Famous People

Warwickshire actress Sarah Douglas played baddie Ursa in the first two Superman films, released in 1978 and 1980. Now the Richard Donner version of Superman II is available on on DVD for the first time.

Donner was the original director of the second film in the Superman series, but he acrimoniously left production of the film and was replaced. Many people including Sarah believe that the new Richard Donner version of Superman II matches or surpasses the original.

As well as her role in Superman and Superman II, Sarah has enjoyed a successful acting career in a variety of films and TV series' including Falcon Crest and Conan The Barbarian.

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A lot of fans seem to be saying that the new Richard Donner version of Superman II is better than the original - What do you think?

I personally loved the Richard Donner version… it could be that with time it’s a new take on the story. I think Donner has a marvelous quirky sense of humour that he brings to the film.

Several different actors have now played Superman, but for most, Christopher Reeve will always be the definitive Superman - Do you agree?

Reeve IS the definitive Superman. Christopher was like Clark Kent in real life… super polite, sweet, just a nice person and very hardworking and serious about the role. I thought he completely embodied the role of Superman. On another note, I adore Brandon Routh, he’s gorgeous and lovely and did a brilliant job with the role but in a different way.

You often play evil characters - Is it more fun to play a villainess than a good character?

I think it’s more fun to play a villain if there’s some humour in it. I don’t enjoy playing the out and out evil character but if there is some tongue & cheek with the character, that is what I most enjoy.

You were born and grew up in Warwickshire. Can you tell us how you got into acting?

I’ve wanted to be on stage performing for as long as I remember but when I was 14 my mom thought it would be a good idea for me to get a taste of how real people work so she sent me to a local canning factory for three months. I worked on the pea line picking out the bad peas from the bunch! And I did work in a hospital during college to make ends meet. But I’ve always wanted to act, and I’ve never had any other 'non-acting' jobs besides the two just mentioned. I consider myself very lucky.

Sarah Douglas (left) in Superman II

You go to a lot of conventions - what do you like about meeting your fans?

Conventions are a great way to meet a lot of fans in one place and I love to travel to new cities so they are something I look forward to. I’m going to Metropolis, Illinois for their huge Sci-Fi/Superman convention in February.

But what I really like about meeting fans is that hopefully I can bond with my fans and spend time with them. You never know, they might go out of their way to come see you in the tiniest theatre production.

You've done quite a bit of sci-fi in which you've got to wear a wide variety of outfits and costumes. Have you ever been tempted to keep any of them?

No, I was never tempted… they’re more like uniforms. I would get in and out of them as quickly as possible in my trailer! 

Arnold Schwarzenegger your co-star from Conan went into politics - would this be something you might ever consider doing?

I have no interest whatsoever in politics. I am interested in human rights and humanitarian efforts, but politics, no thank you!

Are there any stars that you are big fans of and you'd like to work with that you haven't managed to do so yet?

I would love an opportunity to work with Meryl Streep. I adore her, and would like to just observe her working and learn as much as I can.

Sarah Douglas as Ursa in Superman II

Are there any actors that you've worked with that you've become good friends with?

I’ve made some very good friends with many actors over the years.  But I would have to say that my closest friend of over 25 years is Grace Jones. We’re planning a trip together to Russia.

Have you done much Shakespeare during your career?

No, I haven’t done much Shakespeare, although I did play Gertrude in a production of Hamlet about 3 years ago. I would love to tackle any new role – particularly with the Stratford Festival Theatre.

Finally on your list of roles I notice you were in an episode of Bergerac, which is my all time favourite detective series...

I had a guest starring role on just one episode and had a great time. It was a marvelous experience and I was definitely a fan of the program so it was particularly exciting for me!

As you have been on a few detective programmes, this is the most important question of all - Who is your favourite TV detective of all time?

It is no doubt the character Detective Jane Tennison in the British crime series, Prime Suspect played by the wonderful Helen Mirren.