Marshall Williams – Glee

By starrymag | January 31, 2015

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What was the original description for Spencer and did that evolve?

A) Spencer is a character that goes against the stereotype of what it is to be gay or society’s perception of what it is to be gay. So, the way it was described to me was to play Spencer as a person who doesn’t define himself through his sexuality.

Q) We will get to see you sing “Father Figure” tonight on “Glee.” What was that experience like for you?

A) I love singing and performing! It’s so cool being up there! We are doing three songs at Invitationals and they are really fun songs. They really get to showcase the newbies, which is awesome!

Q) What have you taken away from your time working on “Glee?”

A) I’ve learned a ton! Acting wise, this is the longest job I’ve had since I started acting. So, I’ve gotten a lot better at acting. With recording at Capitol, I’ve learned how to record. I’ve learned how to dance. It’s a very new learning experience, which is exciting!

Q) Was there anyone you were you hoping to have more scenes with this season?

A) I don’t think so. I got a scene or two with everyone it seems. The people I interact with the most seem to be Dot [Jones], Jane [Lynch], all the rest of the newbies and Chord [Overstreet]. They are all awesome to work with!

Q) We know that Spencer is gay, but seems to struggle with it. How do you approach the angst with the role?

A) I don’t think he struggles with being gay. I think he just doesn’t want people to typecast him into a gay person. He wants to be his own person and doesn’t feel because his sexual preference is with men that it should define him as a person. So, I don’t think he really struggles with being gay. I think he struggles with society’s perception of him.

Q) Were you surprised at all when you learned Spencer would be gay?

A) No, I wasn’t. It came in the breakdown with the original audition. So, I was well aware that he would be gay.

Q) What was it like entering an established cast? Who embraced you the most?

A) I think Dot, Chord, Jane and Kevin [McHale] were all so welcoming. They are all awesome to work with, very supportive, treat you like an equal and welcome you with open arms.

Q) What is it like working on such a busy schedule?

A) It’s crazy! Most of the scheduling is done through Glee and Fox. So, they are very rigorous with planning. Everything is very planned and meticulous. I don’t really have any say in the planning, but it all works out.

Q) What has been your favorite part of playing Spencer?

A) I, honestly, really like the comedic aspects when he does get to be a jerk. That’s not something I would do in real life so it is a chance for me to do those things and be that funny guy.

Q) Will we get to see Spencer looking to Kurt as a mentor?

A) I think Spencer will have a scene coming up with Sam. Spencer and Sam will definitely have a moment where he guides him in the right way.

Q) Would you like a love interest for Spencer?

A) I think Spencer would like to start a relationship, for sure, which might happen later on in the season.

Q) What was your reaction to learning you were going to be on Glee?

A) I was really excited! I’ve seen “Glee” a couple times over the years, but because my first interests in entertainment was music it was really nice to know that I would get to record professional songs and perform those songs for people.

Q) Do you think fans of “Glee” will be satisfied with the series ending and with Spencer’s ending as well?

A) I haven’t seen the last two scripts. I think Spencer has a lot of moments where he grows as a person. So, I think lots of the fans will be happy to see Spencer not only as a jerk, but that he also has a soft side. He takes the reigns in certain situations instead of just being a jerk on the sidelines.

Q) What was it like working with Chris Colfer and Lea Michele?

A) They are great to work with! Chris was very open arms and the one scene we filmed together was a blast. He was very supportive and they are a pleasure to work with.

Q) What have been some of your favorite moments from filming “Glee?”

A) Any of the numbers are usually pretty exciting to film because you get to see a show every time. It’s always fun to work with the rest of the new kids. We all came in at the same time and we really bonded over that.

Q) What has been your favorite song to perform on the show?

A) My favorite songs are coming up so I can’t really talk about that.

Q) What song would you like to perform if given the opportunity?

A) I would love to a Tragically Hip song, but I don’t think we would end up doing one ever.

Q) What do you believe the legacy for Glee will be?

A) I think it will be remembered as a show that changed the perception of how being gay is accepted in society.

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

A) I love it! I love interacting with the fans. I usually try to respond to as many people as I can. I always favorite lots of tweets to show people I see them and I read them. I love being able to respond to people because that is the way I would want to be treated if I was in the opposite situation.

Q) Is there anything else want fans to know about you and the show?

A) I would just say keep watching. If you are interested, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram and SnapChat at @itsmarshallw.

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

A) I love gleeks!