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Interview with Karri Turner |
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 aving been a fan of the popular television series “JAG” for several years it was a pleasure
to have the opportunity to interview Lt. Harriet Sims Roberts, Karri Turner in real life.
Born in Texas and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, Karri attended Oral Roberts University for two years and then moved to Southern California to enroll in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Following graduation she became a member of the famed Groundlings Sunday Company where she created hundreds of hilarious off-beat characters. She is also a 10-year member of the West Coast
Ensemble Theatre Company. Karri has starred in everything from “As You Like It” and “Amadeus” to “Cyrano” and “South Pacific.” Her numerous television credits include recurring roles in “The X-Files” and “Caroline in the City.”
Since its inception seven years ago, “JAG” has portrayed the drama, humor, social structure
and personal demands of life in the military. Its leading characters, particularly Karri’s Harriet and her husband Bud, have expanded their vistas with millions of viewers following the progression of these relationships each week.
We caught up with Karri shortly after her return from a few weeks of R and R bicycling through the Greek island of Crete.
TH: Welcome Karri. I really enjoy your work on “JAG.” In my opinion your character Harriet and her husband Bud provide an important continuity from episode to episode, somewhat of a play within a play.
KT: Thank you. I really like being out there and the opportunity to expand my character.
TH: After seven seasons I’m sure you have developed a strong affinity with the personal challenges and professional demands on the lives of our military personnel.
KT: My father was in the service so I have always had an appreciation for the guys and gals in the military and their families. Also, when I was growing up I loved to visit the big ships and see the planes so it is pretty ironic that I have the opportunity to spend my time in this environment.
I have developed a real sensitivity to the protocols and responsibilities of military personnel,
as well as how much time they are required to spend away from their families. It has given me a sincere appreciation for their dedication to duty and what their commitment means to us as a country.
TH: I understand you had the privilege of participating in the 2001 U.S. Operation Starlight tour to Korea?
KT: Yes, it was a real thrill to spend part of the holidays with our troops in Korea. Prior to the trip I had visited the Korean war memorial monument in Washington, D.C. Interaction with this dramatic portrayal of 50 combat soldiers 10-feet tall, on the field of battle, is a very moving experience. The monument inscription, “Freedom isn’t free,” really reinforced for me the reality that the men and women of our military forces are paying that price for freedom so we can be safe and secure at home. This year I will be joining the tour to visit our troops in Afghanistan for the Christmas holidays.
TH: Did you have any concerns for your personal safety when you accepted the invitation to join the tour to Afghanistan?
KT: Briefly. There is a scripture verse that advises us to “be safe.” However, I have ultimate confidence in the military to provide for our safety. After all, for 60 years it has been an American tradition to visit our forces overseas, both in times of war and peace. Actually I will be spending my birthday in Afghanistan. Maybe the Army band will even play happy
birthday.
TH: Earlier in our conversation you mentioned that you enjoyed working and expanding the scope of your character. After seven years is it difficult to maintain a fresh perspective as you grow the character?
KT: I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and performing with the Groundlings Sunday Company. The academy provides an individual with an excellent foundation in all aspects of the acting craft. It is an intense and thorough experience which motivates an individual to really stretch and make the most of his or her talents. The Groundlings is improv and sketches. I would estimate 75 percent of the “Saturday Night Live” cast members have been associated with the Groundlings. For me the experience of working with this improv group was significant in that you learn not just to play at something but to become the character. I am comfortable with Harriet and enjoy the continuing growth of her character through the diverse challenges she faces as relationships mature and her family circumstances evolve.
TH: Tell us about your bicycle tour of Crete.
KT: It was a great experience. I have neighbors
who are avid cyclists who suggested I might
enjoy accompanying them on their upcoming
tour of Crete. At the time my involvement in
biking was a good way to provide cardiovascular
exercise. However, the experience promised
to be a great way to exit the constant
intrusion of billboards, horns and overpowering
Los Angeles traffic and to slow down and
get back into my own head, so I decided to
join my friends on their adventure.
While I assumed the physical challenges
would be modest, I began a program to
increase my endurance through more frequent
and longer excursions on my bike. Also I even
had a sponsor, Terry Cycling, who supplied me
with the greatest riding gear including shorts,
shirts, helmets, etc.
The tour was marvelous. We rode for about
five hours a day with frequent stops to explore
local points of interest and even indigenous
flora.
For me it was a really cleansing experience.
Even though you are traveling with a
group, when you are biking it is a very private
experience—a time to meditate, listen to
books on tape, commune with the beautiful
landscape and process where you are in life.
The good news is you burn about 2000 calories
in five hours of riding. The best news is
then you can feast on the amazing Greek food
and a glass or two of local wine without suffering
any guilt.
Most places we stayed did not have television
and one night after a 3000-foot climb
during our five-hour ride, our accommodation
did not even have a clock.
There was a real camaraderie among the
members of the group. I was the youngest. In
fact, most participants were in their 50s, some
in their 70s, but they were in great shape. I was
almost always the second to last arrival for
lunch. The whole experience really reinforced
the importance of adopting a set of lifestyle
priorities that will provide you with the best
chance to enjoy your own golden years physically
and mentally.
TH: Thank you Karri. We look forward to
Harriet’s continuing adventure on “JAG” and
applaud your commitment to help make a brighter holiday season for our troops in Afghanistan.
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