Jason Dohring – Bad to the Bone

By starrymag | January 12, 2014

Q.  What is it like having Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin as on screen parents, will we be getting to see more of them?

A.  It was a pleasure having them as parents.  They are both very nice people.  I suppose it’s because I’ve had the chance to work with Harry more, that we’ve gotten somewhat close.  I think he has done some intense work on the show (upcoming) and I really liked having his experience around.  It was great to hear the stories about the older actors he has worked with.  I like that kind of stuff.  He once told me that he locked himself in his trailer during the making of Clash of the Titans because the execs were not going to shoot a scene true to story.  He stayed in there for five hours or so despite efforts to force him out by turning off his AC and pumping hot air in to try to “smoke him out.”  Made me laugh.  Harry will be around and mom may be back….

Q.  How did you originally become involved in working on “Veronica Mars?”

A.  I originally auditioned for “Duncan.”  If I remember right, I played it a little dark.  So they had me read for this other kid that smashes in headlights and smiles the whole time.  Fun fun fun.  🙂

Q.  Do you have a most memorable moment from filming so far?

A.  I think it was when we were filming episode 6 that our first show aired.  I was on location at the Echolls’ mansion and a bunch of the crew piled in to a little bedroom and we turned on the TV to watch the very first episode.  I just remember looking around and seeing all the people there who put that together.  It was magic.

Q.  What is it like getting to work with such an amazing cast?

A.  It truly is my dream come true–a group of actors who are dedicated to doing good work.  I think there is a sense of pride about us as a group.  Nobody ever lays down bad work and just doesn’t care.  We are all trying to get better and I think that’s why the show “clicks” so well.

Q.  Your character Logan has a tough exterior, but we’ve seen a bit of his softer side regarding Lilly.  Are we going to get to see any more of that side?

A.  Yeah….There is some charm in there.  Not as much as Deputy Leo, but I’m trying.

Q.  Will there be any conflict resolution between your character and Weevil’s?

A.  Can you answer this without giving anything away?  I think we are both very dramatic people and sometimes those forces will be aligned and sometimes we will be trying to tear each other apart.

Q.  A lot of actors enjoy playing the “bad” character because it allows them to be someone that they are not.  How do you feel?

A.  Yeah, I like this in a role.  It gives you a sense of freedom.  I like that he has both force and intelligence.  In most characters, it’s usually one or the other.

Q.  What was your audition like for “Veronica Mars?”

A.  Kristen (Bell) was kind enough to read with me for all my final auditions.  My audition scenes were the one where I drive up to her in the car and the one where I smash her car lights with the crowbar.  They also had a scene where my father is going to burn me with a cigarette lighter.  Rad scene.

Q.  What sets the show “Veronica Mars” apart from all of the young, teenaged based shows out there today?

A.  I feel for V.M. so much when I’m watching at home.  It is a wonderful story.  The writing is consistently funny, biting, charming, heart-wrenching, etc.  I also like the look of it.  The cinematography–different from any other show.

Q.  Are there any other projects that you are working on besides “Veronica Mars?”

A.  I have a couple movie projects in the works.  I really would like to do a play however.  I am trying to set something up in NYC for the hiatus.

Q.  Logan has some really terrific lines on the show, do you have a favorite?

A.  Anything to Weevil, take your pick:  “Leaf blower or a skimmer.”  “If you was gonna.”  It’s all good.

Q.  “Veronica Mars” has been compared to the hit show “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” do you think that if the show gets more viewers, that “Veronica Mars” could possibly match the popularity of the show “Buffy?”

A.  Yeah, I think it could.  It delivers very well.

Q.  Why is it important for you to be a part of the group of cast members who attend mall appearances?

A.  Because somebody needs to be there who is stronger than Francis (Capra). 😉  I just think that it is cool that all of us are there because every fan of the show may have a different character that they relate to or affects them.  Art is cool because it can show life and therefore change ideas, and if I can do that, I’m happier.  And if “Logan,” is the guy that people relate to, than I am very happy to hear from them.

Q.  A lot of great artists and bands are featured on “Veronica Mars,” what artists and bands do you enjoy listening to?

A.  I have such a range, it’s ridiculous.  Elton John, Postal Service, Reo Speedwagon, some Country.  I like music that has emotion.  I love to feel the passion that music has.  I am still trying to figure out how to translate that into acting.  That is a goal of mine.

Q.  “Veronica Mars” has also had a lot of great guest appearances, is there anyone that you’d really love to appear on the show?

A.  Mmm….Gary Oldham, Kevin Kline, Jessica Lange.  I will talk to the producers.

Q.  Is there anything that you’d like to say to your fans and supporters?

A.  I guess I couldn’t describe how nice it is to hear from somebody who likes the show.  I suppose that’s why we all do it.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.