ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 25, 1997 TAG: 9701280032
SECTION: SPECTATOR PAGE: S-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES
SOURCE: BOB THOMAS ASSOCIATED PRESS
``I had finished working on `Homicide' for about a month in Baltimore. `TimeCop' had been released that fall. I came back from Baltimore, and apparently Steven Spielberg'' - whose Amblin Television co-produces ``ER'' - ``had seen `TimeCop' or whatever, and had liked my work.
``Three days after I came back, I had a meeting with John Wells [`ER' executive producer along with series creator Michael Crichton and Carol Flint] and the producers.
``Initially I thought it would be for a recurring character and maybe a few episodes through the rest of the year. Toward the end of that season they said, `We want her for the last six straight.' The next year was when it happened.''
What happened was that she joined the regular cast of Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Sherry Stringfield, Noah Wyle, Eriq La Salle, Julianna Margulies and Laura Innes. And her role as a therapist was promoted to physician assistant.
``It was kind of a weird thing,'' Reuben continues. ``I remember when I came back from Baltimore, there was talk of my character on `Homicide' turning into a regular character at the end of that season, and to continue on.
``That didn't end up happening, and I was really disappointed. I enjoyed working on that show a lot; it was such a good show.''
She has since met Spielberg.
``It's pretty inspiring to hear good comments coming from a man like that,'' she commented. ``It makes it all worthwhile. Definitely.''
Jeanie Boulet, Reuben's character in ``ER,'' has been diagnosed as HIV positive. Her co-workers are aware of her condition, the patients are not. She continues in good health, and she takes whatever medicines are prescribed.
``I have done some research,'' the actress said. ``I know some people who are HIV positive; they're not health care workers. Some major breakthroughs are happening, but still there's no cure.
``In any profession, to pick up and go forward, trying to do the work that is important to you, takes a lot of strength. Obviously, the issue of her being a health care worker, and the controversy that carries with it, adds another layer.''
Born in Toronto and raised in nearby London, Ontario, Reuben was the second youngest of six children. Performing came naturally, her mother being a singer, a brother a Broadway actor. She studied ballet, jazz and music technique at the Canadian Royal Conservatory. For a time she modeled and played small roles on Canadian television.
Like Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, the late John Candy and others, Reuben decided there was greater opportunity south of the border. She came to Hollywood in 1988 and appeared on such series as ``The Young Riders,'' ``China Beach'' and ``The Round Table.'' She starred opposite Johnny Depp in the feature ``Nick of Time.''
Now that she appears to have a steady job, Reuben has taken the first steps to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Last season Jeanie Boulet had a stormy romance with Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle). And this season?
``I don't want to give away any secrets,'' said Reuben. ``But there may be another romance for Jeanie.''
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. Gloria Reuben is now a regular in the ensemble castby CNBof NBC's ``ER,'' airing Thursday night at 10 on WSLS-Channel 10.