The Three Questions with Andy Richter - Harvey Guillén

Episode Date: January 28, 2025

Actor Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) joins Andy Richter to share his experiences as an Altadena homeowner amid the tragic fires, performing the musical “Wicked” in Japanese at Universal Studios Osaka, auditioning for legendary casting director Alison Jones, Hollywood’s hang-ups with weight, and much more.If you're able to, please consider giving to the Pasadena Community Foundation (https://pasadenacf.org). Do you want to talk to Andy live on SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Radio? Leave a voicemail at 855-266-2604 or fill out our Google Form at BIT.LY/CALLANDYRICHTER. Listen to "The Andy Richter Call-In Show" every Wednesday at 1pm Pacific on SiriusXM's Conan O'Brien Channel.

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Three Questions with Andy Richter. I'm your host, Andy Richter. Today I'm talking to Harvey Geehan. Harvey's an actor, you know from his work on What We Do in the Shadows, Blue Beetle, and much more. We had him in studio and we talked about the fact that he lives in Altadena and so he was very much impacted by the wildfires. His new film, Companion, comes out this week. Please enjoy my really wonderful conversation with Harvey Gian. -♪ Can't you tell my love's not home? Yeah, but you're not living in your house now, are you?

No, it's not safe. We've been evacuated. I'm living in Airbnb and then jumping around until it's completely clean. It smells worse inside the house because it's wood and it's old wood. And I have antique furniture and it's all absorbed into it. It's like you walk in and it smells like someone's ashtray. You just walk in and you're like, oh, that's worse in here than it is outside. And have you hired someone for like remediation and they tell you, do you have to open the walls

and all that shit? They're gonna have to like deep clean, like take all the furniture. The mattresses are, you cannot use them anymore. Like they're done, the pillows, everything. But stuff that I can't do now. Well, I mean, they probably were pretty shut anyway. They were used up.

They were, I'm actually glad. Those mattresses were fucked. Oh my God, look at those. He's like, oh my God, I've been doing this for 20 years. I've never seen a mattress like this. I was like, yeah, the fire is like, that's weird. Oh, man, it must have just really selectively got in here. All those fire stains and everything.

We should get rid of them. Oh my God, each room has them. Yeah, each room. So how long do you think, do they tell you how long it'll be? They're like no less than like a month. Oh wow. But even then you have to do the air quality check again.

Right. Because the guy came in and he was like, yeah, there's definitely like, he did like the swabbing and taking to the lab and stuff and waiting for the results. But he's like, I haven't done this for a while. You're not going to be able to live here for a bit. And I was like, what does that mean?

So goodbye. And he's like, it's scary. But I'm very fortunate that, lucky that I have a house. Because Ron, my neighbor, is the one who saved us and was like, you better wet your house, Harvey. I've been here 53 years. I'm not leaving. And I was like, oh my gosh.

So they evacuated everyone. And he wouldn't leave. He's 80. And he stayed in the house. He stayed in the house. And he saved his house because his house did catch on fire. And he stayed in the house too. He stayed in the house and he saved his house because his house did catch on fire. And when our neighbor's house caught on fire in the back,

he called the fire department and he's like, he's back there while he's still waiting in his house. And then I cameras caught this. It was like, because I have cameras all over it. And like, it just caught him like watering his house while he's watering his house. I was like, no, back there. And he took the fire department to the backyard

and they stopped that fire. It was crazy. Wow. Yeah. Wow was crazy. Wow. Yeah. Wow, that's amazing. Also kind of surprising that around that time is when the police was driving by and like there's balls of flame falling on the street

and they're like, you need to evacuate. Like at that point you're like, now? Now's the time. The balls of flame are the real key. The balls of flame is evacuated. The real key. Yeah, my son actually just texted me to ask about like a serious ventilator mask in the

house because he's 24 and one of his best friends grew up in Altadena and thought their house was gone and then found out like, you know, when they were able to go back that their house was not gone because they live across the street from a gas station and they dump so much water on the gas station that they benefited from that. But they're like, they're just like, why would we want to virtually everything else around is flattened? Yeah, that's the sad part. And it's like, how quickly do you want to go back to that and how toxic, you know, how

much asbestos is going to be floating around? And how long does it take to, I mean, like the city of Altadena is so beautiful. And I said this like when, you know, around my neighborhood and there was this beautiful mural. It says Altadena has a little trolley on it and it survived on the side of this hardware store. And the hardware store is just gone and like antique stores and everything.

The dry cleaner that I go to, like it's all gone. And then it's just this mural and still standing. And I was like, that was so poetic. I was like, it's still standing. It's like, it might be damaged, but it's still standing. So it was really kind of a great reminder. The reason I moved to Albuena was because it's such a artistic neighborhood in Pasadena too.

And it's just, it was one of the first areas to allow people of color to be homeowners. Absolutely. To create generational wealth. I'm a first-generational homeowner in my family. No one in my family, I'm a son of immigrants and they came to this country for a better life. My dad has passed away,

but like he never was able to afford a home. And so like the idea that me to buy a home, I wanted to buy a home somewhere that I could build this legacy generational wealth with my brothers and my nieces and my nephews and we could all be handing this over to our family. We can start that tradition. Yeah, Altadena is a beautiful neighborhood.

And I, you know, living in Pasadena, I wasn't that familiar with it, and I would drive up there, and I was always just like, it's really nice up here. And the diversity really, it's really great. Yeah. And that's what, you know, I kind of thought when I moved to Pasadena, I had this,

and I just had this picture of Pasadena as being, there's not a better word for it than cunt-y. I just kind of thought that Pasadena kind of had a very- I think they had a headline, it was like, Pasadena, yeah, we're cunt-y. Cunt-y is the city and town. But, you know, because it just had this kind of like, NPR book bag sort of like,

may I speak to the manager kind of feel for me from the outside. And then when I spent more time there, I'm like, not at all. It's really a cool, diverse, beautiful town that's very respectful of history. And Altadena is, I mean, Altadena is kind of, it's not its own city, right?

It's the higher Dena, so it's Pasadena, Altadena, which is a higher Dena. Right, but it's just kind of, it's not its own city, right? It's a higher Dena, such as Pasadena, Altadena, which is a higher Dena. Right. But it's just kind of a continuation, but an even more diverse, cool continuation. And it really is just such a shame. But doesn't it make you feel like you're not in LA? Absolutely. Like I feel like Pasadena and Altadena have this feeling that when I'm in Altadena, I feel like I'm closer to the woods than anything. I feel like it's more naturey. But you're only 10 minutes from downtown.

But it feels like you're not. So I like the idea that we're closer because we have to be here for the business of filming and whatnot. But you're far away that you're like, I feel like I don't live in Southern California. Yes, there isn't. Because it's wonderful working in show business,

but it can be oppressive. Yeah. Like on your days off. Like you don't wanna fucking, you know, you don't wanna like, Well, I was born and raised here. PR people and managers and stuff. I was born and raised here

and people either grow up and hate it and leave town or they grow up and join kind of the business in a way. Right. Against your will almost because like, you know, somehow one way or another my friends, like even though I have teachers who teach somehow it connects to like, oh, one of my students is blah, blah, blah. And like, they have to let them off for like filming or whatever, you know?

It's like somehow when we're in another, this industry affects you on a day to day. And some people don't like that. Like some people are like, I left, I moved. I live in Chicago now or I live in New York or I live whatever, but I grew up here and thank God that what I wanted to do was entertainment. Well, but you're from Orange County, correct? I was born in Orange County, and then I grew up in SGV, San Gabriel.

Oh, okay, where in SGV? San Gabriel. Oh, in San Gabriel? Yeah, so I went to San Gabriel High School, that's where I graduated from. So when people say, oh, you're from Orange County, that's so cool, I was like, I was born in Orange County, when I say that, people think it's like the OC,

like the show, they're like, oh, how cool, like the OC Lagoon at, and I was like, no, the other County. When I say that, people think it's like the OC, like the show. They're like, oh, how cool. Like the OC Laguna. And I was like, no, the other side of the tracks. You know, I was just like, I was the kid from Santa Ana, you know? And which is a great city. Like Santa Ana is also like, people forget that it's right next to Disneyland.

It's a great city too, but I grew up in SGV. So, Rosemead, El Monte, Montebello, like all that area was like my growing playground. Yeah, yeah. And it's probably why you were able to be queer, because they do not let that happen in Orange County. No, that's why we move. No, no, no.

Like I was like, I'm out. No, I'm out. I'm gonna go be gay in San Gabriel. Yeah, it's better that way. Yeah, no, and I, that's the other thing about moving over there is how fucking great the San Gabriel Valley is and how many cool little, he lives in Alhambra. Yeah, Alhambra. Alhambra's fantastic. It's really, you know.

