Michael Muhney – On The Lamb

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A.  Hey Lisa!  Well, I’ve just wrapped season 2 of “Veronica Mars” and I’m currently in editing for a movie I starred in and co-wrote/co-produced. 

Q.  What originally made you want to be a part of the show “Veronica Mars?”

A.  Honestly, there was so much “buzz” about the pilot script before I read it.  I knew I wanted to be a part of the show before I even read it, once I did, that solidified things for me.  That, and Warner Bros. offered me twenty-seven million dollars to do the show.

Q.  What was the description of Sheriff Lamb that you were given during your audition?

A.  Actually, what I read of Lamb, and what I could discern about his character from the script, I had a certain take on Lamb that was in the WRONG direction from what they were looking for.  Before I put my foot in my mouth and went the wrong way with the character, the casting director, who knew me from other projects, came out looking for me down the hallway and pulled me aside and told me that the best way she could describe Lamb in the audition scene was that he had just had about ten cups of coffee.  I had about two minutes to adjust my audition accordingly, as I was going to go in there with a much more easy, cocky, slow, assured presence.  I went in with the “coffee” energy and apparently Rob fell in love with me then and there.  I’ve never told that story, actually.

Q.  What do you think it is about the show that continues to draw viewers in?

A.  The frailness of the characters, and at the same time, their strength.  The writing is like crack, you keep coming back for your fix.

Q.  Do you have a most memorable moment from working on the show?

A.  I recently was applauded by hundreds of extras after a take (in the finale episode) and was really, really touched.  I would like to say “thank you” for that.  If any of those few hundred people who were there are reading this.  You don’t get much applause in hour-long dramas.  Half-hour comedies, yes.  Plays, of course.  Me, being a guy who got my start in Chicago theatre, I grew accustomed to audience response/interaction and the silence of hour-long television without an audience makes me wonder how my performances come across, sometimes. 

Q.  What can you tell us about the premise for your latest film Angst and about your character?

A.  Well, we might be changing the title, for one.  My character is an out-of-work actor who is continually passed up for parts for one reason or another.  Lately, it seems as though he needs to be “older” to book parts, he takes this to an extreme and goes really old and finds himself in a predicament when he books the job.

Q.  You co-wrote the film with Robin Christian. How did the two of you come up with the idea for the movie?

A.  Actually, it was Robin’s idea, the writing is mine, the idea was Robin’s.  He co-wrote, as well.  When he pitched this movie to me I really responded to it and was excited about seeing a script finalized.  I am very proud with how it turned out.

Q.  The film stars the late Pat Morita, what are your thoughts on his recent passing?

A.  Tragic.  He died too young.  He was a lovely man and I had some good times with him on the set.  I’m glad (as busy as I was with re-writes, and producing, and starring in it) that I took the time to sit down with him on several occasions and ask him about his career, funny stories, how he got his start, etc.  He was very open with me, and I consider him a friend.  The last thing he said to me on his last day of shooting was, “We’ll see each other again, don’t you worry about that.”  Obviously that sticks with me now, as a bittersweet departure. 

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A.  Playing.  Reading.  Sleeping. Watching movies, lots of movies.  Watching sporting events, going to sporting events.  Raising pigs in my backyard, homemade pig farm.  (Guess which hobby ISN’T true.)

Q.  Do you have a latest obsession? Are you into any particular book, music group, sport or activity?

A.  The NBA playoffs at the moment.  That, and Dwight Schrute.  He is my obsession.  I want to be him.  I want to hang out with him.  Let’s go fishing, Dwight.  Actually, I was told he (the actor) and I live in the same neighborhood.  I’d love to run into him someday.  If you’re reading this…I love you Dwight!

Q.  What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A.  What are you thinking? Are you crazy?