I loved that movie! What was it like working with Rob Reiner?

great and was able to work with him again in the movie Flipped. A movie worth watching. Also tune in to Zero Hour tonight

So are you a conspiracy theorist yourself or do you just like presenting them for people's amusement? Or is it just a paycheck ;)

I like the investigation of it all.

This is my first time hearing about Zero Hour, but I enjoy you as an actor and I'd like to support your work. Would you mind telling me a little about the show?

international conspiracy mystery spanning time. Im an average joe whose wife is kidnapped and gets thrust into the middle of the conspiracy. Check it out tonight !

Hi Anthony. What's in your pockets right now?

Flea and tick drops for our cats

Please tell me you sometimes walk around the house in lambswool chaps

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTY4OTkwNDYwNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzk4NDMyMQ@@._V1_SX214_.jpg

I forgot about that movie those were awesome chaps.

When filming Top Gun, how much time did you spend in an actual cockpit? Were you ever filmed in flight or was it all done through clever editing and pilots?

I flew twice in the back seat. They had cameras and filmed us

Love your work! Which of the characters you have played do you most connect with? Also, how was driving the pace car at Indy? That had to be awesome.

Indy was fantastic! I am a huge motor sports fan. Honestly Hank Galliston, Zero Hour, he's as smart as I want to be.

Talk to me, Goose!

hello crazystory200

When will shooting begin on Gotcha! 2?

Im 50 years old its Gotcha 6 now.

If tomorrow, for reasons beyond anyone's control, you were forced to give up working in show business, what would your new career be?

I would want to be a pilot. I got my license two years ago and I love it.

Any plans to return to hollywood or ever thought of trying your hand at Theatre?

I am open to doing some theater. And Zero Hour which is on tonight was a fantastic year i spent last year doing television again

When I was a baby, I was super colicky. My dad would get home from work, rest me on his lap, and I fell asleep to Top Gun. It became a HOUSEHOLD INSTITUTION for us. We watched it almost to the point where I got sick of it as I grew up.

You played Goose amazingly, and I'll always remember you for that role, and the way I felt EVERY TIME I SAW YOU DIE.

I don't really have a question - I just wanted to say THANKS for being such a huge part of my childhood, and being such a great actor.

It was my pleasure

Do you think a Revenge of the Nerds remake would have the same cultural impact as the original and are you glad attempts to remake it have been thwarted thus far? (I wish Hollywood would stop destroying my childhood)

No because the nerds are in power now which I am happy about

How did you feel about the countless cast changes on ER over the years? Did you prefer the original team, or did you enjoy working with new actors?

A lot of that happened after my time I am just really glad that the show was able to keep going and other people could have an opportunity to be part of the story.

How did you hear about Reddit?

My daughter introduced me to it. Who teaches me most things lately

What do strangers typically say to you when they see you in public?

They grab a part of their body and go "oh doctor I need help"

Do you ever go back to Adams College to see where it all started and see how the Tri-Lamb house is dealing with the Alpha Betas?

tri-lambs are running the world now. I don't have to go back.

would you wear this shirt ?

No but my daughters would!

You were my second favorite character on ER after Noah Wyle/ Dr. Carter. But it was a really, really close second.

You inspired me to go to medical school and pursue emergency medicine as a career so I thank you for that. And although my future patients will never know that, I hope you can find similar inspiration in how your acting influenced at least one of your viewers. You motivated me to change the world one patient at a time and I sincerely thank you.

You're my second favorite fan. But it's a really close second.
Glad you help others

I just have to say this, I'm currently 23 and whenever I went into the hospital as a kid, I always asked for Dr. Greene or Carter because you and Noah Wyle were my favorites on the show (I realize now it was due to the complete badass moments from both characters), and I felt it necessary to inform you of this.

Pivoting to Zodiac, there are stories of Robert Downey Jr. causing some trouble on the set due to the workload and hours, can either confirm or deny this? And what convinces you that a role is a good fit for you? (Script, cast, director, etc.)

"Forget Superman... I want Mark Greene." Still one of my favorite lines of all time.

Robert never did any of that. I just go off of whether it is a good story that I feel I can deliver

What has been your favorite role you have played so far? Any roles you missed out on that would have been better?

Thoroughly enjoyed Zero Hour's pilot, btw!

I loved Goose (rip)

Was Tom Cruise always insane?

just on mondays from 12:30-1

Hello, Anthony!

In Top Gun, was it fun working with Tom Cruise?

Thank you, you're plain and simply awesome!!

Yes we were all young and good looking

Were you disappointed that George Clooney didn't come back for Dr greens funeral episode?

I wasn't there either. But honestly no

Revenge of the Nerds, along with Porky's and Up in Smoke, is one of my top 3 comedies of all time. Was it fun playing Gilbert? Did it seem to come naturally? You did a hell of a job.

my kids think its more than natural. it was really fun my inner nerd was able to dance

Hi I was just wondering what this weeks episode of zero hours is about??

me too! honestly I can't wait to watch!

me and my family watch ER every night together, just started on season 8, completely amazing. have you ever been to scotland before? thats where im from :D

yes went to Scotland to look at St. Andrews college with my son. Beautiful country!

In a previous answer you said after ER ended you travelled the world for a year, what was the most amazing thing you saw?

Southeast Asia was spectacular. And I really fell in love with subsaharan africa

I was a huge fan as a kid when you played Goose and an equally huge fan watching you as Dr Greene. Can't wait to be a huge fan as an adult with Zero Hour as well!

My question for you- what's been your coolest "bucket list" achievement? Thanks again for doing this AMA!!

Got my pilots license two years ago!

Did Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer really have a full on fist fight while making Top Gun or is that just some bullshit?

If true, please describe in detail how it went down.

bs

Did you ever get the name of that trucker school goose?

yes truck drivers school of trucking . that was an actual company when I was a kid. I just remember their commercials.