I'm Doug Jones (HELLBOY, SILVER SURFER, PAN'S LABYRINTH, FALLING SKIES) A.M.A.!!

Dear film legend,
Though I'm sure it happens often, which make-up job really made you stop and check yourself out in the mirror before filming?

The Silver Surfer ... best ass I've ever had!!

Hey Dougie!

I don't know if you remember me but I interviewed you for the Ball State Theatre Department's magazine through email wayyy back my sophomore year of college (2008). You were very gracious and kind and I just want to say that it was affecting to interact with a celebrity like that. We emailed back and forth for awhile, and it was amazing that you took time to talk to some kid in the middle of Indiana. Just wanted to say thanks.

Oh, and when you came back the next year to speak to the entire department, I was walking up to you after we took the departmental photo, you saw me across the stage and yelled "Hold me!" and ran up and wrapped your legs around me. Then you yelled "Spin me!" and I did. I remember the department chair not being happy I was taking up your time. You are hilarious and probably one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. No question here, besides if I ever go out to L.A. to visit friends (or if you ever come to Chicago!) I'd love to get dinner or a drink with you.

Thanks for making Ball State cool, and take care.

-Alex

Precious Alex!! Let's make that happen!! Find me on Twitter -- @actordougjones and thank you for the happy memories!!! There's Love!!

Is Guillermo Del Toro as fun to work with as he seems he would be?

YES!!! He's a genius, but also like a college buddy you would just hang out with! Best sense of humor ever!!

First off big fan!

A couple of questions

• How did it make you feel when David Hyde Pierce refused a credit in "Hellboy" because he did not want to take away anything from your creation of Abe Sapien? (We at work have come to call this David Hyde Pierce's subtle nobility)

• Whatever happened to Pencil Head?

• Who would win in a fight, you or Doug Bradley?

Thank you Mr. Jones!

Edit: typo

I love David, and he was a fine gentleman to do me that sweet favor!! It helped cement my voice for the animated films and HELLBOY 2!!

Hey Doug! Just want to say I'm glad to see you doing an AMA. Also, wanted to share this glorious picture of you and me.

For anyone that wants some shorts featuring Doug, check these out:

Sudden Death! - Finally, a musical where everyone dies

The Candy Shop - a dark story about sex trafficking

LOVE!!!

How often do you get recognized in public and do you have a favorite fan interaction you could share?

Not often, and that's okay ... makes the ones who DO recognize me so much more special!

I have to confess I had never heard about you until a thread a couple weeks back where someone posted you in all your movies and holy crap! you're in everything! I really appreciate an actor who isn't afraid to change everything about his appearance and personality. Thanks for being a huge asset to the film industry :)

Love!!!

Would you play Slenderman if asked?

This is a reeeeeeeeally good question. Wouldn't that fit me well? (I'm winking right now)

If you could be any food, what would it be and why?

A pretzel ... I'm a contortionist, you know ;-)

I loved your episode of Fear Itself. That performance made me realize you would make a perfect Joker. Is that a part you could see yourself playing?

I would love to play Joker, but also have a love for the Riddler!! But my more realistic love of a comic character I haven't played yet would be DEAD MAN ... let's hope one day!

Hi Doug, just wanted to say I'm a huge fan of your work.

Is there something about using heavy prosthetics in movies which appeals to you?

What is your dream role?

How difficult was filming Pan's Labyrinth surrounded by Spanish speakers? Is it difficult to act in another language?

Wearing rubber on your entire body isn't easy, but when I get to play such amazing, artistic characters, it's so worth it!

I absolutely love Pan's Labyrinth! I must say, you were definitely one of the creepiest "movie monsters" that I've ever seen. I frequently pretend to see out of my hands. Not going to lie, I was rooting for you to eat Ofelia.

Anyway, now that we've covered that, my question: What was the most difficult think about your roles as El Fauno and the Pale Man?

Fauno -- REAMS of Spanish dialogue while on stilts ... I don't speak Spanish!! Pale Man -- Just plain, couldn't see!!

Hi Doug!! I’m the one who messaged you about a week ago about the Fauno costume I’m making. I can’t wait to meet you at Dragoncon this year!

