Well, I’m back. ;-) Sorry for the intermission. Life took one of those detours where you just sort of have to drop everything and handle stuff.
However, in the middle of the mayhem, something really cool happened.
Through some combination of luck, sass and my usual way of asking for the moon, I got an email interview with actor Josh Charles.
Most recently, Josh is a series regular on The Good Wife as the intrepid Will Gardner, but I’ve been a fan since I first saw him in Dead Poet’s Society. So I pretty much grinned the entire way though this interview process and attempted not to sound like a total fangirl.
Not sure I managed, but I got the interview and that’s what matters. ;p
1) So you ended up here by favoriteing (a word that’s a not a word but has context. Yay progress) a tweet of mine and I see you on Twitter quite a bit. It seems to me that, unlike many celebs who set up accounts, you use yours quite frequently and for actual interaction.
Why do you like Twitter and what’s your favorite thing about it?
I like the transparency and immediate quality of twitter. I enjoy using it to highlight work I’m excited about, both my own and others, and issues I’m passionate about such as equality or animal rights. I also often enjoy just being completely silly on twitter and laughing.
2) You’ve mentioned you have your geeky side, so what do you geek out about the most? Well, top 3.
I geek out on old vinyl records, vintage watches (although I don’t own any!), vintage Gibson guitars (I have two of them) and old GTO cars. Specifically ones made in 1969 that are palladium silver. I also geek out on my dog Zeus and anything that has to do with him.
3) Which Star Wars movie is your favorite. Points will be added or deducted based on how you write the name of said movie.
Hmmm. Very difficult to pick one, but the first one probably because it was one of the first films I had on VHS and I must have watched it over 100 times!
4) If you could play for any sports team, any time, any place – which team would it be and which position?
Wow. Probably the Orioles in the mid to late 1960’s as an outfielder or pitcher, or with the Baltimore Colts in the late 1950’s as a wide receiver, so I could catch a pass from Johnny Unitas!
5) What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes currently?
By This River Brian Eno
Something Sam Prekop
Nocturne No.1 in B Flat Minor Chopin
Please Tell My Brother Golden Smog
6) From my mom: “Does Will still love Alicia?” She also added “You’re really good at being a bastard and the fight is making things more interesting.”
Tell your Mom thanks for me please. I think he does still love her, but at the moment is just too hurt and angry to accept that. I think her betrayal, both on a personal and professional level, has had a profound effect on him and reawakens his competitive spirit.
7) From my inner fangirl: What was it like to work with Rutger Hauer in Crossworlds and, side question, have you fanboyed over people you’ve worked with? (If you cop to muppet flailing, even mentally, just remember, you’re among friends.)
That was a crazy time on that film, but Rutger was a true pro and very generous to myself and the other actors. I’m the biggest Danny McBride fan and would absolutely love to work with him someday. I think he is truly brilliant.
8) Your IMDB bio says you play guitar. So, do you play for real or do you riff Stairway to Heaven when you’re stoned? ::grin:: Part 2 – do you write music and/or sing? I have another question, but they require the answers to those two first.
I do play guitar and enjoy playing from time to time. I’m really into old acoustic blues music, but I play everything from Robert Johnson to Dylan and Springsteen.
9) The thing I remember most (and felt drawn to and in by) about you both in DPS and Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead was that mix of vulnerability and shyness that lead to bravery. I’ve always considered bravery being less about lack of fear and more about being afraid and doing things anyway. You seem to have that take to.
So, where did that guy come from? My former actress self thinks it was more of you letting something show than showing us something that wasn’t there. But I’m asking you, since, that’s how interviews work.
That’s kind of you to say. I don’t really know the answer, but I think that quality of being afraid and doing things anyway is required for all creative people. When I have felt truly scared and still moved forward with a project or role is usually when I’ve done my best work.
10) Finally, from the looks of your Twitter feed and your willingness to dive in and do this, I’m guessing you enjoy your downtime on the set and you’re someone who appreciates the crew. If you could do any job behind the scenes (barring writing/directing.) for the next 5 years, what would it be?
Craft Service!!!
Bonus question:
I’m sure there’s something you’re passionate about and serious about that I didn’t ask. Politics, equality, education, animals — we all have them. What are you inspired to help generate and move forward daily for the rest of the world, even if you only manage it for a minute some days. What lights you up and keeps you fighting?
Seeing my wife smile and laugh lights me up. Also, seeing my dog content, happy and completely in the moment is a constant daily inspiration.
I’m still smiling about this whole thing. So glad I finally got so write it down and share it.