Oh my God, people will travel like out of the West side to go to SGV just to go get any kind of Asian cuisine. Yes. Like, you can't beat it. Like literally I've been to Asia and I come back and I was just like, I think I know where I can go. But it's so good. It's pretty good. It's amazing. It's amazing.

And Pasadena, we used to hang out in Colorado Boulevard. That was where we used to hang out because it was like the nice, you know, old town Pasadena was like, hoity-toity. Like, you know, it's a Barnes and Noble. Or like, you know, it's like, cause you know, that was a nice street. So we spent like weekends there and just walk around

and get a slice at the Cheesecake Factory or something. Yeah, and it really, and you really do feel like you're sort of a little bit separate from show business. Yeah. Because when I first moved here to live here, in my, you know, I lived here for a while when I was younger and, but sort of still more very transient. But I lived in, again, from the fires, the palisades,

you know, and it was a very beautiful place to live, but I did not vibe with the vibe. The vibe. It was very like, Everyone has their vibe in the community. Yeah, everybody just seemed so showbiz and so, like... I don't know. I mean, I just, you know, like, I... My friends there, because my kid was really tiny,

were the people in the bagel shop and at the coffee bean. And every morning I'd see, like, you know, 14-year-old girls being really shitty to the people at the bagel shop. But I was just like, I think I better move east, you know? And I progressively move further and further east. It's just nice. I like the... I'm gonna end up dying in Ontario, I'm probably. The IE, just keep going.

Yeah, just keep going until I end up... He was last seen in the IE. Legend says. Yeah, you can find his bones out in La Quinta. And then the wind whispers, I died happy. Yeah. Well, so, like you said, I mean, how do you end up in show business? I mean, you know... Well, I didn't, I wanted to, you know, be in showbiz because I saw Annie when I was little. And my mom, you know, we're very poor and I thought Annie was a new TV show,

but it was the rerun from the 1984 film. Oh, you saw it on TV. I saw it on TV and I was like, what is this new show? It's kind of long. I like it. But there's music and singing. And these kids were orphans and they're singing and dancing. And I was like, oh, my God. And they're laying rags and stuff. And I just looked at my mom and was like, Mom, I want to be that when I grow up. I want to be an orphan.

And she looked at me and she was like, que estas loco? Are you crazy? I was like, no, I want to be that. Also, no, those are actors. And I was like, sign me up. That's how I actually fell in love with acting. So I started doing plays. I was like five.

Wow. Yeah, and I knew then that I wanted to be an actor. And I just remember, you know, she was a single mom at the time, like, just doing three jobs and, like, keeping, you know, this apartment overhead. And I asked her, well, I want to do that. She's like, well, you can't, because we don't have money for that. And I was like, you got to be rich to play poor on Delosions. It's kind of true, you know.

It is. You really have to get trained. She was like, you got to get trained. And I was like, well, how do I get training? Like, that costs money. We don't have money for that. And I was like, well, I guess I'm not doing it. She's like, I didn't say you couldn't do it.

You can do whatever you set your mind to. It's like, I just can't provide that money for you. But if you find your own way, you can do whatever you want. So that gave me this open door of like, if I find my way, I can do what I want. And I found out that they were doing like an improv, like kids, like, you know, class at the community center. It was more babysitting. It was like five to like eight year olds babysitting. And it was like $20, $12.50.

And I asked my mom for the money. She said no. And my friend asked her mom, she gave her 20. And I didn't, that's when I started seeing the difference of like, how come her mom just had that 20, you know what I mean? And my mom. So I saw the difference between like, you know,

just where we were. Budgets. Or budgets. Yeah. And she said, again, if you find your own ways. So we were walking home from school one day and I saw this homeless man going through the trash can. I was like, what is he doing? And he's like, that looks gross and like sticky and blah blah blah.

I was like, oh, Ben did those what this? So he sells the cans. And I was like, you make money from trash? And she's like, yeah. And I ran into the kitchen and I got a plastic bag and got a hanger and hooked into a long finger and I got a plastic bag and got a hanger and I hooked into a long finger and I started collecting cans. So I went to the recycling bin behind the Food for Less and got a voucher and started collecting vouchers to pay for my first improv class.

Wow. Yeah. Wow, that's amazing. Yeah, but I knew I wanted to do it. And that's the worst part was after doing it for weeks, because I thought I would be like, I brought a bag. One class, please. Yeah, yeah.

And they're like, this is $3.25 worth. I was like, no, I have a class to take. And I kept doing it until I got the class. And then after the hour and a half class, they were like, okay guys, remind your parents to sign up for the next time. And when I was like, ah, that took me a month to get this one class.

But then when I did the improv class, I had this crackle to it. Like I just being on stage and people were laughing at the choices I was making. I just never felt that before. You had this like, you know, that rapport that you get with an audience and a live audience is different. And that's why I fell in love with performing in front of a live audience. I was like, wow, this is how I like this.

I like this connection. I the pausing, the timing, like you can't teach timing, you know? It just felt natural to go and like say something and hold for the applause and then like keep going. And I just like, it just felt really nice to be on stage and I knew that I wanted to do it so I kept doing it. Yeah. And I'm still doing it.

Yeah, wow. Yeah. Now, I mean, but how, where, because, you know, it's like when you're eight, you know, you start when you're five and went to your eight, is there still just enough stuff around you municipally or is it school? My mom was against it. Are they doing it? Like she was against it. At first she was like, you know, she gave me the tools and then she was like, oh shit,

what did I do? Because she gave me the freedom to do this. And then I was like, well. What do you think her hesitance was? It's just, you know, it's, I get it. You know, you come to this country with the hopes and dreams of your kid, you know, with a better life and maybe a doctor and a lawyer, you're like, I'm going to be an artist and I'm going to struggle, you know, it's like, I was really hoping you kind of go into medicine or being a lawyer.

Right. And I did not. Uh, I was like, I could play one on television. And she, uh, do you have other siblings? Can't they, isn't the burden fall to them? Like, you go be a podiat them? Yeah, I have younger... One younger brother... No, two younger brothers, one older brother.

And the older brother wanted to be a singer for a second. Spanish music. And then I was like, nah, I'm out. And then my younger brother, who I think is the funniest person in the world, he gets stage fright. Oh wow. And then my sister is a brilliant writer. She wrote her first film

when she was a freshman in high school and won the International Film Festival in Chicago for children. And so I come from a very funny artistic family, but no one ever showed us there was an outlet for that. So I think I was the first one to be like, I'm gonna do it. And so I was the black sheep

because people were like, stop, just focus on your grades. And I was like, grades are for losers. You know? I'll show you. because people were like, stop, you know, just focus on your grades. And I was like, grades are for losers. I'll show you. Um, so yeah, I started doing classes and paying for my classes and taking, you know, doing the plays at school, but nothing professional because my mom would not take me to like, there was like open casting for blah, blah, want to be on Disney. I was like, mom.

She's like, no, she was so against it. It wasn't until she married my stepdad who was an amazing father He literally was like he would see how bad I wanted this and I would beg her to take me this open It was like a I don't want to say the name of this like agency because they the mall agencies They're like yeah, you know what I mean something something power You know right and because you also are they're like the ones where it's like you pay for this Yeah, you know it's like you got to pay is $800 for your head. Yeah Yeah, and then we'll think about taking you right right and you're like that's like, you pay for this. Yeah, all you gotta pay is $800 for your headshot, $200, blah, blah, blah,

and then we'll think about taking you. Right, right. And you're like, that makes sense. Yeah, yeah. I don't know showbiz, but that makes sense. Right, right. And you have to pay someone who's going to take money from the money that you make.

How do I make money if I don't make money? No, wait a minute. Yeah, and this is how kids get scammed all the time. Of course, of course. And I was almost one of those kids. Not just kids. And adults, yeah. This is how kids get scammed all the time. Of course, of course. And I was almost one of those kids. Not just kids. And adults, yeah.

My dad drove me to this, and again, we're very poor, so he drove me to it. And then once we heard the number, he was just like… And then he looked at me, and I kind of had this feeling like this this is when I Was like my intuition went in I was like, I don't think this is legit I don't really feel like and I was like, let's go dad. I was like, we're good And he's like well if you don't sign now, you can't get this deal And it's just like my dad was so like wanted me to be happy. He was like about to sign I remember going oh dad and how old are you at this point? I was like at this point. I was like 12

Yeah, yeah. And- Good for you though to have that sense because Jesus Christ. I knew what those $800 were gonna be to my family. Yeah, yeah. And I couldn't live with myself that I took $800 from rent, my stupid dream that like I was,

even because at that point I had to be honest with myself. I'm like, if you wanna do this, you can't put anyone else's like livelihood, you know, financial status in jeopardy. Like I can't ask my parents for the money. Like I just couldn't bring myself to ask them because I know that if I really, really bugged them and wanted it bad enough, they would give in.