A lot of your costumes are full body suits (the Faun, Pale Man, and Abe). Can you tell me exactly how long, on average, you are in costume? What’s the longest you’ve gone? Any exhaustion stories you can share? The photos of you eating lunch as Fauno are hilarious.

Make-up costumes can take 5 hours to apply, then I'm on set filming for 10-12 hours, then 2 hours of tear-down/ clean up! But there's Love!!

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LOVED working on HoPo!!! It was when Bette Midler told me I was very funny that I thought would be a good time to just die, that way I could leave this world happy!!

Mr. Jones, I had the pleasure of being "pinched" by you a few weeks ago on facebook (http://i.imgur.com/6o68wfn.jpg), and I just wanted to say thanks again, that was the coolest experience I've ever had with a celebrity. You've had a tremendous influence on my life growing up and in my love of film as you've been there weaving your way through it as well. You've made me laugh in Hocus Pocus, terrified in Buffy, and given nightmares from Pan's Labyrinth. I'm finally beginning to fulfill my dreams as well for cinema and will be having my first film premiere in Fort Wayne next week. You are simply an amazing actor and I just wanted to say thank you!

So happy and proud of you, precious puppy Alex!!

No questions, just a request:

Keep that shit up.

Actors are a dime a dozen but you, sir, are unbefuckinglievable.

Thank you!! My grandmother always told me the same thing ;-)

Good afternoon Mr Jones! I have a question regarding your interaction with fans. You always seem to be extremely humble and down to earth. How do you stay so genuine? And I've noticed you're very open about your faith, have you ever encountered any issues because of that?

Thank you so much for doing this AMA!

Thank you so much for these sweet comments!!! The only issues about my faith in the show-biz has been that people are so very respectful of it ... as I try to be of them!!

Can actors be type cast as a creature? Was that a niche that was open or how did you start to take on roles like that consecutively?

I never set out to do this, but with my mime background, and being tall and skinny, the creature bits just flock onto me!!

Hello there Mr. Jones! BIG FAN since Hocus Pocus!

A lot of people consider you the Lon Chaney of our generation and I definitely agree with that. Do you have a favorite Lon Chaney film?

Thanks Mr. Jones <3

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA still haunts me, and I'm always so very humbled when I hear anyone equate me with the legendary Mr. Chaney!!!

Dougie, how many more things are you going to get me to sign up for? First twitter, now this?! <3 you

<3 you too, sweet Katy Bacon!!

I love all your work! It takes serious some serious talent and dedication to do all the work you did with movies like Pan's Labyrinth (favorite movie). Just a small question --> Is there any chance for a Hellboy III? Or even Abe's own movie?

Well, I never say never! I would LOVE to reprise Abe, but no official word other than rumors on HB3 yet :-(

Doug!

There's love! When you gonna come down to the new VFX shop? Drinks on me!

-Kev

Let's share the love soon, precious Kev!!!

Are you and Kevin Bacon brothers?

I get that all the time!!

Hello Doug, Thank you for doing this AMA. It was great to see you in the Fallout: Nuka Break series. How did you get involved with this project? It seems like such a smaller production than you are normally associated with. Can't wait for season two to start. Thanks again

They came to me, and I'm so happy they did!!! I'm still hoping for our schedules to coincide for an appearance in season 2!!

Who would win in a wrestling match, you or Andy Serkis?

Oh, Andy hands down!! He's built as solid as a rock!!!

If you could choose which fantasy character to be in your next upcoming film, who would you choose? Been a huge fan since HOCUS POCUS, keel up the great work for the next generation to see :)

Either a Vampire (the classic black & white kind, not the sparkly kind), or a benevolent angel!!

Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party and why? :)

Big fan, i think the roles you have chosen to undertake are really well portrayed. Hope you have a great AMA!! :)

Oh!! Quickly, i loved Billy in Hocus Pocus!!!!!!!

I would invite Jesus, Whitney Houston, and YOU of course!!

Say it's saturday afternoon. You're starving. No food in the house. Where do you go and or what do you order?

No hoity toity here ... I love me some McDonald's dollar menu!!!

