Mary Sohn – A.P. Bio

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) “A.P. Bio” was originally on NBC network and now it has transitioned over to Peacock streaming service. How has the show been affected following this transition?

A) Even though the show has moved to Peacock, I think the general vibe of the show remains the same. The small difference is the amount of time we have per episode. Not anything drastic, but we now have room to sit in a beat a little longer or add one more joke. It’s funny how people automatically think that because we moved to streaming that all of a sudden, the jokes would be way more edgy or bizarre. I mean, in the first season, Jack (Glenn Howerton) drowns a bunch of baby dolls in the school pool. So, it’s hard to top that, edge-wise.

Q) One of the relationships I admire on the show is between Stef, Mary and Michelle. Tell us what’s to come for these three in the new season.

A) One of the benefits of getting a Season 3 is that the characters have all fully marinated. So, now we get to see them take on challenges together and heighten what’s already been established. They remain devoted to each other as best friends, despite one episode where the teachers have a small rift between them. We take our “sleepover energy” to the next level. Also, Stef (Lyric Lewis) is pregnant this season and it’s very sweet to see the three teachers band together to support Stef.

Q) What have you found challenging about portraying Mary?

A) I’ve really enjoyed playing Mary because Mike O’Brien and the writers welcome the actors bringing themselves to the role and making it theirs. That being said, because I share the name of my character, sometimes it’s hard to differentiate the character from myself. Also, anytime Lyric Lewis says my name, I feel like she’s talking directly to me and it make me forget my lines.

Q) What are some of your favorite episodes that viewers should look out for in Season 3?

A) My favorite episodes of Season 3 are really hard to pick because I love them all for different reasons. I loved shooting Episode 5 “Mr. Pistachio,” where Jack has to go to the butt doctor. I love how the school shows up for him. Acting with Glenn, while he was lying in a hospital bed, really made me feel for him, so much so that the director had to remind me that we were shooting “A.P. Bio” and not “ER.” I also really love episode 8 “Katie Holmes Day” because we intro a new holiday and Marissa (Marisa Baram) really shines in it.

Q) Going into this season, who were you hoping to share more scenes with?

A) I honestly always want more scenes with the students. This season we intermingle a bit more, which was heaven. They blow me away! They’re all such good actors and they are HILARIOUS!

Q) Is there much room to improv during scenes?

A) We are always given a “fun take” to kinda mess around. But, to be honest, the writing is so good that the improv rarely beats the writing. That being said, since we all come from improv backgrounds, we are trusted when we want to try something that isn’t scripted.

Q) Who tends to break the most while filming these super funny scenes?

A) Everyone is pretty good about making it through without breaking, but I remember one day when none of us could hold it together. We were shooting episode 6 “That That That,” and Dale the janitor (played by Brendan Jennings) confronts Jack. The way Brendan says “Duhhh Einstein” just destroyed us. I just remember all of us needing a minute to compose ourselves after dying of laughter.

Q) What have you enjoyed and appreciated about working on “A.P. Bio?”

A) I never thought that I’d work on a show that was so uniquely funny while also having such genuine heart. The best part of working on this show is that I get to work my best friends and comedy heroes. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. I’ve known some of the writers and Mike O’Brien for a while now, but seeing them create such a hilarious show makes me appreciate and respect them, in ways that I didn’t know I could.

Q) Who would you love to have as a guest star on “A.P. Bio?”

A) My dream would be Bernie Mac. I think he’d be so funny with this group of characters. You probably meant someone who is living though, huh? My dream guest star would be Tiffany Haddish. I would also love it if we got Annie Murphy and Sam Richardson.

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching Season 3?

A) I genuinely hope they take away… hope! I think there’s a comfort in seeing a show set in a school when we aren’t able to experience that in real life. I also hope viewers take away the idea of celebrating community and that if we hold tightly to one another, we can get through the tough times.

Q) Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can share that fans should keep an eye out for?

A) Well, right now, I’m developing a show that I wrote, so that’s keeping me busy. I would also say, check out “Work in Progress” on Showtime. I play the character “Susan” and I really had a ball acting like an absolute tool, on that fantastic show.

Q) What would you like to say to the fans that supported your work all of these years?

A) Genuinely, I would like to say THANK YOU! It means a great deal to me knowing people see what I’m trying to do and connect with the stories I’m part of telling. Your support kept me going and showed me that I was aligned with my purpose. There are so many soul sucking things about the entertainment industry and the fans remain the only pure thing about it. Thank you to all of you who shared your passion and support for “A.P. Bio.” Your voice was so powerful that it saved a whole ass show!