Harry Ford – Code Black

By starrymag | October 5, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What originally made you want to be a part of “Code Black?”

 

A) I absolutely loved the pilot script by Michael Seitzman. The creatives around it and the news that Marcia Gay Harden was attached to it created a possible dream come true scenario for me, particularly given my relatively recent graduation from NYU’s Graduate Acting program.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) Angus was very well fleshed out from the beginning. I think the writers have always had a remarkably clear sense of who he is, what he wants more than anything, what scares him and what is in his way. Rather than adding something to the role, I think a beautiful synergy emerges where the writers get to know us and our voices and it begins to inform the relationship between the characters and the actors who play them.

 

Q) Where do we pick up with the doctors and nurses of “Code Black” this season?

 

A) We’ve accepted a new class of first year residents at Angels Memorial and it’s more or less their first few hours a la the pilot. That kind of parallel construction illuminates how far the second years (Benjamin Hollingsworth, Melanie Chandra and myself) have come particularly given what the family went through at the end of Season Two. A new doctor, Col. Ethan Willis (Rob Lowe) arrives to train us in battlefield medicine as is usually the case each year. He makes a decision that changes my family forever.

 

Q) How will Angus continue to deal with the after effects of the situation with Gordon?

 

A) I hope he has put those demons behind him, but I have to say that given how sensitive and good hearted Angus is, it will forever be a part of his life.

 

Q) Will we see Angus still struggling with his pill addiction?

 

A) Angus has asked for help, sought treatment and begun to get his life back on track. Addiction is a serious disease and whether Angus is an addict or someone medicating a problem remains to be seen.

 

Q) If so, how long do you think he can keep this issue a secret?

 

A) I imagine Mario (Ben Hollingsworth) or Malaya (Melanie Chandra) will pick up on that secret fairly quickly. Historically, Angus can’t keep secrets worth a darn, but being a part of someone’s death might change that.

 

Q) How does Angus’ addiction affect his relationship with the other residents?

A) I think we’ve all managed to find a new normal now, which isn’t the focus early on. Col. Willis turns Angus’s life on its head and Dr. Campbell (Boris Kodjoe) changes the dynamic of the ER at every level. In many ways, we’re all fighting to keep the family together.

 

Q) Is there someone you haven’t worked with much or at all that you’d like to work with more or at all?

 

A) I always learn so much from this cast each and every day. Whether it’s Marcia, Luis [Guzman], William [Allen Young], Tommy [Dewey] and now Rob or my pals Ben, Melanie or Jillian [Murray] I love working with each and every one of them.

 

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

 

A) I try to avoid the feedback, per se, because it can really be hurtful and damaging. I’m really grateful to everyone who reaches out in a positive way. There are few things more gratifying throughout our busy days in the ER.

 

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about Angus and this season of “Code Black?”

 

A) He’s got some good secrets.

 

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

 

A) From the bottom of this grateful heart, thank you. You can spend your time so many ways and I’m truly grateful that you choose to spend it with me, with this family and with this show every Wednesday. Thank you, thank you, thank you!