Hello, Mr. Jones! I'd like to ask about your characters. Who are you most afraid of? Who are the most horrible? Thank you for AMA! hugs

I'm most afraid of the most horrible thing I've ever played .... the Pale Man from PAN'S LABYRINTH ... OK, the Gentleman from BUFFY was horrible, too!!

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Always wanted to be an actor, but if that ever failed me, I've always had a love for the healing arts ... like nursing.

Hey, Doug! Thank's for doing this AMA :) I've been a big fan ever since you appeared on David Blue's podcast.

What was it about Falling Skies that caught your interest? Also, How did you and David Blue first meet?

David and I meet at Comic Con a few years ago, and have been friends ever since! I love my character on FALLING SKIES because he's so smart, yet rather charming ... a couple of things I'm not , hehehe.

What is your favorite movie? Book?

To watch? -- SOMEWHERE IN TIME. To read? -- THE HOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD

Why won't those jerks behind Sudden Death! and Research. ever let you sing?

I know, right!!! They promise it will happen soon!!

So great that you are doing this! What has been your favorite creature to play? Have you had any reactions to the makeup?

Favorite costumed character ever is my beloved Abe Sapien!! And thankfully no bad reactions to make-up chemicals ... could you imagine!?!?!

Of all the acting roles you've had, which do you wish you could relive again because of how great an experience it was for you?

Ooh -- Jerry from MY NAME IS JERRY or Dominique Wilkins on THE NEIGHBORS, but always room in my heart to reprise Abe Sapien from HELLBOY!!

How does it feel knowing that your name is synonymous with not only quality acting, but masterful storytelling?

Also, the Pale Man was creepy as shit...I loved it!

I'm so honored and feel very blessed!

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Thank you!! That was all Joss Whedon's brain child with amazing make-ups created by Optic Nerve!! I just brought the creepy smile and flowing body movements ... and a love for tearing out hearts, of course.

Dougie, you may not remember me, but I was your stand-in for when My Name is Jerry was shooting in Muncie. I just wanted to stop in and thank you again for the incredibly positive influence you had in my life. I wrote a list of ways that you literally made my way better, and it has helped in not only my marriage, but my life in general. I am a much more positive and forgiving person now, and, while I don't have a question, I just wanted to give you the big thanks you deserve for just being one of the nicest people on the planet!

OMG ... So much love for you, and thank you for the happy memories!!! Hug on the wife and the brother for me!!

Doug, seeing you as a Wendigo in Fear Itself seriously gave me the shivers! Just two questions:

• What do you feel was the most terrifying creature you have portrayed (maybe the one that scared you)?

• When you have to portray those types of characters, what do you do to separate yourself from them at the end of the day?

Thanks so much!

Thank you! The Pale Man from PAN'S LABYRINTH terrified me, along with the Gentleman from BUFFY! .... easy to separate from these when the make-up is removed!

What is the makeup process like? You've played a lot of characters which render you entirely unrecognizable, so how long are you in the makeup chair before you start shooting? Is it uncomfortable or tedious?

Everything you'd think ... hot, heavy, and sticky! Longest -- 7 hours a day for Abe in the 1st HELLBOY!

Hi Doug This is Jason From Oregon Chatting it up here on my bday hope all is well with you

Happy Birthday, Puppy Jason!!!

• What was it like working with Guillermo Del Toro?

• Is he really as nice as everyone says?

• Do you think you could kick Ron Perlman's ass?

Big fan of your work, keep on being great.

Guillermo is absolutely all the delight he's cracked up to be! And Ron would absolutely pulverize my ass!!! Have you seen the guns on that man!! (but he'd never ... he's like a big brother to me!)

Hi Doug! Thanks for doing this AMA. As a huge fan of the movie Hocus Pocus, any great stories/funny stories from the set you can share? You can't go wrong with Bette and SJP, can you?

Looking forward to Falling Skies!!

I think singing a Michael Jackson song on set with the kids between takes, and it ended up being filmed and broadcast on E.T. as behind the scenes footage!

Do you have a ritual to get in character before you begin your performances?

Pray I can survive the day, mostly!!! (And get enough sleep, water, exercise, and such!)