Yeah. But I know that I didn't have the guarantee in the back of my head to say this is a guaranteed thing. And this is, I couldn't say that. I couldn't take their money. Yeah. And so I rather work, I worked at Burger King. I worked at, like I worked all these jobs

to pay for my classes because I couldn't take the money. I mean, I paid for my own car and graduation. I just couldn't take the money from them. But because also I was paying my own way, I had, I kind of became an adult pretty early on. So I come home from rehearsals like 1130 and my mom, where were you? She gets really mad. I was like, I was at rehearsal.

Where was I? I'm like, I'm not selling drugs in the street, you know? Yeah, yeah. No, because we thought it was really late. You can't be out there. So like, I was like, Mom, I'm tired. I've been rehearsing all day. It's like, no, because Mutarda, this is really late, you can't be out there. And so I was like, mom, I'm tired, I've been rehearsing all day. And she's like, no, because no, because this is my house. And I was like, well, what should I do?

She's like, it's different, you're under my roof, blah, blah, blah, and I pay rent. And I was like, okay, do you want me to pay rent? And she's like, well, if you're gonna be here and you're gonna be late, you have to act like an adult. Because in the real world, and I was like, okay, and just give her money. And I was like, don't wake me up at eight.

And just. And that kind of. That was your don't wake me up at eight. And just... And that kind of... That was your first lesson in throwing money at problems. Yeah. I think this five... Oh, really? Why don't you shut up? I think this five will take care of it.

I think Mr. Lincoln has something... Oh. Mr. Lincoln. Oh. Buenas noches, Namo. And it really did teach me to like, you know, yeah, if you're gonna be on the railroad, you're gonna pay rent, you're gonna pay gas and bills.

And so it kind of prepared me because once I graduated, I left. I left school and I was in school for like a semester at this musical theater conservatory. And while I was there, after doing this musical theater program, I got cast in a show in Japan. So I moved to Japan for 13 months.

Wow. So I was like, later. Like a kids' show? The musical. So it's under, so Universal is the theme park, and they had Wicked, the rights to Wicked at the time, which was still on Broadway. And I was like,

it's the only other place you can do Wicked besides Broadway. I'm gonna be in Japanese Wicked. Wow. So my hope was to be in Japanese Wicked and I auditioned and they're like, you'd be great at Sesame Street. And I was like, mm, okay. Sesame Street it is.

I play a 13 year old boy who meets this best friend from Japan, a female, and they join forces together. And then- So it was a live show. It's a live show with Elmo and like, yeah. How many times a day? We do like three to four shows a day. Wow. And it was like, it was condensed shows.

You know, it wasn't like a full on intermission. In Tokyo, Osaka? In Osaka. In Osaka, yeah, yeah. And then after that I had to learn Jake Blues and the Blues Brothers. And so I had to do all of his track and learn that show. So I went from 13 to John Belushi.

And then they're like, we also want you to learn The Wizard in Wicked. And I was like, wow, that's, you can't tell me I'm not versatile. Like, it's just like 13 to like, you know, 30 year old to like The Wizard who's like 56. So with the white wig, they like- Is it in English or you speak-

No. It's in Japanese. It's in Japanese, which I didn't know when I moved there. Wow. So when I got there and I was learning Sesame Street, they're like, here you go, your script. And I was like, that's what, I think I have the directors, like, this is in Japanese, I need the English one. And they're like, this is in Japanese,

you're in Japan. Because I auditioned with an English song and everything. It never crossed my mind to think that. And they never told you? No, I think they assumed that you would think, obviously in Japan, the audience would speak Japanese. And I was fresh out of school, so I was like, no, they probably would want to watch it in, which they do some theater companies. So you're like 17, 18 at this point? I was like 18, 19 I think. Yeah, wow.

Yeah, maybe, and yeah. And I think that when I got there, because there are musicals that have subtitles while they do the production in English, because they're traveling musicals. Like, I remember West Side Story was there with the American production, but they have subtitles on the bottom,

and which is like, it's a little distracting. I was like, oh, I guess that makes sense, because if I want to see music, I want to hear them in the language that I understand. They did that with operas too. Yes. Yeah, yeah. And so I was really stunned to find out

that I had to learn all this dialogue in two weeks. And they're like, we open in two weeks. And I was like, we open in two, it's like not just dancing and singing, but the singing was actually not bad because it connects to a vowel, and Japanese uses the same Spanish vowel, so as soon as I speak Spanish, it's like not just dancing, singing, but the singing was actually not bad because it connects to a vowel and Japanese uses the same Spanish vowel. So as I speak Spanish, I can connect it really easy.

But it was just knowing what I was saying. So like, I would say, Minasan, Coco Joaquinita. And I was like, what am I saying? And it's like, you're saying like, everyone is having a good time here and joy for everyone. And I was like, okay. And I was like, what's I'm gonna say?

Okay. And then like, I was like, so I needed to know what my purpose of saying that line was because then you can, you're the foreigner who's just saying their line and not really kind of acting it. You're just like, here goes the line. Right, right. And here's the other line. What are we talking about?

You know? Yeah. Because I wanted to know what the story was and they were fantastic. They were great. They like, you phonetically went over everything with me and taught me and I learned Japanese. It's like I came back and I was like, I was eager to hear someone like speak in Japanese, like around me.

They're like, they say like, oh, you know, what the, it was like, ah, sugoi, watashi wa haru desu yorushika. And they're like, eh, like, sugoi. And they're like, why do you speak Japanese? And I was like, oh. Cause I'm the wizard. Cause I've never heard of a little thing called a wicked button in the elevator to get out.

Open door, open door. Wow, that's amazing. And they weren't concerned. There was no point where you got to Japan and they're like, wait a minute, you can't speak Japanese? No, they were really surprised. They just assumed that you would be able to pick it up. Well, other performers were doing the same thing.

I think it really taught you that, like, you know, and in my head, I was like, this is showbiz, this is showbiz. Like, this is what you have to do. You have to learn scripts in two weeks. And sometimes you do. You have to, sometimes you get eight pages of dialogue for an audition and it's due tomorrow morning. Absolutely.

And so you're like, what? And it's like, people don't understand how much work goes into the work that's never seen. Yes. So like, you know, for everything you see me book, you don't see like the 10 things that I went to audition and didn't get, you know? But like, you put so much work and just the audition to this piece. And sometimes even looking at the script,

you're like, I don't even think I'll get this because I don't even think it's necessarily written for you. But you're like, I'll do my best. But those are the ones that usually end up being my best, like, you know, work because even though I don't book that role, I book the room usually. And the casting director is like, you did great. And it's like, if you don't get this, I'll find something room usually. And the casting director's like, you did great.

And it's like, if you don't get this, I'll find something for you. Like stuff like that where you're like, thank God, I put a lot of effort into these eight pages, you know, last night for like, I didn't sleep. And so the work will speak for itself. Even if you're not right for the role, the work will speak for itself.

Did, were there other Americans or? Yeah. Yeah, there were other Americans with you. There were people around the world, there was Australians, there were people from Europe, because they have different shows in the park. And are you like sleeping in a dorm or something? We all sleep in the same room, like we're all just piled up.

No, but I mean do they... They have a whole apartment. Are you on the park? No, we're not. We lived in Kaigandori. Kaigandori house, so it was an apartment complex just with artists. All the performers from the park lived there. So you kind of like socialized at night and it was like the United Nations

because we had like a Trampese artist from like the Ukraine. We had someone, a vocalist from Australia. We had stunt people from, like it was all over. And at night everyone came down to the lobby area. People go have dinner, have drinks. So it was really cool to like kind of, you know, introduce yourself to like different cultures and different artists from around the world.

Oh my God, that sounds like just like a contest. Like you win a contest to have this experience for a year or whatever. It was great. Some people did it for half a decade. Like they stayed doing a show. I did it for one year. And after that year, I came back to America.

13 months was a long time, I think, for me. Yeah, you were there continuous. She didn't... No breaks. Like I literally... Because me. Yeah, you were there continuous, she didn't. No breaks, like I literally, because the flight back home would be like 18 hours. Of course. You'd be like, you have two days off. And expensive too.

And expensive, yeah. And so I was saving my money, it was great because they give you a bicycle and an apartment, they pay for everything. They give you a subway card, they give you per DM, they give you your fees, go into your account. So you really don't need anything, like they provide everything for you, you just entertain.

And you're just banking money. You're just banking that money. And then I got back and I moved to New York and I said, I'm gonna, well, now I'm gonna be on Broadway. Because I was in Japan. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I moved to New York.

So you had just had enough. You were like, it's- I think I wanted to try my hand. I was just, my goal was always Broadway. My goal was always Annie. Like I was like live action, you know, in front of a live audience performing a musical. I have to, I went to school for it. And I was like live action, you know, in front of a live audience performing musical. I have to, I went to school for it.

