Michelle Gomez is a Scottish actress. She is best known for her comedy roles in Green Wing, The Book Group and Bad Education, as well as playing Missy, an incarnation of the Master in the long running British science-fiction programme Doctor Who.
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» All Actress InterviewsHello Reddit, this is Michelle Gomez. I'm back playing Missy on this week's new episode of Doctor Who: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad5bRIlAD0A
Thank you for joining me for the AMA. I'm done with all of you. That's about as nice as it gets.
New episodes of Doctor Who air Saturdays at 9/8c on BBC America and Saturday nights on BBC One. Take a look at this season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxG7M_xVuM
Proof: https://i.redd.it/1aldk85xopxy.jpg
Proof #2: https://twitter.com/MichelleGomez/status/864298809505067008
FYI: the BBC America social team have typed my answers today.
Hi Michelle! I Absolutely love you in Doctor Who! I actually have 2 questions if that's okay?
My first question is: When you were cast as The Master, there was some controversy and doubt as The Master had always been played by a man, how did you overcome the backlash that the gender change received?
And my second question is: If Missy could face against any Doctor from the shows history, who would you like to battle?
1) No it’s not.
2) I wasn’t aware of any backlash, but thanks for pointing it out.
3) You!
HEY, MISSY! (YOU'RE SO FINE!)
My question is:
Have you improvised any of your lines on Doctor Who?
There’s been a lot of what we call topping and tailing. Most of it ends up on the cutting room floor. Hey Missy You’re So Fine made the cut.
Be honest: Would you throw them off the Eiffel Tower?
That would have to be a definite maybe.
What is your favorite part about being in Doctor Who?
Freedom. Freedom to do and say and be anything I want. Obviously being good is not an option.
Michelle, as an actor, how much of the Mistress did you derive from yourself?
It’s hard to draw a line between the two, ya big fat finger.
What was your thought process on becoming what had only been a male role on such an iconic and long running show (love your portrayal BTW!)?
I just brought my panties to the party with my fingers crossed.
If Missy was to meet up with any previous Doctor, who would you choose it to be and why?
It would have to be a Baker and Pertwee interface because they were my Doctor from my generation. Missy would like to go to Paris with them for a croissant on the Champs Elysees followed by a quick trip up the Eiffel Tower.
What do you think Sue White from Green Wing is up to these days?
She’s probably traveling through all of space and time.
Hey Michelle! What's the funniest thing that's happened on set?
Shoving Clara down a hole. It made me laugh.
Are you in the vault?
That’s very careless of you. I hope you get a new pair. I’m not answering your question, you silly sausage.
Thank you for doing this! How much input do you get on Missy's mannerisms, characteristics, certain lines of dialogue, etc.?
Well it’s my face, it’s my mouth, it’s my body. I’m merely a channel for Steven Moffat’s brilliance.
Your portrayal of The Master is my favorite character in the show.
Is there any chance you will get your own spin-off?
Missy Who? Make it happen, bitches. Now that’s worth campaigning for.
Hi Michelle!
What was it like kissing Peter Capaldi in Dark Water? Is he a good kisser?
He’s incorrigible.
Who from the Doctor Who cast would you most like to act alongside again and why?
Peter Capaldi in a heartbeat. I am forever his servant.
Hey! I'm so excited you're doing this. Thanks for being a great role model and a fabulous Missy! What will you take away from the role and what's the best thing about being apart of the Doctor Who universe?
Thank you so much!
I’ll take away a great sense of satisfaction and immense gratitude for all my wonderful fans. Also the umbrella for whacking people I don’t like the look of.
How does having such impressively intimidating eyes affect your daily life? They certainly help Missy hold her own versus Capaldi's brows!
Dark sunglasses help from dawn ‘til dusk.
What's your favorite thing about working with Peter & the rest of the gang and now working with your predecessor on the show?
Also fav ice cream???
57th Doctor, you’re too greedy. Too many questions, too little time. Such a naughty Doctor.
Hi Michelle, as an actor how strange is it to be turned into an action figure and Mr Men/Little Miss character?
I can die happy. To be immortalized in plastic and characterized in a Mr Men book with no apparent clothes on.
Hi Michelle, thank you for proving all the naysayers wrong and creating one of the most enjoyable villains on television! I just wanted to ask whether there were any bad guys and girls from movies or TV of old that you took inspiration from?
No. I tend not to do any research or think about anything I’m about to do. Ever. It’s called blind ignorance.
Hey Michelle, firstly can I just say how much I adore you as an actress, and how fantastic you have been so far as Missy (cannot wait for the rest of this series!) I am absolutely in love with the character! I would love to meet you some day too- please do a convention in the UK- i.e. London/Cardiff Comic Con :D
My question: Is there anything, if given the chance, which you would change about Missy? Or anything which has come up in a past script before which you haven't 100% agreed with? Is it a collaborative process working out where the character is going in terms of development?
I have thoroughly enjoyed everything about playing Missy and collaboratively speaking, it’s Steven’s vision, but I’ve been given a lot of freedom within and made it my own.
Which Who episode that you played in did you like the best?
Also I just wanted to say I love your character so much I named my kitty after her. http://i.imgur.com/fq21dDP.jpg
What a lovely pussy!
