QQ) What are the recent projects that you are working on?
A) I am working on a sitcom for the CW called "Aliens in America." I am also going to be in Saw 4.
Q) Please tell us about your character Gary Tolchuck on "Aliens in America."
A) He is the quintessential everyman. He's just a guy with a family. He's a little bit conservative and a little bit Christian living in Medora, Wisconsin. He's a middle manager at a large company. He's trying to raise his kids in America today. His son is the apple that fell a little too far from the tree, so to speak. He's pretty much a social pariah at school. That concerns him and his wife so they decide to get him a foreign exchange student from Norway or Sweden to up his popularity in high school. The plan goes awry when what shows up at the airport is a sixteen year old Pakistani Muslim. Hilarity ensues!
Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?
A) It's a terrific team that they've assembled of executive producers and the writing staff. There is pretty much an all star team of talent. They are not making a lot of comedies anymore. There are game shows and reality shows that are all over the television. So, there are a lot of very talented people that are available in the comedy world. Moses Port, David Guarascio and Tim Doyle have assembled a writing staff that are deeply talented. It was an opportunity to work in a comedy, which is what I wanted to do, at a very high level.
Q) What about your role do you find challenging?
A) I would say it is everything about it, from characterization to the physicality, but that's what turns me on. That's why I do this job. You're always looking for the next challenge and this presented itself in a very timely fashion so I was very lucky.
Q) Was there instant cast chemistry or did it take some time to develop?
A) That was pretty much instant! The first person I met was Amy [Pietz] and I met her in LA. The chemistry was instant and I just adore her. I think she's already one of my favorite people on the planet. She's spectacularly talented and a generous human being. Then, I met the rest of the cast and I feel the same way about them. They are so talented and so giving. They are such dedicated professionals. Lindsey [Shaw] is eighteen years old, Dan [Byrd] is twenty-one years old and Adhir [Kalyan] is twenty-four years old. They are just so sophisticated, so professional and such good people. It's just really refreshing. I feel very lucky to be a part of this, I have to say.
Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming the show?
A) I can't give too much away, but there was one particular scene where it required a certain type of makeup for Gary. I think it is in episode five or six, but it was so funny to me and all of the makeup people that when I walked on set that was getting laughs before we got there. When we got there and were rehearsing it and shooting it, it was hard to get through it because the director and producers were laughing so hard they were kind of ruining all the takes. I started laughing so hard because they were laughing so hard. Then, I started to cry because I was laughing so hard and they had to redo the makeup. These are very funny guys!
Q) Why should people take their time to tune in to see "Aliens in America?"
A) It allows people to examine their own xenophobia while housed in a comedy. So, in a sense, they will be able to laugh at themselves. I think that is the real genius of what these writers and producers have done. They are holding up a mirror to our society, post 9/11, with a hell of a lot of laughs. It's also a show that promotes diversity and acceptance. It portrays a Muslim character as a real person, instead of this clichéd Hollywood version of a terrorist. Raja is a soulful, intelligent, caring and loving person. This comedy bares that out. It shows that in each episode. Obviously, there are challenges for somebody coming from Pakistan and adapting to Medora, Wisconsin and all the prejudices that have already been formed in this country post 9/11. The writers handle it beautiful. It's what people are going to expect. They are going to be surprised by this. It's a very sweet show and is also very funny. It's highly funny!
Q) What is it about the CW network that makes you enjoy working for them?
A) I was really with the WB for six years and then it became the CW on the last season of "Gilmore Girls." It's pretty exciting to be a part of something new. The CW is in its infancy. It is the second year that it's been around. What is exciting, especially this year, is that the buzz on our show is really big in the industry. They have some other shows that are being touted by critics, as well. It's a very exciting time for this network. This network could see some growth, growth by leaps and bounds, in its sophomore season. It's always exciting to be a part of something that has the potential for a growth spurt like that. In some small way, I hope we're responsible for that.
Q) Do you keep in touch with your "Gilmore" cast members?
A) I do not. Everyone is scattered to the four winds. I am up in Canada. We connect by text, but that show ended badly. That is not how a show should have ended. It ended bitterly and it ended badly. No one got to say goodbye and there was no party. It was a real waste having to end a show that way. That's the way things happen sometimes. It's unfortunate, but inevitable.
Q) Will there be a "Gilmore Girls" movie?
A) It would depend on the script. It would depend on Amy Sherman-Palladino's involvement. I've been quoted as saying, "Not only would I hide a body for, but I'd chop one up."
Q) What do you do in your spare time?
A) I try to get some sleep and do the usual stuff. If it is summer, I'll go suffering.
Q) What would you like to say to people who are fans and supporters of your work?
A) I think you are wonderful people and obviously have good taste! They are all beautiful and lovely. I adore them! I love my fans! I think they are the most supportive people I've ever encountered in my life. I feel truly blessed to have these people in my life. I keep in contact with that. I have a fan club, an organization that I keep in touch with, that promotes my interest throughout the world. I think that's terrific and I am very touched by it. "Gilmore Girls" and Amy Sherman-Palladino gave me the opportunity to be in this position. All kudos to her. It all starts with Amy!