And I was like, now I did it in Japan. I mean, if I did it in Japan, I think I can do it on Broadway. Sure, sure. As long as it's Japanese. And I got to New York and there was nothing, nothing I could play. Because it was specific for character and like type breakdown or you know, whatnot. And I moved and I was living in Brooklyn. It was the dead of winter. I remember moving there. I don't know why I moved there in the dead of winter. But there was cattle calls

starting for the season and you line up outside. And I was still lining up for like to be seen for 12 seconds. So you line up for like four hours just to be seen. And sometimes you go in and you're like, next. Okay. You know, and just like that's it. Like they've had it. And so you're trying and you're like hitting the pavement.. You know, and just like, that's it. Like they've had it. And so you're trying, you're like hitting the pavement. I was like, this is so grueling. And it's like, it's brutal. And like, that's why we always say. Yeah, and it can crush your soul.

And actually you do get the part, if you get the part, remember you're doing eight shows a week. I always say the hardest working people in show business, sometimes people are like, oh, movies and movies are hard and TV is hard, but I always say eight shows a week. It's not that hard. Eight shows a week is intense, vocal, body, like, you know. And I was just like, I wanted to do it so bad,

but nothing was happening to my agent that I had gotten before I left Japan in LA calls. And I was like, hey, there's this new, you know, show, blah, blah, blah, there's a part for it, want me to submit you? And I was like, okay, fine. I was like, I don't know, I wanna do real work. I wanna be a real thespian, you know?

On stage, this is how much they pay. You know, I always say TV gets a bad rep. And I should give it a go. You know? And I was down, I was going through my savings and it was just so dumb because I was like, I got money, saved up. Rent in New York, it just starts eating away at you.

You know, you can't move to New York without at least six months of wages saved because otherwise you have to get a job and if you get a job and you're too tired to go to your audition in the morning, you're not gonna get the gig. So you keep missing out on opportunities and eventually you're just content with your bartending gig.

And I didn't want that. And I was like, if I just do this one gig in LA, I'll make enough money from that one gig, one gig to come back and live with that gig. And I flew into LA to do the gig, I got it. And while I was here, the gig that I turned down to go to Japan, which was an educational theater program in Southern California, I was like, are you in LA?

We saw in your socials you're in LA. I was like, oh yeah, I'm back for an episode. I'm filming, you know, getting my first sack card. I got my sack card. What was the show? That was Misguided with first sack card. Yeah, yeah. What was the show? That was Misguided with Judy Greer. Oh, okay. Yeah, and I was just like, I remember just doing it and she was lovely.

Chris Parnell was in it and I just like grew up watching SNL. So I was like, oh my God, I get to do a scene with Chris Parnell and Judy Greer. And I just remember thinking, fine, I'll do this episode and whatnot. And while I was here, they called me for the educational theater program. They're like, can we take a meeting? I know you said you were out, but did you want to even consider coming? I was like, I'll take a meeting.

You know, I was like, sure. And then went to the meeting and the same day after I wrapped, I went to the meeting the next day. And they're like, we need you to start tomorrow. We're firing someone. And I was like, what? And it was like in the musical they were doing.

They had hired someone that wasn't working out. We need a replacement by tomorrow. And I was like, when would I start? The day after tomorrow. And I had to learn a show in like six hours. And I was only here for that one episode. So I literally had to close up shop back in Brooklyn and like move everything back.

And I was back in the land. How long was the show? How long is the show that you had to learn? The show, I was here for a shoot for a week for the- No, no, but I mean, you have to learn a show every day. Oh, it was a contract, a year contract. But I mean, but the actual show, is it because it's educational?

It's every day. But is it like a half hour show? It's like a 45 minute show. Okay, yeah, yeah. And they have different ones that range from like, elementary school where it's like, don't be a bully, make healthy choices, don't eat cheetos, and then junior high. All that bullshit.

You know, it's like, bring a book eat cheese. And then junior high. All that bullshit. I know, bring a book. Yeah. And then. Like I got where I got, where I am from bullying and making unhealthy choices. So. And I bullied my unhealthy choices. I remember just the junior high kids were like more like

angst and like, you know, with the real issues of kids, you know, want to talk about and I think through theater, you educate, you know, kids. And it was a I think through theater, you educate, you know, kids. And it was a great program. I had full medical, dental, 401K. I was under the Kaiser umbrella, which unfortunately, you know, is no more. But it was a great gig for an actor out here because also you only work from like 6 a.m. to like 10 a.m. because the shows are in the morning.

Oh, of course. And so then you were home by noon or you were auditioning. Auditioning for other stuff. And so when you book something, your swing would go in the morning. Of course. And so then you were home by noon or you were auditioning. Auditioning for other stuff. And so when you booked something, your swing would go in. Wow. So it was like the way the universe aligned where I was like, I need to do it. I was forcing New York to happen so bad.

And the universe was like, you're still going to act. You just have to do it through this way. And I went to do that one episode. It led me to do theater in LA. Really great gig. And I did that for a couple of years until I got my first series regular. Wow.

Like I only left that gig because I had a steady, I was not about to put another foot on a lifeboat without knowing that I was okay. Sure, sure. Because that gig was sweet, and after a while, people found out about it, and it became really competitive to get, so it was really harder and harder to get in.

Some people stay with that gig, actors that I know, stay with that gig for at least over a decade. Yeah, yeah. Because they're like, it's a sweet gig, it's a place for medical, dental, and your spouse gets medical. It was a really nice gig for at least over a decade. Yeah, yeah. Because they're like, it's a sweet gig. It's a place for medical, dental, and your spouse gets medical. Like, it was a really nice gig for an actor in LA. It's like, you know, I know performers

that are, you know, improv performers here, that, you know, they worked at Disney. They do, you know, they do Disney stuff because it's- Pays the bills. Yeah, it pays the bills and it's there. Yeah, and it's there and it's like, you know, reliable and... You can count on it. Yeah.

Yeah. And it's hard. I feel like, you know, being in this business, as you know, it's not an easy thing, you know? It's just like, it's hard. And when you do get a sweet gig that you're like, make this work, you're very lucky. I always think whenever I book something, it's like we win the lottery. Yes. Because how many times can you win the lottery? Because not once, like that one time,

I was, the first gig I had, I thought I was so lucky. I was like, I did it, I'm set for life. You know, it's just like that one episodic. Because I, and then you're like, oh no, the money's good, but it doesn't last forever. And eventually you need another lottery ticket. And you win the lottery again, and you win the lottery again,

and you keep playing, you keep playing. And how many times, whenever you see someone with longevity, it's like, wow, how lucky are we that we just keep playing and we keep getting that lottery ticket? Yeah, no, I got I was in a movie called Cabin Boy that Chris Elliott was the star of who I was a huge fan of. So it was a giant thrill anyway. And I had I had been here doing stuff, but then I went back to Chicago for a little bit and was literally sleeping on my mother's couch

because I did, and like my belongings were like winnowed down to what would fit in the back of my Toyota pickup truck. And I got this movie and I was like, all right, I made it. I drove back out here and set it up. And I was like, I did this movie. It was like six weeks or something. And I was like, I'm set., it was like six weeks or something.

And I was like, I'm set. And of course, like within three or four weeks after the movie's over, I'm like, I am out of money. Like I had to go, I'm going to go apply to Hamburger Hamlet to be a server, you know? Hamburger Hamlet. They closed the Pasadena one down. Yeah, I don't even know if there is any of them open yet.

Yeah, yeah. Yeah. And it was a good place. But Yeah, I don't even know if there is any of them open yet. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. It was a good place. But anyways, yeah, it's hard. But yeah, it's like, yeah, and then you just, you know, for me, for a good amount of time, there was always just when it seems like, oh shit, I gotta wait tables again, there would just be just like Tarzan with vines. Yeah, it's three scenes.

Like, oh, I just got one more thing going. But, and it's, it's, you know, it takes nerve, you know? I always say this business is obviously you need talent. You need to be funny, you need to be entertaining, but I feel like talent really is, there's so many talented people in the world. Like talent is a diamond doesn't need so many, but you, aside from having talent,

you have to have the other T, which is tenacity. Yeah. And I think this town runs on tenacity. And if you believe that you can do it, I know this sounds cliche to say, believe in yourself, but you really do have to, because no one is advocating for you more than you are. No one's looking out for you. I was that client at my agency, and I'm

sure they hated me in my old agency, where I would get the breakdowns. I found a way to get the breakdowns myself. And I would go through the breakdowns, and I was like, did you submit me for blah blah blah blah blah blah? It's like, well, we thought you were too young for it. No, it says between blah blah blah and I could still play the top of that. So if you submit me for that, please.

Next on the agenda, like I would go through these and I would be annoying because as much as you put emphasis, I would always hear stories about actors who wait around the phone for their agent. And they're doing their job and I'm sure they're doing a great job and they're fantastic. But when you are so eager to get the next gig, and you're thinking, did everyone cross their T's and dot their I's? And I have no shame with being like, do you mind if I just give my two cents? And then they go, actually, I never thought, do you think you can, can you sing?

