On 17 October, acclaimed actors Jane Seymour and Joe Lando took to the stage at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, to discuss their experiences on the beloved series *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman*. The duo’s reunion sparked cherished memories and a nostalgic look back at their roles as Dr. Michaela Quinn and Byron Sully, respectively.
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Seymour, now 75, portrayed the pioneering physician Dr. Quinn, who leaves her life in Boston to seek adventure in the untamed West, settling in Colorado Springs. Lando, aged 64, starred as the rugged and resourceful Byron Sully, who soon becomes Dr. Quinn’s romantic interest. Fans of the show were delighted to hear the actors reflect on their initial impressions of each other as well as the bond that developed during filming.
Recalling her first encounter with Lando, Seymour expressed her astonishment, saying, “The first time I saw him, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’ve never seen a man so gorgeous in my life. He looked like something out of a romantic song.’” Lando, equally enamoured, drew attention to how their chemistry extended beyond the screen, revealing, “That’s the thing—what you saw on the show wasn’t entirely fictional.”
The pair shared an amusing and serendipitous incident that brought them closer together during the early days of filming. They experienced a flash flood while working on set, with Lando rescuing Seymour by urging her into his pickup truck to escape the deluge. “It was one of the craziest experiences ever,” Seymour recalled. After the harrowing escape, they celebrated with a modest meal of Mexican food and margaritas, during which Seymour noted, “It took us like five dollars to realise we had actually fallen in love.”
Despite their profound connection, the budding romance was short-lived. Seymour shared insights into their relationship dynamics, noting that Lando had distinct aspirations for his future. “He had this plan for a white picket fence and four children with a younger wife,” she explained, revealing her own circumstance as a mother with older children. “I was at a point in my life where that was not going to happen for me.” Lando later joked that he would have to adjust his plans in light of Seymour having twins after they had parted ways.
*Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman* aired on CBS for six successful seasons from 1993 to 1998, becoming a cultural fixture during its run. Alongside Seymour and Lando, the cast included actors such as Chad Allen, Erika Flores, and Jessica Bowman. The series saw the ensemble reuniting for two sequel films in 1999 and 2001, enhancing its lasting legacy among fans.
In a more recent interview, Seymour reflected on her casting in the show, admitting that it came during a tumultuous period in her life. She had almost reached a breaking point financially, stating, “Honestly, when I got cast, I was at the lowest point of my life. I was literally penniless and on the verge of losing my home.” With urgency driving her, she recalled reaching out to her agent and saying, “I will literally do anything.” The next day, she found herself on set, trying on costumes and filming shortly thereafter.
As they recounted their experiences on *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman*, Seymour and Lando’s friendships came under scrutiny, likening their dynamic to that of “an old married couple.” They articulated a deep understanding of each other that comes with years of camaraderie, with Lando stating, “We can finish one another’s sentences.” Seymour concurred, sharing that they often predict each other’s reactions, reflecting their close partnership both on and off the set.
The duo has since collaborated again, with Lando making an appearance in the fifth season of Seymour’s hit mystery series, *Harry Wild*, where she stars as a retired professor, and he plays a charming pathologist. This continued partnership hints at the enduring connection forged during their time on *Dr. Quinn*.
As they shared laughter and memories at the convention, audience members were reminded of the impact that *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman* and its beloved characters had on a generation of viewers. The reunion stood as a testament to the bonds created during their shared experiences, not only in the realm of television but also in life.