Justin Hires – Rush Hour

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to the show?

A) Fortunately, people are really starting to fall in love with the show. I think there was a lot of initial skepticism with it, which is completely understandable since we were taking on an iconic franchise. I think once they saw episode two and how that was going forward, I think people are appreciating what Jon and I are doing with the characters and really liking our take on Carter and Lee.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when you began working with Jon Foo?

A) Actually, we first met during testing process. He was already cast for the show and I came along last minute. So, the first time we met we had immediate chemistry. I always tell people that Jon is a natural introvert and I’m a natural extrovert. We have that perfect yin/yang chemistry from the beginning. When we did our first test, he was so gracious. He allowed me to improv and have fun with the character. So, the producers were able to see Justin Hires and what I bring as a comedian to the table. Then, there was a break when we were waiting on the head of Warner Brothers television to come and see us during the testing process. I made sure to take time out with Jon to talk about our backgrounds, upbringings and our family to kind of really build that bond in the small amount of time before the head of Warner Brothers came to see us. When I learned I got the part, before we had the first table read with the network we went out and got drinks. There was a bar having a comedy night and I went up and performed standup so he could see my comedy for the first time. All of those little things helped us bond and create chemistry even before we set foot on set for the first time.

Q) You mentioned some improv, but was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Fortunately, they allow me a lot of free range to improv and bring my comedic sensibilities to the character. One thing that I think separates my Carter is the same way Chris Tucker excelled in the comedy department I think with my Carter somewhat excels in the dramatic department. There are a lot of heartfelt moments with the series and dramatic moments with the series. It just kind of grounds my Carter a little more for television, which I think is great. Then, when it comes to the comedy, it’s a lot of facial expressions. I’m a physical comedian, even in my standup. So, I think you see a lot of physicality with my humor. When I’m falling down or running or jumping off a balcony or something, you can kind of see my physical comedic chops come in. I think that’s what makes my Carter a little different than Tucker’s comedy.

Q) Talk about that physicality in regards to the comedy and drama of the show.

A) When it comes to comedic physicality, that is something that I have just always had and I grew up watching Martin Lawrence, Marlon Wayans and Steve Martin and even Lucille Ball. I have always admired them and Jim Carrey. I grew up watching them and loved their physical comedy. So, when it comes to physicality research, those are the people I always looked up to. When it came to action and fighting sequences, I am a first degree black belt. It’s very ironic, but helpful for a show of this magnitude. Studying martial arts as a child really helped me prepare for a show like “Rush Hour.” Even moving forward, being on set, we do have a stunt coordinator and a fight coordinator named Jeff Wolfe. He is very instrumental in putting together these fight sequences and making sure that I look good. I’m 5’6 and he makes sure that me being 5’6 looks believable when I’m beating up these 5’11 bad guys.

Q) How will dynamics shift as we continue through this first season of “Rush Hour?”

A) One thing is that with the storyline we start to see the Asian gang resurface. Lee’s sister (Kim on the show) comes back. She begins to come back and we start to rediscover what she is doing with the Quantou and how she plays a part in the series and a larger scope of what is going on in this first season. I think Lee is starting to rub off on Carter more because Carter is a maverick. He believes in doing whatever it takes to solve these cases, within reason. But what he starts to learn from Lee is that Lee kind of does the same thing yet he takes the humble route. He doesn’t have to be so loud and vocal about it. Some of that rubs off on Carter and he realizes he can solve these cases, but he doesn’t always have to be so loud and cocky when he does it. However, he still maintains the Carter character. He admires and respects Lee, which is the major thing you start to see with Carter.

Q) Who are some guest stars you can tease are still in store?

A) One of my favorite episodes that we shot had Janel Parrish in it. She was amazing! She is all throughout the episode and we have her in Witness Protection. We’re trying to keep her safe because there are some bad men trying to kill her. The whole episode is like an adventure, almost a mini movie. She is probably one of my favorite ones coming up! On this show, she’s a sweetheart.

Q) What have you found the most challenging part of working on the series?

A) Fortunately, I rose to the occasion. I am still standing! It would definitely be the workload. Everyone wants to be the star of a TV show, but it’s not until you are actually a star of a TV show that you realize the incredible amount of work that goes into it. I would work thirteen to fifteen hours and so does the cast and crew, (especially Jon and I) every day Monday through Friday. There were no days off. Then on the weekends, because I am in majority of the scenes, I was improvising sixty pages of dialogue. So, it was basically working seven days a week for six months. And it takes eight days to film an episode; some take nine days to shoot. That was definitely the most challenging thing; however, going through that experience it made me such a better actor and a better comedian. It made me understand behind the scenes when it comes to production, direction and cinematography. It just made me a better artist to be immersed in that much work on production. I’m extremely grateful that I actually experienced that.

Q) What have you taken away from your experience on the show?

A) Really anything is possible. I think I’m a testament of dreams coming true. As a comedian, one of my dreams was to always be a star on an action comedy film and here I am now the star of an action comedy television series. So, I’m living out that dream on a weekly basis. I’m just a testament that if you have faith, put in the work and really believe in yourself that your dreams can come true. Don’t take no for an answer and just keep pushing and moving forward.