Evan Daigle – Claws

By starrymag | July 15, 2018

By: Jay Smith

 

 

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

 

A) I recently wrapped season two of “Claws” on TNT. I’m now enjoying some time off and looking for my next job!

 

Q )We’re currently seeing you as Toby on “Claws.” How was the character originally described to you?

 

A) Because Toby started out as a small costar part in just the pilot episode, I didn’t have much more description than what my agent received in the breakdown. He was originally described as quiet and sexy. It wasn’t until the series was green lit that the producers gave me more insight on what Toby is all about. He’s also changed quite a lot throughout these two seasons. He’s maturing and gaining independence.

 

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

 

A) This is my first professional acting job, so as a new actor, you take the work you get mostly. It been a real blessing that “Claws” has turned out to be such a great show to work on. The entire cast and crew are so hardworking and loving. I’ve definitely been spoiled on my first show.

 

Q) What have you found challenging about portraying this character?

 

A) I’m a cis-gender guy playing a gender non-binary/gender queer person, so I felt an intense responsibility to breathe truth and life into this character respectfully and with everything I’ve got as an artist. I’m a queer person myself, but Toby and I move in the world in very different ways and experience different forms of discrimination. Playing Toby has been significant to my own self growth as an artist, but mostly just as a human being. It’s been challenging, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

 

Q) How would you describe Toby’s feelings for Uncle Daddy?

 

A) Toby is in love with Uncle Daddy (Dean Norris). I know from the outside it must seem as though Toby is just a sugar baby, but that’s exactly what’s unique about these characters’ relationship. Toby is genuinely in it for Uncle Daddy. Of course, the money and glamour are part of it too but being able to play a real love relationship is way more exciting than just playing a vapid sugar baby. The writers really like to take what may on the surface seem like an archetype and then give it true dimension, which creates these super unique characters.

 

Q) Do you think Toby will ever be enough for Uncle Daddy or do you believe that hole in his heart will never be filled?

 

A) I think Toby is enough for Uncle Daddy for what their relationship is. Neither of them believe in or practice monogamy. Toby fills the part of Uncle Daddy that works for both of them. I don’t think Toby ever expects Clay to commit only to Toby because that’s just not who either of them are. They both enjoy sexual fluidity.

 

Q) Talk about working with costar Dean Norris.

 

A) I was nervous to work with Dean at first just because he’s so well-known and so experienced, but as soon as we met I knew it was going to be a great working relationship. He is a 100% professional. I love my scenes with Dean because we come in, get the work done and keep it moving. He’s a lot of fun and it’s been awesome getting to learn from such a veteran actor.

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming this season of “Claws?”

 

A) I think my most memorable moment from season two was my first day back on set. We filmed 201 and 202 together so my first day was the scenes in 202 when the crew is shooting a commercial for the clinic. It was awesome to have nearly all my castmates, who I hadn’t seen in a while, be working in the same scene on my first day back. It was a lovely reunion and a really fun couple of days. I also really enjoyed filming episode 205. The social justice aspect of the scene with Toby and Uncle Daddy was great to get to play.

 

Q) Is there anyone from the cast that you would love to share a scene with in the future?

 

A) “Claws” has one of the best ensembles on TV right now in my opinion, so that’s a tough question, but I adore Harold Perrineau’s work. Harold is so insanely talented that acting with him makes your job easier. Carrie Preston is also a powerhouse and I’m obsessed with Jenn Lyon.

 

Q) What advice have you received from your castmates that will stick with you?

 

A) Niecy [Nash] has given me some of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received. She tells me things like “trust your gift,” “dress right for the audition” and “if your hand is open to receive it also must be open to give.” Niecy cares deeply about her work and her friends and that energy is amazing to be around. She’s a very wise person and a really great leader!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

 

A) I do! I love getting messages from young queer people who tell me they relate to Toby. I’ve had a lot of gender non-conforming folks reach out and express their love for Toby and I can’t explain how great that makes me feel.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) I think fans love the tone of the show. It’s a very unique blend of broad comedy and dark drama. I also think fans love seeing a diverse group of top-notch actors telling diverse stories on screen.