Do you plan on working in the USA anytime soon?
Heck yes. I'm available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.
Absolutely adore you in Doctor Who, you're fab! (Plus I had the pleasure of a photo op in 2015!!)
Just wondering, which has been your favourite series of Doctor Who to film so far and which is your favourite episode out of the ones you've appeared in?
The last episode of series 8 on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral with a Cyberman backdrop, upstaging St. Pauls.
Would you rather fight ten Clara-sized Doctors or one Doctor-sized Clara?
What would Missy's dress sense be like if you got to pick it out?
What is your favourite restaurant in New York?
You said you're leaving the show with Peter and Moffat, but which actor who used to play the Doctor would you pick to continue the role of Missy (exactly how you played it), and why is it David Tennant?
1) I’d fight them all regardless of shape and size.
2) Elasticated waistband, comfortable shoes and a paperbag for my head.
3) Anywhere that sells pizza.
Who has better hair, you or Peter Capaldi?
I can’t deny Peter’s folical magnificence, but I have enough hair to stuff a large couch so you choose.
If Missy could do literally anything - not that she can't, necessarily - what would it be?
I’d take all the ravens in the sky and come and visit my favourite Raven - you.
What's the trickiest part about playing such an iconic character?
Having to be absolutely fabulous all the time. It’s very tiring.
If Missy was to have a pet, what do you think it'd be?
Half cat, half dog in the shape of a Gucci handbag with legs. Obviously.
What's your favorite thing to do in Brooklyn?
Count squirrels. Those darn squirrels.
Will Missy have a regeneration scene? If you can't say, how would you 'like' to go?
Missy will never be far away, even in death. She’s behind you!
When they cast you, were they looking for a Scottish Master to play off a Scottish Doctor?
I think it was a happy accident that Scotland took over Doctor Who for 3 years.
I'm so excited, I absolutely adore you! My question is: is there anything (a prop, item of clothing, etc.) you've taken from the Doctor Who set as a souvenir? Thank you so much! You are 100% amazing!
Yes, I have very sticky fingers. And I am very excited for you too.
What's your weirdest fan encounter?
Having my autograph tattooed on flesh, because I’ve got terrible handwriting.
If Missy were to sing a karaoke song (other then Hey Missy) what would it be?
I once saw an interview with you, Steven, Peter, and Jenna where you said your full name in Spanish. I couldn't make it out (and neither could Steven) but it sounds gorgeous. So now I'm curious: What is/how do you spell your full name?
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Boo!
Michelle May Romney Marsham Guacamole Chicken Pot-Pie Gomez.
Have you ever had a companion? If not, would you steal one of the Doctor's?
I’ve never had a companion and I would happily steal one of the Doctor’s to toy with. There would be a lot of flicking involved.
Do you have any say in the outfits Missy wears?
I have no say in the outfits Missy wears, sadly. Great image, but bloody tight corset.
How is working alongside Pearl Mackie compared to Jenna Coleman?
P.S I think you are brilliant on the show!
I didn't know Jenna had left. I only have eyes for Peter.
How would you describe Missy in Series 10 with three words?
Strong. Fragile. Hostility.
Who would you cast as the next Doctor?
John Oliver.
Out of all the villains featured throughout the show's history, who would you most like Missy to team up with against the Doctor? You can't choose the Cybermen though as you've already done that ;)
Probably the Silence, I’d team up with the silence and just whisper my evil around.
Since moving to the US, what's something you miss from the U.K.?
You.
Hey Michelle! What's your favorite memory from set?
Walking into a studio filled with every generation of Dalek was heart-stopping.
Ms. Gomez, a true pleasure.
What was your favorite part about your time with the Royal Shakespeare Company?
Getting my mouth 'round all those vowels. It was a real education. I probably got more out of it than the audience did. Stand up for Shakespeare.
You are my all time favorite villain. So fabulous, so classy, so terribly evil.
What is your favorite book?
Actually, Bonfire of the Vanities is a rollicking good story. Still very relevant to date.
Best cure for a hangover?
Don't drink.
What's your favourite flavour of muffin?
Well, there's the classic blueberry, but also quite partial to carrot - carrot and raisin. Bring on the muffins!
Do you sing in the shower?
I do. YEP.
Hi queen! What's the #1 thing to do or place to go to on your bucket list?
Greetings from Germany! xox
I would love to sit on the moon, looking back at the Earth on a perfect Spring evening with a faint scent of jasmine in the air.
Since Capaldi is leaving us very soon, what is your favorite regeneration story?
All of them. You know, that really good one too. That was brilliant.
What has been your least favorite part of starring in Doctor Who?
Knowing everything comes to an end. Nothing stays the same. This too shall pass. NEXT!
Favourite Missy line so far?
Hard to choose, but "Tell him the Bitch is back" is up there.
Hi Michelle! How do you usually watch Doctor Who episodes you're in, or, how do you plan to watch the next episode you're in?
I don't watch them, because I've already been in it and done it, so I feel like I've already seen it. Got it?
Hi Michelle! 100% in love with your masterful take on Doctor Who's best villain.
Any chance you could tell us about your plans for world domination?
Always appear normal. It's a challenge.