Like, questions like that would come up, like, can I sing? I went to musical theaters, and I did a whole... I know, I know. And they're like, oh, I thought you went there, is that what you're, oh, okay. I thought you drove by there. I drove oh, I thought you went there, is that what you're, oh, okay. I thought you drove by there. I drove drive, I thought you were singing in the car. So there would be questions like that, I would come up and I was like, are you kidding me?

And he's like, oh, now, okay, yeah, let's submit you. You're gonna submit me now because we had a conversation because I was a little pushy, and I know that sometimes people are like, well no, you can't do this. I have no problem with doing that because for the longest time I was waiting for this phone call, they weren't coming. And I was like, what am I doing every day that can help was waiting for like this phone call. They weren't coming. Yeah.

And I was like, what am I doing every day that can help my career tomorrow? Yeah. And so I started doing the breakdowns. If you have time to go on MySpace and Facebook and Instagram, I mean, that's how old it is. You know, like I was, people were like, I'm on MySpace. I was like, instead of going on MySpace, I'm going to go to the breakdowns and the breakdowns until I go through the breakdowns. Then I can go on my.

Do they even, where are they? I don't even, you know, like. You're only allowed to get them if you're like an agent. And so I would have a friend. So you lied? No, I didn't lie. I have a friend who was a receptionist at an agency and they got them.

And it was really bad. And I'm not even gonna name them. We're not getting them in trouble. You're not putting this one on me. But I would get them from them secretly. And then I would think, you know, you weren't doing anything bad with them. Just read them.

Right, right, of course. Just reading. And I would just read them. And then you would think, you know, you weren't doing anything bad with them, just read them. Right, right. Just reading. Yeah. And I would just read them and then, and then my agent was like, how do you know? I was like, that's not the question. Like I said, don't you worry about it. Right, right, right. I have my sources.

Yeah. And how's your cat? I just know everything about their lives. You should get that mole looked at. look like. Yeah, that's it. See, because I'm that, I, you know, throughout my career, in times when it's been sort of slow and stuff, and I've had like, like for a while my lawyer was like, he really, like I don't know, he just wanted to be the godfather. And he had other clients that he felt weren't getting

service by this particular agency. And he would be like, we need to have a sit down with them. And I was always kind of like, I guess they should be sending me on things. But then they, you know, and then we'd sit down with, somebody would bring in the breakdowns. And then they would say, and they would, like the shitty part was to be like,

well, what about this one? And they were like, we told them about you and they passed. Oh. Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. I should've, yeah.

I sound perfect for this. Yeah, they didn't think so. Yeah, we said your name to them. Slutty Jiggalo number three? I don't know. And they said no. My best moment of being sent on something was there was this really shitty action movie

that I got a script for and they said, you know, there's a part in here that's right for you. And it was, like I said, it was like this, almost like exploitation movie, like a vengeance movie against like paparazzi. Oh, okay. And the paparazzi that I was like, the videographer paparazzi and the description,

it was like, you know, it was like Terry James. And then in parentheses, a fat worthless piece of shit. Oh my God. And I was like- Just scratch out Terry like, I was like immediately on the phone. So what was it about a fat worthless piece of shit that made you think about me? That's so true. I think that the writers have, you know, changed the way they write the character description because I remember getting auditions where it was like, fat guy number two. And I was like, what's his name? Doesn't matter.

Yeah, yeah. Fat name? Doesn't matter. Fat people don't have names. It's been a constant sort of thing that's like, unless it says chunky guy or could lose a few pounds, they're just like, well, that's not you. Like, no, it just says librarian. Like I could be a librarian in, you know. No, I don't know.

With a size 40 waist. It's fine, you know. I think it's gotten better. It used to be really bad with breakdowns. I remember sometimes even my agents would like sell it up. They're like, oh my God, I got this edition. You know, he's the guy next door. He's like, he built it up.

And it's like, he really like loves his friends, blah, blah. And the sides would come in. It's like fat guy number two! And it was just like, that is not what you described to me. I know, I know. Because they wanted you to go and get the gig. And then, you know, I still go and audition for it. And it's like, but give these characters,

specifically characters of size, some humanity. You know, it's just like, oh. And then it did change after a while, and I would see that. I was like, okay, it's more detailed, and it's great. And the everyday person is, you know, a hero. I know. I mean, it's more detailed and it's great. And the everyday person is a hero. Which is great, yeah. I mean, it's been, throughout my life,

it's been sort of a thing where it's another good, especially having weight issues most of my life and having lost weight and gained weight and lost weight and gained weight. It's like I don't need any help beating myself up over it. I can do that myself. Yeah, but there is like plenty of times where I do feel like I've made the joke.

Like if I was to lose 30 pounds, I'd get a lot more work playing the fat guy. Like because it's like even the fat guy in TV, it's like- Hollywood fat. Yeah, it's Hollywood fat. Because I can go to Disneyland and feel quite svelte when I'm out among like, or to the mall. I feel like, hey, I'm a normal guy.

But then it's like... Can I go anywhere? Yeah, but then you get into movie world and it's just like, no, no, you're too fat to be fat. And I just, it's, I don't, I mean. That's a great way, yeah. Yeah, I mean, I don't, I still don't know what the answer is and I'm 58 years old and I still don't know,

like I still go through this thing of like, if I lost weight, I would get more work, but then it's like, there's part of me that's still kind of pissed about that. Yeah. It's like, fuck you. You know, like. I would get more work. But then it's like, there's part of me that's still kind of pissed about that. Yeah. It's like, fuck you. You know, like work in any size that I can. Yeah.

Like, why should that matter? But I know how stupid this business is, you know? Yeah. It's crazy how, yeah, like sometimes I've been told, like sometimes, yeah, your weight fluctuates up and down. And sometimes when you're like not at the biggest that you were, they're like, no, they want someone bigger. It's like, OK. And sometimes when you're not at the biggest that you were, they're like, no, they want someone bigger. And it's like, okay.

And then when you're the bigger person, they want someone smaller. And it's like, where does the cutoff? Yeah, yeah. When's the cutoff of when it's like too big? Right. Or you're not big enough? And are you just fucking with me?

Yeah. Are you just trying to make me? And those words can do something to your psyche. Yes. Yeah, and it fucks you up. So it's kind of crazy that I think they're trying to be nice and they're like, no, it's because you weren't big enough.

I know. And it's like, is that a compliment? I know, I know. It wasn't. I'd rather you tell me it's like, Jess wasn't strong, the character choices were not. Yeah, yeah. I'd rather you have that than I can be,

I'm going to go work on that. Right, right. But if you're like, it's just you weren't big enough. And it's like, that's not a compliment. That doesn't sound like it's a good advertisement. Right. And it's so funny, because Hollywood is very much onto looks and stuff, but I've gotten parts where

it was between you and this person. I was like, oh great, what was the deciding factor? And I kid you not, I would want it to be because it's your talent because of this, and I tell myself that that's what it is. But they're like, you had a prettier face. I had somebody say that one time. And I was like, what do you mean?

Cause the rest of the cast is gorgeous. And I looked at the rest of the cast and these are like Abercrombie models. Yeah, yeah. And you're like, oh, and they're like, so they needed something. You know, the big guy was funny, but they needed to kind of blend.

Right, right. But you had to be pretty too. To blend in. And I even thought never in my mind would I even consider that being like, oh, in description, I'm full-figured, very pretty face. And for someone to tell me that they made a casting choice off of that was telling me what you were looking at already that I didn't even think about.

And so it does something to you that you're like, oh, I didn't even think that was never, I came in with my, this is what I can do with this character, this is the work I did, this is my craft, and you judged me on that, right? Yeah. What? I think the face, the face. I think we is my craft. And you judged me on that, right? Yeah. What? I think the face. The face. I think we can... Yeah. You guys agree? Okay. And it's...

You're hired. And it's like, oh my God, I did it. It's crazy, though. It's fucking crazy. It's crazy that, like, that they say that as if... It's a compliment. As if it's some science. Yeah. As if it's some undeniable truth that if, you know, we can't go with that other guy

because people will race to their TVs to switch them off. Just race, throw something at it and they're like, turn this shit off. The ramp from beautiful to that guy was too steep. Why is he there? I actually had a showrunner and I won't name them because it's kind of... I've since then, like, we've had a talk about this and, like, they've apologized and, you know, now I see them, you know, a different light.

But when I got this job, and it was early on in my career, they switched showrunners. And after the pilot, and after the pilot, the new showrunner kept insisting to the studio that they fired me. He was like, do we really need him? And it's like, he's not, he doesn't blend with the rest of the, because again, everyone else in this fucking cast

was Abercrombie Motto and Gorgeous. And he would try, the writers that I became friends with and would come and tell me, he's like, he's trying to get you fired. And I was like, I don't want to hear that. I was like, why? Thank you for telling me, but why? He's like, nothing to do with it.

