Brent Morin – Merry Happy Whatever

By starrymag | November 29, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) Well, besides “Merry Happy Whatever,” I’ve also been working very hard on preparing my next hour special. On top of that, I’ll be releasing a podcast soon with comedian Jason Collings where we will have guests like comedians, actors, musicians and all the way to maybe a scientist. Who knows? Maybe I’ll learn something. Expect both in the new year.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the show “Merry Happy Whatever” and about your character Matt.

A) This show is truly about family around the holidays. No family is perfect no matter how much we pretend ours is. This explores a very tight and close family led by Don (Dennis Quaid) whose rules and structure get thrown off when my character Matt comes into town in hopes of marrying his daughter Emmy (Bridgit Mendler).

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the series?

A) The opportunity to work with a legend like Dennis Quaid was the biggest reason. But once I read the script and met Tucker Crawly, the creator, I really got excited to tell this story.

 

Q) Was there something you added to the role that wasn’t in his initial breakdown?

A) My overall panic charm. [laughs] I don’t know. It was really on the page. I just tried to bring that uncomfortable comedic confidence I can’t hide.

 

Q) You reunite with Bridgit Mendler for the show. Was this just a happy coincidence?

A) Yeah! It’s crazy how it happened. I was auditioning for the show and when they were deciding whether or not to cast me, they saw a scene from “Undateable” with Bridgit and I. I think they saw that same chemistry that Bill Lawrence saw. I was so happy when she agreed to do it. It’s hard to fake chemistry and with Bridgit it’s effortless. She makes my job so much easier.

 

Q) Talk about working with acting icon Dennis Quaid.

A) Amazing. I learned a lot and, even though on screen our characters are in a battle, off screen the two of us hit it off. We played music together and he came to stand up shows. He leads by example and for someone like me, who has grand dreams of working more and more, he was a great role model to see how it should be done. But I don’t have his body, which is frustrating but I’ve come to terms with it.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming the show?

A) I’d say on day one filming the pilot where my character accidentally staple guns Dennis in the head. (I’m not giving anything away I hope/) But that was quite a way to start a relationship with a movie star you don’t know. Also, his dog Peaches saw that scene and ignored me the rest of the shoot.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Merry Happy Whatever” that’s going to make it a fast fan favorite holiday series?

A) Well, right off the bat, the fact that is a “holiday series.” You don’t see that a lot or at all. But other than that, it’s the writing and the cast. This is the type of show that is perfect for Netflix because you REALLY will want to know what happens next and what happens to your favorite characters in it. Every week we would ask, “What’s going to happen to Kayla? Or Todd?” and Tucker wouldn’t tell us. He kept us in the dark as well, which I think is a good sign. Plus, this is a show built in reality. The characters have real problems that are realistic and relatable with real families out there. I think sitcoms (especially multi cam) get away from that a lot these days. This one doesn’t. There is a character for everyone in this show.

 

Q) What are some of your personal favorite holiday traditions?

A) Laughing with my family and Grandmas house on Christmas Eve.

 

Q) You are a part of social media, are you looking forward to the fan reaction you’ll receive to the show?

A) I am! So many years of stand so it’s kind of hard to hurt my feelings anymore (that’s a lie), but I’m proud of this show and look forward to hearing what people think.

 

Q) What loved watching you on “Undateable.” What did you personally take away from your time working on the series?

A) Honestly? How to do a multi cam acting. It’s a like a play or music. Everything is to a rhythm. So, I was able to take those skills and bring them to this new show. Also, how not to hurt myself AS MUCH as I did on “Undateable” with my prat falls.

 

Q) Where can fans go to keep up with where you’ll be appearing for standup?

A) Well, like I said, the podcast when it’s up will really be a place for people to see my tour dates. But until then my new website is coming out soon and, of course, social media. @BrentMorin for everything.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) Thanks for following me and supporting me. Also, being honest with me about how something I’m saying on stage might help you. I say my stand up is just therapy with laughs and it is easy to go home after a show and ask myself if I said too much or embarrassed myself. So, it’s nice when some kid in high school or somebody who is recently heartbroken tells me that my stand up made them happy. Makes it worth it.