Hello sir! As a former Ball State student and a current Muncie resident, it makes me happy to see an alum from our university make it so far! I actually started college JUST after you finished filming My Name is Jerry and I was super bummed I didn't get to meet you!

Just a few questions for you today:

1. What is your fondest memory of your time at BSU?

2. Any cool new characters we can expect to see you play in the near future?

3. Any plans to make an appearance in Muncie soon? I would LOVE to get a picture with you!

Anyway, thanks for doing this AMA and I wish you all the best!!

So sweet of you! BSU memory -- Our fist MAC conference basketball win when I was on the court as 'Charlie Cardinal!!' And look for me in FALLING SKIES Sundays on TNT at 10pm ... as in THIS Sunday -- great episode where you'll get to know my character "Cochise" way better!!

Thanks for dropping in!

You're such a good physical actor. From the weird and detached nobility of the Silver Surfer to the manic scrabbling of Pale Man, the thing I notice across the board is how well you portray the body language of the inhuman.

How did you practice that? And do your talents as a contortionist inform how much control over the moods you can generate with just your posture and motion?

More from the mime background! That woke up my body to know that communication is a full body experience!!

Hello Doug, I hope to see you in Orlando soon. I hope Season 2 of The Neighbors come back. What do you like playing better. Is there ever a time where the costume just didn't work?

Aaron B. St. Cloud, FL

THE NEIGHBORS is indeed renewed for Season 2!! Let's hope I can juggle it with FALLING SKIES again!! The creature costume that was a nightmare (along with the crappy movie) was BUG BUSTER, with me as the Mother Bug!

I see you're attached to two different films with Tony Todd and one with Kane Hodder. It must be awesome to work with such icons of the horror genre. Have they taught you anything special when you're behind a mask? Also, are you a fan of the genre and if so what type of horror films do you enjoy? 70's Exploitation? Zombies? Vampires? Blood and guts or a suspense thriller?

Thanks again <3

Love more of the suspenseful thrillers that don't show so much blood splatters! Classic old black & whites! Also love both Tony and Kane!!

Hey Dougie, big fan of yours hope to see ya at Crypticon this year :) A couple of ??s So with all the crazy positions and contortion'al things you do with your body do you ever go to a chiropractor? lol You'd probably be able to get adjusted easily :) Also...what is your favorite thing to do when your home with the family away from filming? Thanks much Dougie! Lords Blessings! -Josh

I love cracking my own back ... and it's much cheaper!!!!

DOUGIE!! Hey its Rick from Xcon and Port City Pop Con.!! I have a question in regards to Short Films and what makes a short something you will be a part of? I ask because of the one you did called Candyshop. With Whitestone Entertainment. I Really enjoyed the message and your character was Awesome! Sorry I got off track. So the question is...What does a short film have to possess that will make it a project you will want to be a part of?

Just like any project, I love a good story, good character, and a great director with some vision!! That comes in all formats, including shorts & web series!!

Hello Doug! Welcome to the strange world of the internet. My questions are:

• Which of your movies do you enjoy watching the most?

• What movies do you hope to do in the future? and

• If... just IF you could be any animal in the whole world, what would you be?

I'd like to be a Golden Retriever ... they're so happy! My favorite movie of mine to watch again and again is MY NAME IS JERRY or PAN'S LABYRINTH ... obviously for different reasons! Also looking forward to the upcoming release of DUST OF WAR.

Well, this is really awesome! Just have to say that you've been one of my favorite actors since Fear Itself. That episode still scares the crap out of me. But now I have to pull it together and tone down the fangirl inside. Question time!

1. What was it like working with Fear Itself? TV and film are obviously different but (at least from my standpoint) each episode seemed to be a "mini movie." Do you think this hindered/helped the artistic process at all?

2. I hate myself for asking because I'm sure there hasn't been much progress since you last mentioned it (at least not on your end?), but is there any more news about Frankenstein? I believe you said you had your casts done for make up, but do you know anything about the plot?

3. How's Guillermo Del Toro? From what you see, does he approach each movie differently, or does he use the same directing style with each piece?