Oh, it's kind of thank you for telling me, but what the fuck? Yeah, and it was almost like a heads up, like if it happens, don't want to hear that. I was like, why? Thank you for telling me, but why? He's like, nothing to do with it. Oh, it's kind of thank you for telling me, but what the fuck? Yeah, and it was almost like a heads up, like if it happens, don't be, because he's trying. But also because of that, I was like, alert, on high alert of like, because to my face, that person would be like, how you doing? You know, and really nice, but behind closed doors, they were like, do we need him? Maybe by episode three, we could kill. And then the reviews come in, and my character's a fan favorite. And all of a sudden the story shift.

And all of a sudden by the end of that season, I had more scenes, more dialogue, and people were loving the character. And all of a sudden they had changed their perception of me. But it took people saying, I like what he's doing. I like him in his body. I like him in that side. And all of a sudden it's like, I do too. I do too. I like, I like, you know what, I do too.

And it was like, if only every full figure actor in the world could take that season to convince someone not to kill them off on a show. I had the luxury of having that, but what if they were trigger happy and they convinced the studio right away? Just because they didn't think I fit in with the look of a super, it was super sexy 20 year olds you know solving mysteries right

because that's important that that's true to life sexy yeah how can you solve murders and you're not crime solvers are always surrounded by other super sexy crime solve the murder sexy the victims are sexy I was the hacker and I was like and sexy is a very very it's like's like a keyhole that you peek through. It's no bigger than that. I think when Arl Stein wrote the book, I think he really envisions sexy. Yeah, he said, a bunch of fuckable kids. Yeah, so the business is fucked up, but like you go with the punches and like,

you know, but it's kind of like everywhere just, you know, sometimes it's because of safety or whatever. I guess if you're in a roller coaster, it makes sense if they're like, this is the height for kids and this is the weight limit. I get it. I actually went on vacation with my friends a couple of years ago in the Bahamas and we showed up and you have to carry your, your like little tube thing with you up like the five stories all the way up. Yeah, the water. Yeah, so we got all the way to the top and they weigh you.

They have a giant weight up there and I was like, oh, okay. And then the guy was like, you know, he's been in this for years. Can't you weigh me at the bottom of the stairs? At the bottom of the stairs? I had to go like, I hope I lost some pounds by the time I got to the top. And the guys will weigh and they have to weigh you in a group. So which is your group that goes on this one? So the three of us have to get on it and the three of us, and he goes like this. And he has his moment like, yeah, okay.

And we go down and then days go by, we've been drinking and having pina coladas. And we go the next day and we're weighing again. And he's all, uh, okay. And then we go down and by the third day we come up that after eating, you know All you can eat buffets and blah blah we get to the top and he goes no He literally looks at the way the same guy The span of three days we ate our way to the top of the staircase And walked ourselves down and I was proud of that walk and I was like, yeah, you know what I lived this week I lived this week I lived and I started off with that and I'll go back

to that one day if I want to but for now I'm living and we just went in some in the ocean yeah but it was just like everywhere you know they have rules for reason right you know safety and whatnot but in Hollywood I just never understand that kind of verbiage it's like sexy know, are they fuckable? And it's like, everyone's fuckable. No, yeah, that's the thing. I don't know if you've seen the internet, but everyone is fuckable. Yeah, yeah.

Sexy. Yeah, the other thing is just like white, and I know it's expecting a lot, but it's like, how about you don't let shows be run by shallow dum-dums, but then it's like, well, run by shallow dum-dums. But then it's like, well, it's shallow dum-dums doing the hiring. It's very rare to find,

to have someone to do a show like that of young, hot people, and to have sort of a larger view of it, it's like that is asking a lot of the universe. And 90% of your cast is Abercrombie, you know, they're cookie cutter. And the idea that like it wasn't even their original, like they came in and took over.

And when they came in, it was like, we're going to do some changes here. First thing, that guy, you know? And I was like, what about me gave you, because that's telling, that's very telling of what you think of people in society where they're completely to be pushed aside right away and mistreated or what does,

what gives you that right to like go around and be like, oh, no, first things first on the list, get rid of that guy. And it's like, do you think that's gonna help the show? You're taking away someone whose character is bringing something to this show, someone who worked really hard in developing this character and worked on their craft, but it doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter how hard, you know? It's like, I went to the finest, It doesn't matter how hard, you know? It's like, I went to the finance school, who cares? Not that guy, you know? It's like, can we get that broom over there with the six pack, you know? It's just like, that's- Right, to be the hacker. To be the-

Yeah. It's like, I just don't believe, I don't believe that this guy would be a hacker. Yeah, no, it's just, it's just super, super shallow. And it also is like missing the point of giving, especially young people, people on screen they can relate to.

You know what I mean? Like, I get it, people like to, I like to look at pretty people. But it's also kind of like, yeah, but also it's kind of nice to look at pretty people, but it's also kind of like, yeah, but also it's kind of nice to look at a somewhat more realistic representation of existence. Yeah. Yeah.

So it is kind of a, you know, yes, we love looking at pretty people. And that's been traditional in Hollywood for, you know, 100 years. But it's also the real people in the real world, if you're watching something that's aspirational, it becomes aspirational for a reason. It's like, I just don't believe that these sexy 20-something-year-olds would solve that murder, you know? It's like, if you're telling a story,

try to use people that could be everyday people, you know? I've had so many kids come up to me, like at Comic Cons, and they don't see themselves represented on screen, whether it's being of size, whether it's being queer, whether it's being of Mexican descent, and especially being Mexican and being in the dark comedy goth, you know, with shadows. They don't see that a lot. You know, it was at one point it was just my show and Los Spookys, which is really rare.

Yes, exactly. And which is Fred's show, you know, and he's been our show. And it's just so nice to hear kids who need that. They really do need to see themselves because if you don't see yourself, you don't think there's a on our show. And it's just so nice to hear kids who need that. They really do need to see themselves. Because if you don't see yourself, you don't think there's a space for you. And if you don't think there's space for you, you start seeing yourself in a different light

and giving yourself less worth and value. And you shouldn't do that because society's telling you what your worth is by what they're putting on screen. So it's good to see yourself, even for a moment, even for a scene, even for an episode, for a season. It's nice to see yourself because then you're like, okay, yeah, it's good. see yourself even for a moment, even for a scene, even for an episode, for a season. It's nice to see yourself because then you're like, okay, yeah, it's good. I relate to that character.

I wanna lean into that character. And then you have your next showrunner that just saw that show and they change the way they look at people. And when they're showrunning a show, they don't make the mistakes that were made earlier. Yeah, and that's a lesson that's being learned. It is being learned.

And you do see so many examples of representation and it really mattering and it's, the pendulum switches back and forth. And just a few days ago, you really felt the pendulum switch hard back. I don't know, something to do with something that happened in Washington. I don't know what you're talking about.

Yeah. So it is like, you know, like representation, you just hope it's like, you hope that this pendulum isn't like now going to squash it where it's like, no, no, things really should be mostly about whitey, you know? Like more whitey, more male whitey, you know? I think you have to go to the extreme to see how extreme that is and then be like, let's go, let's bring it. Yes, exactly.

Let's bring it because, but I think we're good. Yeah. To how extreme it's gotten. I feel like we're good. Yeah, yeah. The pendulum has to go. Yeah, it's time to come back. It's time.

It has been great. This month, I cannot believe that this year has only been three weeks. It's unbelievable, isn't it? I cannot believe it. I mean, for here, you know, like in Los Angeles. Yeah, for Los Angeles. And for you specifically, you know, because you're housed and stuff, for here, you know, like, yeah, in Los Angeles. Yeah, for Los Angeles. And for you specifically, you know, because you're a house and stuff. Yeah, it was just, yeah, my home in Altadena.

And it's just like, I got back from New Year's, I got to spend with some friends. We went to Lima, Peru, and it was our friend's birthday, and we got back, and we're like, oh, gosh, yeah, this is going to be a great year, you know? And it was like the third day that we got back, and it was the fires. And then this chaotic couple weeks happened I've been out of my home for you know, almost three weeks now and that's not no end in sight like that whole area has been destroyed, you know and Luckily for me I was able to

There was damage to my house, but it was able to you know, the sill the frames there and it's good standing It's a lot of damage with smoke and whatnot and some fire around, but I mean, I saw my neighbor's homes and they were like, it's kind of crazy. This beautiful, you know, city of Altadena is just like wiped out. But I did see this really cool mural that was hand painted next to the hardware store.

The whole building had collapsed. The windows were shattered and it was all burnt. And just the mural stood and it was like Altadadena, and it had a little trolley. And it was like, still standing. And I thought that was so cool because, yes, it's a horrible, dark time, but it's damaged, but Altadena is still standing and it will rebuild. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, it's, uh... I don't know. It's, like you say, it's been a hell of a month. It's been a hell of a hell of a January.

