Posted by Jonathan Klotz | Published
By the time many actors appear on screen they have already spent their entire lives working in entertainment. There are levels of talent and creativity on any set that the audience will never see. Musical theater, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, the list goes on and on, which is why it’s always cool when they show off for the cameras. Farscape found time for its actors to work on their real-life talents giving us great moments on screen, as well as celebrating the raw talent shown behind the scenes.
Chiana’s Fire Dance
Gigi Edgley played Chiana in what was supposed to be a one-off appearance in Season 1. She did such a good job as the cat-like alien that the writers changed their plans and she became part of the main cast, and eventually, the face of the series. Chiana has shown many hidden talents during her time on Spirit, but one comes directly from Gigi’s performance. Season 3, Episode 13, “Stratch’n’Sniff,” while in the entertainment world Chiana and Jool have a bet on who can entertain the crowd the best. Jool does a flip, Chiana dances with fire sticks.
This moment was recorded after Gigi was seen on fire. Turns out he’s a talented flow artist, who picked up the skill from the circus. His family has been in the circus business since the 1930s and the Edgleys are credited with bringing the Moscow State Circus to Australia. It wasn’t just Chiana who always surprised the Moya team with her skills, it was Gigi Edgley who surprised the cast and crew. Farscape with him.
Scorpius Came Out
Scorpius is one of the greatest villains in sci-fi history. His distinctive black leather outfit and menacing, whispering threats made him an instant hit from the moment he first appeared in the Peacekeeper’s hideout. Wayne Pygram, like Gigi Edgley, was never meant to be a part Farscape’s the main characters. Fortunately, he was the perfect man for the role and turned Scorpius into John Crichton’s arch-enemy. He did so well, that the producers decided they needed a way to keep Scorpius as a threat without depriving him of water.
That led to the creation of Harvey, part of Scorpius inside Crichton’s head. Harvey showed up in a Hawaiian shirt and became an instant hit again. Season 2’s “Can’t Be Fooled Again” features multiple avatars of Harvey/Scorpius, including one that plays drums. Wayne Pygram didn’t need a stunt double for that as he is an accomplished drummer in real life. He taught percussion students at high schools in Australia, as well as his own Farscape his partner is Anthony Simcoe (Ka D’argo), who played in the band Signal Room.
Farscape full of talented actors, including the puppeteers who brought Pilot and Rygel to life throughout the episode Virginia Hey didn’t just play Zhaan as a spirit guide, she’s a real life one, and has spent decades leading retreats and spiritual life talks. The success of a small Australian sci-fi series makes sense when you see the incredible talent responsible for giving us the greatest sci-fi show ever.
Farscape currently streaming free on Pluto, Tubi, The CW, Sling TV, and The Roku Channel.