FRANKENSTEIN is still in development at Universal, and Guillermo asked me to tell you all that he's a "lazy f**k" for not finishing the script yet!!

Hi Doug! It's Jim Russell from little ole' North Manchester, Indiana. It's so fun to see you so busy and creative in so many media forms. My question is: When was the last time you returned to Ball State University? Any plans on surprising them as the "honorary mascot for the day"? Do you miss your old mime and mascot days?

Jimbo!!! Love remembering my Ball State years for sure!! Was back a couple of years ago to speak at the huge freshmen convocation! LOVE!!

Hi Doug! Any chance you'll be cast in the new Star Wars film? I think you'd make a great translator droid like C3P0 but with lightsabres.

I would LOVE to be in this, but no offers yet.

Has the heavy amount of make-up you use on set ever resulted in any serious health concerns?

Thankfully no!! Just uncomfortable or hot at times.

Hello Mr. Jones! Just wanted to tell you how much i love your work. i watched ' My name is Jerry ' a few days ago and it was brilliant! i wondered what music do you like yourself? And if you could play any character of ' The Rocky Horror Picture Show' which one would you choose? hugs from germany :3

Thank you for the JERRY love!! And I WISH I was in good enough shape to play Rocky, but I think I'm more suited to play Brad (Incidentally, I"m currently in a web series, RESEARCH, with Barry Bostwick, who played Brad!)

Hello Doug, Some actors worked with Andre The Giant. Others with Shaq and some with Kareem. I know size is irrelevant, but who is the biggest actor / human that you've ever worked with?

I forget his name, but it was a USC basketball player who was in an episode of TALES FROM THE CRYPT with me!

Hi Doug, is this AMA related to the 2-week old post on Reddit, I have to admit it was the first time someone pointed to all the good work you've done and I didn't know a thing about you.

Some insight as a Gentleman?

Thank you!! This AMA was scheduled first, and that other thread was simply a happy accident!!

Doug, Last time i saw you was in Fargo, ND at the film fest there. I just wanted to say that i miss your hugs and head pats. Signed, your little puppy Rob

Robby Puppy!!!! LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love You & Your Work! Very Very Impressed With All You Bring To The Entertainment Factor In My Life! <3 <3 <3

Huggles!!

Really Big fan Doug! Love your work in Pan's Labyrinth, and my father and I are HUGE fans of HellBoy series. Do you have any input with the director/costume creator, etc when signing onto a role? I've read in the past some of the prosthetic and costumes that you wear prohibit vision, speech among other things, so I was curious if you ever to get any input to make your job any easier.

I do have comfort input, but the design input I leave to the world renowned artists who create them!!

The scenes in Hellboy where Abe is in the tank, are you really under water with all that makeup on?

A lot of CGI, but the close-ups are me hanging on wires with a water effect added in later!

Hi Doug, thanks for inspiring me to go into makeup effects. You helped get me to move out of my rural town of 800 people to Vancouver, BC. What a lovely city it is, am I right? :) i have two questions:

What is your favorite makeup removal product to have used on you to remove adhesives?

How is it different playing a human like Jerry in My Name is Jerry, as opposed to playing a creature?

thanks!

Love playing both humans and non ... all depends on the story, character relationships, and director!! And I love Isopropyl Myristate (sp?) for removals!!!

Hey Doug, thank you for doing this AMA!

Are you a big fantasy/sci-fi fan in general or do you just seem to be typecast into those sort of roles?

I've become more of a fan because of the roles I've been cast in. I still love comedies like AIRPLANE, though!!

Hi Doug! Big fan of your work. What has been your most challenging character to play?

Always the heavily made-up characters in foreign films ... like the Faun from PAN'S LABYRINTH or La Gueule from GAINSBOURG: A Heroic Life!!

I don't have a question. After reading your replies here, I wanted to comment on your impressive skills as a polite and well cultured gentleman. Have a nice day.

So sweet of you!!!

What is your favourite role so far that you have played?

Favourite movie that you haven't been in?

Abe Sapien from HELLBOY or Jerry from MY NAME IS JERRY! Favorite movie -- SOMEWHERE IN TIME!