I do want to talk about what we do in the shadows because it is just so much fun. You know, like it's such a hilarious show. It's such a unique, like there's nothing else really like it on TV. And what was that like for you to have kind of gone through, you know, doing these real, like utility player kind of, you know have kind of gone through, you know, doing these real like utility player kind of, you know, doing educational stuff and, you know, Japanese

amusement park. And then, you know, trying to get that Broadway thing going. And then here you are a familiar on, you know, just one of the funniest, weirdest, darkest, strangest vampire shows. And you know, like you don't have to worry about like cookie cutter casting in that show. You know, yeah. It's what I love about the show,

that the casting director has done a really great job of like everyone that we've worked with is comedians who are hilarious, but they're all everyday like, you know, wonderful people, human beings inside and out. And they're comedians, and they're good at the craft that they do, and their looks are never in place of like, oh, are they sexy enough?

Are they, you know? So the show has to be about if you're funny. Like if you're funny and that's it. Like the way that that show came about, I went to a wine and cheese night, actually. It was eight years ago, two weeks ago, the anniversary. And that's it. Like the way that that show came about, I went to a wine and cheese night, actually. It was eight years ago, two weeks ago, the anniversary. Like two weeks ago, it was early January,

and we just got back from the holiday break. It was the first audition I had that year, because it wasn't even an audition. When I went to the wine and cheese night, to my friend Mimi's house, she was showing off her baby, because she lives in New York, and she wanted to get out of the blizzard they were having. So she was here in her brother's house and I went and it was her, her brother, it was Mimi's husband,

the baby, and this girl I never met, her name's Yvonne. And we were just having wine and cheese, that was it. The next day I get a text from an unknown number and it was Yvonne. She was like, hey, I hope you don't mind, I got your phone number from Mimi, you were so fucking funny, blah, blah, blah. I was like, oh, thanks.

And he was like, you should audition for my fiance's new show. And I was like, I don't do those kind of films anymore. And she was like, what? I was like, no, what? And she was like, no, you have to hurry, because they've cast everyone already. They had started auditioning December. And they had cast everyone, Natasha, Matt Barry, Mark, and Kavon.

The familiar was the one thing they couldn't cast. And then so you need to hurry and I was like, oh my God, it's the year of Yes, and I remember that year I was like, I'm gonna do it. The year of Yes, and everything. And I said, okay. And I called my agent, I was like, hey, I got this audition for this thing.

Like, what are you talking about? I was like, I went to a one and cheese night. You know how it always happens. The old Hollywood story. And they were like, okay, who is the girl? I was like, her name is Yvonne, what's her last name? I don't know. One moment please.

And I was like, hey girlie, what's your last name? And she told me, and she was Gary Bash's fiance, and he was a producer on the show. And I said, who's casting this? And it was Allison Jones. I was like, oh, I was like, you know Allison Jones. She said, I need to, who's casting this? And it was Allison Jones. I was like, oh! I was like, you know Allison Jones. She's cast everything under the sun that's funny

and you want to be a part of. And I've never, and it's only by invitation that you go to Allison's office. And I was like, I have an invitation to Allison's office? And they're like, you got an audition tomorrow. It's a complimentary audition. No one's auditioning. They're just, the office is going to open, whatever.

And I show up and I'm like, oh my God. And I get the, some sides. And Guillermo is actually like 20 years older than I am. And I was like, ugh. I was like, okay, okay, you know, what if, what if he was in this, my age? And so I went in with that mentality and I walked in. I was like, I'm here to see Alison Jones. Like, she's not here. And I was like, no, but I have an audition from a stranger I met at a party.

Why didn't you? And they're like, and she's in London, like, finalizing the rest of looking for guillermo's for this character. I was like, gosh, okay, cut down. And I could see, like, she puts, or Ben puts the microphone on me. And we're like, we're going to put it on tape and send it to her. And I'm like, okay, great, it's fine.

It's fine, she'll still see it. So I remember doing it, I just remember doing it. Well, you know when you do a character and you just, like, completely fall into that character. It's like the words just come second nature and it's just like a river flowing out of you. And I just remember doing it and after I was done Ben going, Harvey. Well yeah.

And he goes, we're done. And I go, oh, complete blanked out. I did not remember what I did. I was like, oh, okay. Thank you. And I walked down and said Harvey wait. And I thought thought he was gonna go, you're going to Hollywood. The microphone. Takes it off of me.

And I was just like, oh gosh. And I was like, what did I do? And I walked down my agent and I was like, well, how'd you do? And I was like, I don't know, but I think I did good. Cause I think I did good. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Therefore I did.

And then an hour or two hours later, they had shown it to Jermaine Taika, Alison Hetzingen. And it was the first time that you unanimously voted on someone to test. I was gonna test for K-Bond. And I was like, great. And they're like, you're the first one they voted because every time it had been like 60, 40, 70, 30,

like no one has been unanimous. So weeks go by and it's MLK weekend. And I know they start production on Tuesday and it's Sunday and I haven't tested. They're like, you can test. You're a little bit young, you're gonna be the wild card. They called me the wild card.

I made a career being the wild card. And I was like, okay, okay. So Sunday comes and I'm like, oh damn, they haven't called, I'm not gonna test. And a phone keeps calling me, like a 16 digit number, and I keep ignoring my sister, it's like, pick up the fucking phone. And I pick up the phone, I was like, hello,

is that Javi? And I was like, yeah, it's Tyke and Jermaine. And they're like, oh yeah, I'm gonna test. And I was like, hello? He's like, hey, it's Javi. And I was like, yeah. He's like, hey, it's Tyke and Jermaine. And I'm like, oh yeah, I'm going to test. And he's like, no, you're not testing for us. And I was like, oh, thank you so much for the opportunity. I wish you the best of luck. I thought they were giving me like a complimentary, like a brush off.

And they're like, no, you're the mate. We'll see you on set. And they literally called me to tell me I got the part. I had to come- From just reading on tape once. Yeah. Wow. I never had the chemistry read. I never had the chemistry read.

I never had the chemistry read because I think we're out of time. But the story went that afterwards they all told me that they were like, why are we testing him? He's the only person that we voted yes for together. Why are we testing him? He is the only person we voted. Because at first we're like, he's too young. I don't know, he should be older.

Do we want him to be? Whatever the height difference and whatever. And I never tested with Kevon. I got the part. I called my agent on Sunday and told him I got the part. And they were like, are you okay? Like I was like, I got it. I got the part.

And they were like, Harvey, where are you? And I was like, I got the part. And they're like, no, they would call us. That's the way it works. They call us, we call you. So don't call us, we'll call you Harvey. And then Monday was a holiday. Monday night they called me like, yeah, you got it.

And I was like, you didn't believe me when I said it? I was like, well, we didn't know. Right, right, right. You lied to us before. You lied to us before, every last time, remember Reno? And I was like, so they were literally like, to them too, it was happening so quick.

Like they were like, you were supposed to, but anyways, you start tomorrow, you have to go to a fitting in the morning because you start filming by the afternoon. It was like crazy. Like I went to the fitting. We started filming. Did they film here?

Yeah, we filmed at the old ranch. I think they remember the old dude ranch out there. Oh yeah, yeah. But it burned down a couple of days ago. Right, right. Yeah. So we shot there, the pilot. And I remember being on set and I just had to meet Kavon.

I was like, please let me have chemistry with this guy. Please let me have chemistry. And as soon as Kavon opened his mouth and like I saw him, he was like, hey man! And he just gave me the biggest hug. And I was like, thank God. I was just like, because this could have gone south. Because, you know, I've been on shows where people get replaced.

On the table read or on the first day. Or I've gotten calls like, seems to be replaced, we need to start tomorrow. You know? And that's your biggest fear. Or you're going to do a million scenes with somebody that's not fun. Yeah, and it's not even about you. That person doesn't want to give you anything. And so, but I just was so lucky, and that was eight years ago to the date this month,

the anniversary of me starting that. And then it was off to the races. And we went to the first season, the second season, and then second season premiere during a pandemic. And we thought we were done. We're like, we're definitely not going back, I think, after this. And it was where people discovered us

during the pandemic. People were at home, like, going through everything, and they found our show, and they're like, wait a minute, this show's really funny. At first, we were like the darling show that people, if you're cool, you knew about, and no one really liked it. We talked about it with cool friends.

