Checkout.com presents Kari Wuhrer, Actress and Musician

Discusses her role on VH-1's "Out of Sync" - July 12, 2000

CheckOut: Welcome to a chat with actress Kari Wuhrer from VH-1’s "Out of Sync" that airs tomorrow night at 9:00 p.m. Kari plays Sunni, a singer with less talent and more body in this original comedy. Kari has appeared in numerous films and television roles, but her true passion is Music. Send in your questions for her about the making of "Out of Sync," and how she balances life as a musician and actress. Welcome Kari Wuhrer! Kari: Hey everybody, it's great to be here at CheckOut.com! Vince: What is "Out of Sync" about? How do you feel about your character and the role? Kari: "Out of Sync" is a fictional comedy about the crassness and commercialism of the music business. I play a wannabe pop star named Sunni, who has all the MTV goods but she can't sing. Synths: Where can I check out "Out of Sync"? Kari: VH-1 Wednesday night at 9 o'clock , 8 Central. Have a party! Bring a friend. Oroscata: What do you feel is most important, great looks or musicianship, and why? Kari: Musicianship! And it's not a why question. LadyAideen: Would you personally ever be willing to let someone else take credit for your work? Kari: They always do--directors, producers, etc. Fally: What was it like playing a supporting role to Gail O'Grady in "Out of Sync?" Did you enjoy working with her and the rest of the cast? Kari: The cast was amazing. Gail O'Grady has so much talent and class. We offset each other, and made the comedy work beyond the page. Jennration X: Will you watch your own movie? Kari: Are you kidding, girl? I'm having a party, catered, with champagne and homeless people, anyone who will come over! MelanieMA: How did you feel about Sunni, your character in "Out of Sync?" Was this an enjoyable role for you? Did you feel connected to the character in any way? Kari: I wanted to make Sunni likeable. I wanted to make her fun and energetic, and that was the fun part. I feel semi-connected to her because in 1989 a producer wanted to make me into something I was not, and I had to walk away. DarthWife: What character traits did you bring to this "Out of Sync," and what ones were hardest for you to act out? Kari: Of course I brought out boobs and hair! But the hardest was to bring out the vulnerability of an ambitious diva. Jennration X: What was your favorite part in making the movie? Kari: The actors were amazing, but singing badly in the recording studio was the most fun I've ever had in the studio. We were laughing so hard. GaryTX: Did you enjoy working with Director Graeme Campbell on this project? Kari: Graeme was the most generous director ever! He really trusted his actors and let us run with the ball. I'd work with him again in a minute. KaliGurl: If you had your choice of any career path for the future, what would it be? Kari: Any career? I would have to say research scientist working on the cure for cancer, AIDS, any terminal illness. And if that sounds too precocious, I'd love to work in A&R in the music business, just so I could clean it up a little bit. Fally: Was there any one thing that you particularly liked about the role you played in "Out of Sync" compared to your other work? Kari: I loved playing Sunni. I loved the freedom to be wild. because when I can play a wild character, I'm a little less wild in my real life and for me, that's always a good thing. Mickey: Is there any one leading male actor that you are dying to work with? Kari: Gary Oldman, Gary Oldman, Gary Oldman! And of course Henry Rollins. Jason: What has been your favorite part or project in your career and why? Kari: Every year I grow, so every year I like to be challenged. "Out of Sync" came at the perfect time because it was a challenge in the art of discipline. I worked very hard, and I really am proud of that process. Phyllis: How did you end up getting the role on "Remote Control?" Kari: It was my birthday and I left all my inhibitions at home, and that's exactly what they were looking for. Scott1: Did Gail O'Grady do her own singing in "Out Of Sync?" Kari: No, but I did! Stephanie: Do you have any interest in directing or producing films or television? Kari: I definitely have an interest in producing, and it looks like it may be happening sooner than later. Misguided Angel: Will "Out of Sync" be coming out on video? I don't get VH-1. Kari: I don't know. I have a feeling that all of the movies that VH-1 does that "rock" will be out on video soon. Lazerlee: What is the name of your band? Kari: Right now, we're calling ourselves "Shake to Erase" and it's a play on…well, think of the Etch-a-Sketch. Barbara: Are you currently working on another album with the band? Kari: Always. Sfilkins: How can I get your autograph? Kari: Write my label and they'll give your letter to me. Scorpio42867: I love your CD, it ROCKS! I'm impatiently awaiting the next release. Are there chances of a tour? Kari: I would love a tour, only I need someone who believes in me enough to pay for it. Any bites? Specularity: Kari what inspired you to get involved with acting? Kari: When I was a little girl I used to watch a television show that CBS would air twice a year called "That's Entertainment." I wanted to be Judy Garland more than Judy Garland wanted to be Judy Garland. MicheleMelius: Have you ever aspired to be a singer? Kari: I've been a singer longer than I've been anything else. I just have so much respect for music that I have stayed away from the commercialism of it. Richard: What has been the biggest challenge in your career? Kari: Right now, I just want to work and get better and build a future every day is a challenge in this business. Phillyjames: Who has inspired you the most in your career? Kari: For two different reasons, two different men. Cat Stevens, because he brought a spiritual focus to music, and Henry Rollins because he has shown me by example the power of discipline and focus and hard work. Specularity: Kari what's it like working as a MTV VJ? Kari: Easy, fun, lots of swag and meeting very interesting people. Val: Of all the movies you have been in, which was your favorite and why? Kari: "The Crossing Guard" was amazing because who wouldn't want to work with Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn! But I try to make every movie my favorite movie by having a good attitude and really connecting with the people involved. EmployeeOfTheWeek: I have to ask this--are there any negative repercussions because you're so pretty? Kari: Oh isn't that sweet! I would like to be taken more seriously, but in the end, that's only up to me. Sarjac: Will you be doing anything else for VH-1? Kari: Watch me tomorrow all day leading up to the film. I will be hosting every show. It's 'Kari Day' on VH-1. I also have a couple of ideas of my own. Hillsson: I'd like to commend you on your great singing ability, and so, would we expect a videoclip from you (now VH-1 people please take notice)? Kari: I'm not dead, right? Hopefully! EmployeeOfTheWeek: Is there any chance that you'll win an Academy Award or Oscar for this part? Kari: Oh yes! I won a gigantic wiener statuette from Oscar Meyer! SandyFay: Do your acting roles differ a lot from being a VJ where you got your start? Kari: I actually took a lot from my MTV "Remote "Control" character to create the role of Sunni. Harbinger 21: Do you have any idea of what your next project will be? Kari: Right now, I'm working on a film called "The Medicine Show" with Jonathon Silverman and Garrett Morris, but I'm also in the process of creating my own TV show. DarthWife: If someone were to find this film say 20 years in the future, what would people think of it? What is enduring about it? Kari: Me! I'm enduring, if you can endure me! But, it will also show the current state of the music business in the year 2000. CheckOut: Unfortunately, it looks like we are just about out time. Kari are there any last thoughts you would like to leave with your fans? Kari: I just want to thank everyone for their support and incredible patience with me. "Out of Sync" is funny and I hope everyone loves it. CheckOut: Thank you Kari for joining CheckOut.com and Talk City to discuss "Out of Sync" which airs tomorrow night on VH1 at 9:00 p.m.