Hi Doug--Its Susie and my furry friend Munch from Burbank..This has probably been asked but how are things looking for Hellboy 3. BTW I love your book and am delighted that I got a chance to have you sign it. Any chance you're coming to the Hollywood Autograph show in July.

Won't be at the Hollywood show in July, but thank you for loving MIME VERY OWN BOOK!!! And give that Munch a munch for me!! (no word on HB3, sadly)

Hey Doug! I don't really have a question for you on account I already asked you personally when you came to Puerto Rico. I just wanted to tell you that I was extremely happy to meet you even if I was so nervous I could barely say hi to you hahaha (and this never happens to me ever) and that because you are by far my favorite actor! I hope all is well, have an amazing day! - Vanessa Foster

LOVE!!!

Hi Mr jones :) ive spoke to you before, in @music_nymph on twitter and i was the one that was dropped from acting and made you that video. basicaly, i would LOVE an autograph from you, however i never leave the uk, ive no passport and with work i couldn't anyway :( so its impossible, so im going to be really cheeky/rude and say please please PLEASE can you send me one? It would mean sooooo much to me if you did heres my address: Cogries Cottage, Beattock, Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United kingdom, DG10 9PP

and give zekey dog a big hug and kiss from me. thanks so much, your an idol to me! Love, kerry-ann

Yes! Hi puppy love!! Best to send that request to my fan email ... [email protected]

What costume/make up took you the longest to get into? Are they very uncomfortable?

Abe Sapien for the first HELLBOY! 7 hours a day. Comfort comes second when I get to play such an amazing creation!!

No question but dude YOU ROCK!

Love!!!

DOUG! What advice would you give a young woman in LA wanting to specialize in prosthetic/creature performance? Do you recommend any classes or special teachers? -Elle

No idea on classes or teachers ... I started as a mime, great physical training!

Hey Doug!

• What character of yours took the longest time to get dressed up into / makeup applied, and was any of it uncomfortable or heavy?

And also,

• Your Pale Man character in Pan's Labyrinth scared the bezeesus out of me! What helps you when acting as a scary being, or gets you into the mindset of some of your more far-out characters?

We all have a dark side to tap into!! Always uncomfortable, but so worth it!!

So you're constantly acting in these dramatic full body costumes, do you find that this helps enable your acting ability, as compared to not wearing a costume at all? Have these roles effected you in any way? (Career wise, socially, etc.) You're great by the way, you really get some awesome roles to play and you're very entertaining to watch.

A full body costume/ make-up can help me create characters I could never do with my own ugly face!!

Hey Doug! Huge fan and fellow Ball State graduate here.

Just wanted to know how your experience of doing something like Hellboy differences itself from doing something like My Name Is Jerry?

Also wanted to know if you feel as underrated as an actor like many of your fans do?

Thanks and peace be with you.

Big budget films in heavy make-ups are what bought my house, but the little indies feed my creative beast within! Never felt underrated, just happy anyone knows who I am!!

Hello dear Dougie! Do you have any special acting techniques or methods that you use to help get in to a characters mind and body before shooting?

Get enough sleep, enough exercise, and hydrate ... oh, and be a little bit crazy, hehehe!!!

Favorite part about your job?

Getting to do things like this AMA ... seriously!!

Just wanted to say I LOVE Falling Skies.

and we love YOU!!!

Wow! Thanks alot for doing this AMA! You are able to capture the subtleties of movement and really add to characters. I got two questions. How did you get into your style of acting? and since many of your roles use practical FX and makeup, did you yourself get into the creation of such techniques?

Thank you!! The mime background and being a tall skinny freak made me a shoe-in for this wacky career I have now!

Hi Doug! Do you have to psych yourself up every time you have to sit in the chair for hours on end to get the latex/paint applied? If not, what do you do to get in the right frame of mind for it?

I do find my happy place ... quiet. Also laugh a lot and watch YouTube videos with my make-up artists .... don't get me started on the talking cat videos!!

Hello Mr. jones! I was wondering, What's the most uncomfortable suit/makeup/costume you had to wear for a film?

The Mother Bug in the hideous BUG BUSTER ... ugh.