Dirk Blocker – Brooklyn Nine-Nine

By starrymag | April 1, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

A) We just wrapped Season Five on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” – the best job in the biz – so I’m free to return to a writing practice. I say practice, because I wouldn’t refer to my self as a writer since I don’t do it full time. But I enjoy writing – it’s therapeutic, satisfies my creative urges and doesn’t require anyone else to accomplish. I’m very proud to be launching a story Master and the Little Monk. I like to call it: a fable for youngsters of all ages. It’s a sweet tale of acceptance, belonging and finding one’s way through difficult circumstances.

 

Q) How was your character Hitchcock on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” originally described to you?

A) Allison Jones was the casting director for the pilot. She must have seen something in me because there really wasn’t a lot to go on. Scully and Hitchcock both were described as two guys who were great at making coffee and who didn’t seem to do much around the precinct. Joel [McKinnon Miller] and I sort of took it upon ourselves to create a world to occupy as the writers and producers had their hands full establishing the main cast. We were thrilled that what we brought was well liked, and soon enough the writers were creating very funny stuff for us to do and we became series regulars.

 

Q) What was it about the series that originally made you want to be a part of the show?

A) Andy Samberg, Dan Goor and Michael Schur were more than enough to peak my interest. And anything Allison Jones is casting. It was more like, do I have to kill someone for this job? Cause I might be willing to.

 

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has come naturally to you or have you had to work at it?

A) Thank you! I think a sense of timing – rhythm – is essential in dramatic work as well as comedic. I grew up WORSHIPPING the likes of Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel, Jerome “Curly” Howard, Jonathan Winters and my dad among many others. It’s funny now, but before “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” I had a hard time convincing agents to submit me for comedy roles. Again, I credit Allison Jones with seeing this as something I could do.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite Hitchcock and Scully moments?

A) I love working with Joel. I don’t recall ever having the kind of chemistry we share with any other actor. The flashback sequences to our younger, badass days have been fun. When Hitchcock and Scully get angry with each other like when Scully falls in love and Hitchcock becomes jealous and the sweet moments, too. One episode had us separated and our reunion proved to be surprisingly tender.

 

Q) Is there someone in the cast you haven’t gotten to work with much that you’d love to share a scene with in the future?

A) Everyone in the cast is outstanding and a blast to work with and I believe I’ve had some interaction with each. Kevin (Mark Evan Jackson) is a character we have yet to spend time with, which makes sense. We are such polar opposites,, but is also why it would probably be quite funny.

 

Q) You wrote the book Master and the Little Monk. What is the premise for the story?

A) It’s a fable centered on a lonely boy who is facing some pretty tough challenges. He befriends a unique and surprising character who becomes his ally and who helps him find meaning and purpose in his life. It is beautifully illustrated by my friend, the amazing artist Eric Skotnes.

 

Q) Where did the idea for the book come from?

A) I was in a writer’s workshop and the moderator challenged us to come up with something pertaining to dharma as it relates to purpose. Ideas usually come to me while I’m taking a walk or in a relaxed state of contemplation. In this case, I was walking my dear dog, Chester.

 

Q) What message do you hope readers take away from Master and the Little Monk?

A) Life isn’t always easy. We all have challenges to deal with. Accepting ourselves as worthy of love and searching for our own truths will, as they say, set us free.

 

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

A) I am very humbled that anyone out there might like what I do. It is such a privilege to make my living doing what I love. It is doubly wonderful that others enjoy watching me do it.