Tell us about your background:
- I pretty much grew up in Naples, FL or “Heaven’s Waiting Room” as we liked to call it because of all the really old people that lived there. Before then I was a military brat moving from location to location. I lived in the Azores as a tyke, was fluent in Portugese at the age of two and forget it all by age three. I went to the University of Tampa at the age of eighteen and graduated with a focus on Performing Arts and a minor in Communications and forgot all that by age twenty three.
What is the worst job you have ever had:
- My last one. With the exception of a few cool bosses, one of which could be reading this right now, the job sucked. It’s a corporate restaurant that shall remain nameless. Let’s just say it isn’t Bennigan’s, Chili’s, T.G.I. Fridays or Ruby Tuesday.
What would be your dream acting job:
- You know, I would totally be okay with a recurring role on a comedic sitcom.
Who are some of your acting influences:
- There are quite a few that have influenced me over the years, and funnily enough, as I grow and change as an actor my influences seem to fluctuate along with it. The most recent ones are: Tom Hanks, Robert Downey, Jr., Gary Oldman, Ed Norton, Simon Pegg and Gene Wilder.
Comedic Inspirations:
- Gene Wilder and Simon Pegg are two extremely talented and hilarious actors that influence me as individuals. Monty Python (especially their “Holy Grail”) also have a special place in my comedic heart. I’ll also never turn down a Christopher Guest movie.
Favorite Film and why:
- I’d have to say that it’s a tie between “Braveheart” and “Forrest Gump.” Both movies came out during the most miserable and influential part of mine or anybody else’s life: adolescence. Plus, both movies exude deep emotion and ride that beautiful track that goes into both dramatic and comedic territory.
Favorite TV series and why:
- “24” if we can ever get it back on the air. I also love me some “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The Office.”
What were your first thoughts (and be honest) when you read the script:
- The script clearly didn’t go through a drastic change from the first time I read it to the time we committed it to the camera. So, there’s really no gray area or an evolution, at least from my perspective; this was the final product I had and it was either good or it sucked. And my first thought was: “Wow. This is damn good.”
How do you feel about your character:
- Andy is a smart ass slacker who shows up to work only because of one redeeming quality that is both selfish and shallow at the same time- so it was a bit of a character stretch for me. But seriously, Andy, I think, encompasses the essence of what people wish they could do in given situations: he says what everyone else is thinking. He enjoys getting rises out of people just for laughs. And while other characters, like Maggie, may join in on the fun, while she pulls back Andy keeps trucking along full steam. I get the feeling that he is also a very loyal character with a more sensitive side that he hides, despite his busting everyone’s chops all the time.
What is the best part about working on this sitcom:
- Being around all the amazingly talented people. I’ve never been a part of a show where a cast and crew has gotten so close so quickly. Everyone just gelled- it was fantastic.
Why should people watch this show:
- Because it’s good. No smoke blowing here. Most of the stuff on TV is crap or a reality show. (I know that’s being redundant.) But seriously- there are ever-changing characters that people will like and will care to know what happens to them on a weekly basis. And the writing is extremely sharp and witty. The actors are pretty good, too.
Any final comments on Access Denied?
- “We will not be denied.” ‘Nuff said.