Darryl Stephens – B Positive

By: Sammi Turano

Q) You have been promoted to a series regular on “B Positive.” What can we expect to see from Gideon this season?

A) Gideon makes a new friend and sort of lets his hair down this season. I’m afraid to say too much because nobody likes a spoiler. But the new friend is someone we’re familiar with and someone we would not expect Gideon to bond with.

Q) In what ways do you relate to Gideon?

A) Gideon takes his work very seriously. He prides himself on being good at what he does. I really appreciate that about the character. He’s a Black gay professional who is unapologetically himself. I also think Gideon has a kind heart. He may have a sassy comeback now and again, but deep down he’s a good guy who genuinely wants the best for the people in his care. I’d like to think of myself as a Black gay professional who is unapologetically himself and who cares about the people he works with.

Q) Gideon has developed a strong bond with Gina in season one. What will fans get to see of their relationship this season?

A) It has been such a gift to work with this cast. Annaleigh Ashford is an especially generous and enjoyable scene partner. I really had a ball playing with her last season. Gina and Gideon’s relationship shifts a bit this season. They’re still close, but now that Gideon is head nurse at Valley Hills Retirement, she’s technically his boss. So, at this point they’re not going to dinner or apartment hunting anymore. They’re just seeing each other at work every day. But the writers love to surprise us, so… you know, we shall see!

Q) Now that Drew is done with dialysis, what kind of role will Gideon play in his life?

A) That has been the fun question about this season: How will all the characters we know, and love find their place in this new world? Gideon had always been the voice of reason in the dialysis clinic. Now that Drew (Thomas Middleditch) is done with dialysis, Drew shows up at Gideon’s apartment in the middle of the night to hash out some issues he’s having with Gina. But as you will see, Drew always finds a way to be around.

Q) The show is getting more new actors, including Jane Seymour. What was it like getting to know them/work with them?

A) Last season, we had Linda Lavin, who is just a master class every time she steps on stage, and Bernie Kopell, who is an absolute joy to have around. This season Linda returns… and we also have Ben Vereen, Hector Elizondo, Anna Maria Horsford, Priscilla Lopez, Jim Beaver and, yes, Jane Seymour. Every Monday we do the table read and every Monday my mind is blown looking around the room at all these legends of stage and screen. They’ve all got these stories from working for decades in the business, but they’re also these wonderfully seasoned and wise humans.

Ben Vereen’s birthday was this week and the crew got him a cake and we all sang “Happy Birthday.” Ben got all choked up and gave a little speech, thanking Chuck Lorre for thinking of him for the role, thanking the other legends (who he referred to as his “classmates,” which I loved, because it reminded me that as artists, we are always learning) and the rest of the cast and crew…and, of course, I started crying because this GIANT with “Magic to Do” was looking at all of us with so much love and gratitude. It really summed up this experience for me: we are all so blessed to be working during a pandemic, but also to be working on a show that is looking to explore the power of giving and the importance of gratitude. Having these actors accompany us on the journey of reshaping this show has been unbelievable.

Q) Who are some standout guest stars that we will be seeing this season?

A) Anna Maria Horsford’s career is basically the model for how I would love my career to go. She shows up in a show or a movie, walks on set, steals a scene with two or three lines and then walks off. She does not disappoint on “B Positive.” She’s hilarious and brings it every time.

Q) What is your dream storyline for Gideon?

A) I’ve been thinking about this all season…Ben Vereen’s character, Peter, is a retired professor who is losing his memory. He is sort of theatrical and worldly and while not explicitly queer, I think he’s someone Gideon (who is a student of the theater) would really benefit from getting to know. Black and queer folks often see so many of our stories go untold because the gatekeepers don’t always share in or see value in our experiences. If Gideon was able to bond with an elder like Peter, to hear and be moved by Peter’s stories before he forgets them, it would be such a beautiful testament to the ways our particular history gets preserved. Those intergenerational conversations can be invaluable. This season seems to be exploring the ways we can better take care of our elders… but there is also so much we can learn from those who came before us.

Q) Are you working on any other projects?

A) I’ve got a fourteen-month-old daughter. When I’m not on the Warner Brothers lot, I’m at home with her.

Q) You are a part of social media. Did you enjoy tweeting with your fans on premiere night?

I watched the premiere with my man on the couch. No phones. We really enjoyed it.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) I encountered so many people last season who were going through dialysis or loved someone who was going through it and they always said they appreciated how we got that part right. I hope those people come back for this season and are able to relate to what these characters are going through now. And for the folks who have been supporting me since before “B Positive,” you already know I love you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.