Brenda Song – Pure Genius

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What was the original breakdown of your character Angie you were given and did her description evolve or change at all to who we will see on TV?

A) Honestly, I don’t really remember what the breakdown was exactly, but Angie has definitely evolved. No two actors will ever portray a character the same so I definitely think that I’ve shaped Angie into MY version of her.

Q) How will dynamics shift as this season of “Pure Genius” progresses?

A) Well, as the show progresses, you obviously get to know these characters better. Our relationships and dynamics become more denied. For Angie, you really start to see her friendship with Zoe (Odette Annable) really grow. Seeing her become more comfortable with James (Augustus Prew), there’s also a bit of romance. Not with James though…you’ll have to watch and find out. [laughs]

Q) What is your favorite part of Angie’s character development?

A) I love Angie’s sense of humor and her carefree attitude, but in the later episodes she has to deal with some very real issues. I love that we are getting to see a more serious side of Angie.

Q) What has been the most challenging aspect for you?

A) Learning all this crazy medical and tech jargon! [laughs] Just because it’s not words or phrases I would ever use, it is difficult to keep them in my head and deliver them with the justice they deserve. [laughs]

Q) Is there a moment you’re really excited or nervous about that you are looking forward to seeing fan reactions to?

A) There is a moment coming up in episode thirteen that I’m really excited to see how fans of the show will react. Obviously, I can’t give any specifics – Sorry!

Q) Are there any aspects of your character Angie that you really connect with?

A) Jason Katims and this amazing writing staff have taken a few things from our actual lives and put them in our story lines. There’s a twist in Angie’s story that is based on my own life. I’ve never had that happen so it’s exciting. I also think that Angie and I have the same dry, facetious sense of humor.

Q) You have a rich comedic background. How do you bring that balance between drama and comedy to your role?

A) I’m so fortunate that Jason Katims and the amazing writing staff we have really wrote to my strengths, which is comedy. So, there’s a bit of that dry sarcastic humor thrown in. I think as long as the humor comes from a natural place in the character, there’s not much to balance. It’s nice to bring a few laughs into serious situations,

Q) The show is helmed by Jason Katims, what kind of advice and guidance has he given you?

A) Jason Katims is so incredible, so talented, so kind and so, so brilliant. I respect him so much. Jason is a man of very few words, but everything he says I’ve taken and gotten something out of. Everything!

Q) What is it about “Pure Genius” that you think will draw viewers in?

A) I think people will be drawn in because this is a look into the future of tech and medicine. I think a huge question today is “How much tech is too much tech?” Man versus machine. That’s what our show is about. We are really exploring that – taking advantage of all the amazing tech we have right now, but also not sacrificing that human touch. I don’t think people realize that all the text that we use on the show is based on real technologies. It’s not science fiction.

Q) What have you taken away from your experiences being a part of this project?

A) This project has been such an incredible experience. This cast and crew have been such a joy to just be around for the past four Not only am I so proud of the show and the work we do, I genuinely just love going to work every day to hang out with this awesome group of humans.

Q) Is there anything else you’d like to tease or share about your role and the season?

1. A) Obviously, I can’t say you too much, but I will say that as the season progresses you will definitely start to see a more serious side of Angie. My lips are sealed!