But after a while, it kind of became bigger and bigger. Yeah, no, it was definitely like the comedy nerds show. Yeah, like if you knew comedy, you were talking about the show, which was the biggest honor to me. Because comedians would come up to me and be like, show's so funny. I was like, oh my god. And when a comedian says that, you know, because I think sometimes it's comedians who are like,

eh, you know, funny's funny, but like, you don't really go out of your way sometimes to like, you know, it's like funny's funny. And there's a qualitative difference when you're in something that's funny, but like, you don't really go out of your way sometimes to like, you know, it's like funny's funny. And there's a qualitative difference when you're in something that's a comedy that's, it's a comedy. And then you're in a comedy that's like, oh no, this is, yeah, this is shit. The writers are amazing on our staff, like, you know, everyone. We had a script every week that we could do word by word and it would be hilarious. And the fact that they gave us freedom to improvise to add on to it. Was the sweetest, like nice gift

that we could ever give as a performer, you know, just to have that. Cause the script is already hilarious. We would be reading the script at table, we'd be laughing out loud. And then that's something what it's gonna compare to when it's on its feet. Cause we get on stage and they give us like,

Tiger would be like, now let's do a fun one. And I think during the pilot, I started making fun. I was like, yay, funsies. And he's like, what? And he's like, funsies. I called it a funsies. And then from there on, we called the fun take funsies. Yeah.

So when I get to say sometimes out of the movies, like, can we have a funsies? Like, what's that? Like a fun one. We just, we already got it in the cam, but we got an improvised one. And wouldn't you know it, half of the time when we do that, half of the scenes end up being the funsies scenes. Cause they feel organic. You're still in the same bubble. You're not going anywhere crazy, but it feels organic.

And I love funsies, so. Sometimes you get us, that's where it's like, no, you need to say this. It's like, what do we call it, have I changed the words? And they're like, no. No, I've done, I mean, a handful of like real drama dramas. And I'm always like, like, I'm always like, hey guys, right, we're gonna fuck around.

And then sometimes it's like, no, we're not gonna fuck around at all. And like, oh, okay. All right. All right. I thought that was sort of the point of all this. Like, why we're not working in insurance is to have fun and fuck around. Yeah, I've been on sets where like sometimes you change like the smallest word, and you see the scripture and it's like,

huh, huh, huh. And it's just like one word, it's like the cat went outside, instead of like the cat's outside. Yes. Oh, that's the, that makes me crazy. That makes me crazy because also, too. The same thing. Yes, it's like, and I've worked, I worked,

like somebody that I've worked with a number of times is very particular, he's a writer that's very particular about that kind of thing. And I always am just like, oh, come on, man. It's just, also for me, it's like part of the way that I memorize things. In your words. Yeah, is that I will paraphrase,

and then my paraphrasing, just because it's gonna come out of my mouth more naturally. But it still gets the same point across. Yeah, it's like, it's syntaxually ridiculously, who cares, as you just did, you know. It was, that actually was an actual line that I got changed one time, and it was like a three cam, like, kids show,

and I could describe, it was like, like losing their shit. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's not what it, and then the director was really close. I think we could change it, and they were like. Just scratching off, it's like. It's just one sentence, and it's not like you're going in, and you're like, I thought here we add a soliloquy.

You know, just like, I wrote it myself. You're not completely changing the story, but yeah, sometimes people can be precious about the writing, which is fine, because it's really good writing. And there's really good writing out there. But then sometimes, like you said, paraphrasing it makes it natural out of your voice.

It just feels natural. Yeah, it's like it's not Shakespeare. No, and that's what I, the thing is, we're having fun. If we're doing comedy, maybe because of the drama, maybe the element of that, but I got spoiled with Shadows where it feels, it was,

every day on set was just a playground. It was just fun, yeah. I want to make sure to mention this new movie, Companion, because that's kind of what you're out pushing in down people's throats. Yeah. It'll be released in theaters on January 31st, and I saw, I didn't get, I was actually watching it

when you came into the studio. I saw that. Yeah, and no, but it looks, I'm gonna like finish it because I do wanna know what happens, but it's a psychological thriller, nice twists, murders and things, and Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quader are in it. Yeah.

And you were telling me too that it was a pre-Strike movie. Yeah, so we were shooting in the middle, so I shot my scenes all the way up to the day that the strike happened. And so they're like, that's a wrap on Harvey! And then it was like 11.50 when I wrapped that night. And at midnight that night, they're like, and that's a rap on us, because the strike went into effect. And so production stopped. So the movie wasn't completed. I completed my stuff.

So I was like, see you later guys. The movie will be out next year. And we shot this year two years ago now. It was like that year, yeah, two years ago. And so it was kind of funny to think about, we shot this in the, like the hottest summer in upstate New York and the Catskills. And like, there's a video I think I in upstate New York in the Catskills.

And there's a video I think I posted online of us just getting bug sprayed all over because we're rolling around in the bushes and there's ticks everywhere. And we're like, ah! And then I came to the scene where I was supposed to be on the floor and I was like, ah, are we rolling? And they're like, not yet, we're still sitting

up a camera here, we got the light here. And then I was like, ah! Just on the floor, just feeling crickets you know, it's falling on you. But this cast is like super amazing and talented and has a good twist to it. And the creators of Barbarian and The Notebook. Wow. Because when I think psychological thriller,

I think The Notebook. The Notebook, of course. Yeah, yeah. But it's really fun and you know, my character opposite of Lucas Cage is the queer love story. And the way I love to see it is that out of all of these love stories without giving too much away, theirs is the real one. But sometimes, you know, me as my character, you accept the love you think you deserve.

So someone could be banging at your door and confessing their love, and you still don't think it's real. And so there's this moment where like we use comedy to like deflect off of that. But this is really cool layer to the character in that that I love that we did with the movie. And so I'm excited for people to see it. Oh, great. Yeah. Well, what's I mean, do you have any sort of grand plans outside of just kind of keep

working? Are you still scouring the breakdowns? Yeah. Are you still scouring the breakdowns? Not as much lately. I've been very fortunate lately. I've been very lucky. Knock on wood and people have written or brought something to me that they're like, oh my God, I thought of you, which is great. It's always good when someone thinks of you. That was not the case before. Who knows what tomorrow brings?

I've been shooting After Shadows. We have shot like three projects after that, and since we wrapped, and those come out in the next couple of years. But I do want to do like more writing and creating like my own stuff for the same reason that you want to work with friends and hire people who are funny at what they do,

but they also don't necessarily have to be. Some can be gorgeous and out of comedy models and whatnot, but they don't all have to be that. can be gorgeous and out of comedy models and whatnot, but they don't all have to be that, you know? So it's nice to, like, create your own stuff. So that's my next focus. And then also writing a book. So...

Oh, cool. Are you in the midst of writing a book? Yeah, my sister and I are writing a children's book. Kind of a little bit loosely based on the story of me watching Annie and, you know, collecting cans and whatnot. So it's a little aspirational story to kids to read that and be like, you know what? You can do it. All right.

Well, that's cool. Well, what do you feel like is the main lesson? I mean, because there's so, I mean, you know, your story is so, I mean, and you really did make your way so much more profoundly, solitarily, independently than so many people. And I mean, is there something that you've learned that you like to kind of, to remember or something that's come out from your path? I think the takeaway from like looking back

all the stuff I did and even the, even the breakdowns and whatnot, is that no one's looking after you like you look after yourself. And the idea that whether that be you, whatever your goals are, if it's like if you want to be a bodybuilder, no one's going to do that for you, you're doing it yourself. If you want to be a better actor, then you put yourself into classes and you read and you pick up a book and you do that. No one's doing that for you. And I think sometimes people get that mixed and confused, especially in the industry is like, well, it's up to my agent, it's up to my publicist, it's up to this, my manager,

and it's like, it's up to you. It's up to you. You are your company, you are your face. You can't be mad at your employees and say that, like, oh, everyone, how come we didn't do it? It's like, what did you do? Everything you could. And then you can go down and check a list of like, what's not being done, who is not performing in the team.

But no one's going to look after you like you look after you. So continue to advocate for your best product, which is you. Yeah, yeah. What if you hate yourself, though? I ain't calling it a day. Ha ha ha. I gotta tell you, I'm just not a big fan of me. Ha ha ha. No, of course I'm kidding.

No one loves me more than I do. Ha ha ha. Well, Harvey, again, thank you so much. Thanks for having me. And I hope you're back in your house soon. Yeah. And I'm sorry're back in your house soon. And I'm sorry that all happened to you, but I'm glad that you're safe. You're safe.

Healthy. And we will be rebuilding. Yeah. All right. Well, thank you, Harvey. And everybody go check out Companion. Turn this off and go straight to a theater. No. And thank you all for listening to The Three Questions

and I'll be back next week with more. Bye. The Three Questions with Andy Richter is a Team Coco production. It is produced by Sean Doherty and engineered by Rich Garcia. Additional engineering support by Eduardo Perez and Joanna Samuel. Executive produced by Nick Leow, Adam Sacks and Jeff Ross. Talent booking by Paula Davis, Gina Battista, with assistance from Maddie Ogden.

Research by Alyssa Grahl. Don't forget to rate and review and subscribe to The Three Questions with Andy Richter wherever you get your podcasts. And do you have a favorite question you always like to ask people? Let us know in the review section.