Charles Hiscock – Ted Lasso

By starrymag | August 13, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How was your character Will on “Ted Lasso” originally described to you?

 

A) My audition process for “Ted Lasso” was a complete whirlwind. I initially auditioned for a completely different role that was only going to be in one episode, that character was described to have a very strong scouse accent and wasn’t a part of AFC RICHMOND at all! So, I went in and did this audition. And a couple of weeks later I get a call saying that they would like to offer me the part of WILL, a character I had no idea anything about! But after speaking to a few people on set I found out that there was actually an audition process for WILL; however, the casting team/producers really liked me which I will be forever grateful for.

 

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

 

A) Well, because I didn’t see the whole audition process of what WILL’s character was like or how he should be portrayed, I had a lot of creative freedom to add bits n bobs here and there and really take the reins on how I wanted this character to be perceived. However, because they gave me this part after watching my auditions for the other character I taped for, I decided to keep his personality quite similar to that of the other character.

 

Q) Does Nate have something personally against Will or is it just high job expectations?

 

A) That’s a very good question. Nate (Nick Mohammed) has been the club house attendant for AFC RICHMOND for a good amount of time and therefore holds a mantra for that position, having done all the jobs needed countless times, and now to see a new fresh face come in and fill that position which was once his, and not have the bullying that he faced and have quite a easy ride in to the teams core, he could also be a bit jealous. However, all shall be revealed as the season progresses… or will it, or am I double bluffing.

 

Q) We all know that Nate wasn’t thrilled with Will for adding lavender to the towels. Was any of that scene improvised?

 

A) In that particular scene, there was no improvisation. However, throughout this season there are a few certain moments which may well be improvised, points to the person that can guess which parts are improvised.

 

Q) Talk about working with Nick Mohammed on those “tense” scenes between Will and Nate.

 

A) Nick, himself, is an absolute gem of a human being. So, this dark spell that Nate is having right now is quite the contrary of what Nick is like in real life. In-between takes of these tense moments – intense scenes – Nick would always apologize to me and we would just reflect and laugh on what had just happened! The man is Emmy nominated for a reason and this season will show just what Nick is capable of. Poor Will.

 

Q) What are some memorable moments you have had from filming “Ted Lasso?”

 

A) A comedy’s purpose is to make people watching laugh; however, that is the exact same atmosphere off screen. People behind the cameras trying not to laugh from funny moments on screen, there are just so many memorable moments. However, my most memorable moment would have to be when we were all filming the SAG awards sketch, and Will pops a bottle of champagne at the end. However, I decided to just channel my inner Higgins (Jeremy Swift) and go a lil crazy. People surrounded being both bewildered, cracking up and trying to process what on Earth they had just witnessed. And I feel, for, me that chaos made me feel more comfortable somehow and settle into the Ted Lasso family firmly.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to your role?

 

A) Currently (especially after episode 2), people have been reaching out to me saying “how sorry they feel for Will” and that “Nate will come around soon enough,” which is fabulous to see because sweet little innocent Will hasn’t set a foot wrong …so far. We shall see what the rest of the season has in store for poor Will.

 

Q) What does it mean to you to be a part of such a widely adored series like “Ted Lasso?”

 

A) I came into this show at the end of the first season, not knowing a thing besides the last episode I had been sent. So, I literally had zero clue what to expect. I had only seen the “Ted Lasso” NBC sketches, who hadn’t?! But to be a part of something right now, which has touched so many people’s hearts, aided and helped them in ways unthinkable to the crew and cast is something very, very special to me. It is a privilege to be a part of the TV’s equivalent to a big warm hug.

 

Q) What is next for you? Have you been working on any upcoming projects?

 

A) Recently I have just got back from Montenegro where I explored with my Lasso co-star Stephen Manas. Right now, there is a film I had worked on as the lead character (the biggest juxtaposition of a character to Will you can possibly think of) a couple years ago, which is in production and should come out some time soon. I’m trying to learn Japanese when I can here and there, as I desperately want to travel to Tokyo when this pandemic decides to quiet down. But there are most definitely a couple of things on the horizon to keep your eyes out for.