Comic-Con 2011: 'Person of Interest's' Michael Emerson (Q&A)

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With hundreds of thousands of people attending San Diego Comic-Con every year and the July 20-24 event quickly approaching, The Hollywood Reporter chatted with the big names in television to discuss their favorite memories and tips for attending the annual event. THR’s Live Feed will talk Comic-Con with actors, writers and producers in the days leading up to the event so check back soon for interviews and the latest news on panels and screenings.

Michael Emerson
Geek Cred: ABC’s Lost
Upcoming: CBS’ Person of Interest
Comic-Con panel: Saturday, July 23, 6:45-7:30 p.m., Room 6BCF

THR: What’s one thing that stands out from your first Comic-Con?
Emerson: All I can remember is a horde of people in costumes and it being more chaotic than any place I had ever been. I would love to go to Comic-Con 12 years ago when I wasn't on TV and could just walk around and buy comic books. I used to be a magazine illustrator and I'm really interested in the art of graphic novels and comic books, but I can’t walk the floor of that convention now.

THR: If you were to attend in costume, what would it be?
Emerson: It would probably be something bought at the last minute, like a dime-store rubber clown mask that covers your whole head.

Comic-Con 2011: Full THR Coverage

THR: If you could create a dream panel, who would be on it?
Emerson: I would like to attend a panel that included the creators of the original Prisoner and the BBC Prisoner that aired last year. I'd like to hear them talk about the differences in those two projects because that was the greatest sci-fi work of my childhood.

THR: Would you stand in line all day for that?
Emerson: Hell yeah.

THR: What are you most looking forward to this year?
Emerson: I feel like Person of Interest doesn't exactly fit the definition of the shows that should be there. I mean, I think they think we're science fiction; but I think we're actually science fact because all that high-tech stuff on our show that seems extraordinary already exists.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit