John Ross Bowie – Speechless

By starrymag | October 5, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects you have been working on?

 

A) Aside from “Speechless,” you mean? I did a small role in a neat indie called Judy Smalls last summer and I made my professional theatre debut in a production of Laughter on the 23^rd.

 

Q) With the family being left pretty much homeless last season, where do we pick up this season of “Speechless?”

 

A) Back on the lawn, a few hours later, which is weird because the kids appear to have grown a lot overnight.

 

Q) Do you get much input into how Jimmy continues to evolve throughout the seasons?

 

A) I’m not in the writers room, obviously, but I’ll pitch ideas and arcs – Jimmy getting loaded last New Years was my idea since I thought it would be neat to see these characters cut loose.

 

Q) “Speechless” is always so great at educating others about not limiting those with disabilities. How does this season go even further?

 

A) J.J. (Micah Folwer) is really starting to assert his independence so watching him move away from the family is both scary and encouraging.

 

Q) Will we get to see any relationships explored this season that we haven’t gotten to as much in past seasons? (For example, it was great seeing quality Jimmy and Kenneth time.)

 

A) Jimmy and Kenneth (Cedric Yarbrough) have a great storyline in the Halloween episode, but I can’t say much more than that.

 

Q) How will Jimmy and Maya’s marriage evolve this season?

 

A) As the kids grow, I think Jimmy and Maya (Minnie Driver) are going to find more time to be together, but they’re going to have to readjust to that free time. Whenever my wife and I have time together in real life, there’s always a sort of weird re-entry period – I think that’s true of most couples with kids.

 

Q) What was it like going to London to film for Season 3?

 

A) Amazing. Great city, great crew. Remarkably good weather. Ad

 

Q) They say you should never work with kids and animals and now you work with both! What has it been like having “Pepper” on set?

 

A) Pepper is played by Cosmo, who is a good boy and hits his marks about as often as Mason. No complaints.

 

Q) Are there any special guest stars that you can share who we will be seeing appear on this season?

 

A) Aside from [John] Cleese, I’m sworn to secrecy. Suffice it to say, there is an influx of awesome people – familiar faces and new players who flesh out the Speechless-verse nicely.

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the show throughout the seasons?

 

A) There have been so many – it’s really the greatest job I’ve ever had. Shooting on top of a bus driving around London has got to be a highlight, but I’ve also enjoyed learning a little bit of German, playing guitar for the kids, working with the alpaca. It’s all pretty great.

 

Q) Is there anything else about this season you would like to share or tease?

 

A) We have an incredible season opener with a brand new credit sequence. You will enjoy it.

 

Q) With the series finale of “The Big Bang Theory” approaching, what have you personally taken away from working on the show?

 

A) That you never know what’s going to work – “BBT” is filled with characters who would be on the fringe of any other show, but here they’re put front and center and I think that’s why people respond to it. It’s been a fun recurring gig, and I’ll miss it very much.

 

Q) You often take on comedic roles. Is there something that draws you to this genre? 

 

A) I’d happily do more drama, but the comedy stuff lands in my lap a lot. I like figuring out the best way to deliver a joke, I love the science of deciding which word needs emphasis, I love determining when to yell a joke or mumble it. It’s all very exciting for me.

 

Q) What advice would you offer up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) Be on time, learn people’s names and listen to your fellow actors. Also, crafts services might be free, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all day there.