Mort Burke – Enlisted

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) Currently, I’m on an improv team at IO. We’re called “Hay Day.” I’m auditioning for things and working on a webseries with my writing partner.

Q) You’re featured on the show “Enlisted.” What made you want to be a part of the program?

A) “Enlisted” just kind of happened. It was just an audition that I showed up for. I auditioned once and then they called me and had me meet with the cast. When I read it, I feel like it was known that it was a really good pilot. When they called me in to meet with the rest of the cast, I was excited.

Q) How was Gumble originally described to you?

A) Gumble originally had a drug past, which is kind of funny. He was sort of like a recovering addict. I think he was sort of a hipster. There was some sort of joke in there that he had a cocaine problem. It makes me laugh really hard thinking about how he turned out now.

Q) Was there anything about the character that wasn’t scripted for you that you added to the role?

A) They do sort of let us improvise. I’ve improvised a couple of things. As far as character attributes, I don’t really think so because I think those were all in the scripts.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Has it come naturally to you or have you had to work at it?

A) I started doing comedy in like 2002 and I started with improv and sketch. I think it’s definitely just repetition and doing a lot of shows.

Q) There have been some great Gumble moments in the first few episodes. Are there any upcoming scenes we should look out for?

A) There is fun stuff coming up, definitely. We get a little bit more of Gumble’s artiness, which is pretty funny. I think he’s sort of the artist of the group. He tries to cook and tries to paint. There is some fun stuff coming up, for sure.

Q) There has been quite a jump in ratings the last few weeks. Besides the lead in from “Bones,” What would you credit that to?

A) People that watch the show, for the most part, really respond well to it. The time change is great and “Bones” is a huge lead in. I think the show is a little bit similar in that they both somewhat connect. People that tune in like it. It’s an easy show to like if you allow yourself to like it. I think that’s what is happening and people are talking about it.

Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming?

A) It’s just so fun! We did thirteen episodes so it is a lot of time. When the pilot was happening, there is a tank with the bumper sticker that reads “Student Driver.” They rented this tank that we are utilizing that we are doing this goofy bumper sticker joke that made me really happy. Then, when we got to ride on the tank and got pulled on to the couch at the end of the pilot, I remember thinking “This is a special time in my life.” It was fun and it felt like it had a Harold Ramis or Bill Murray feel. It had that vibe of an early 80’s ensemble comedy. I just think the show is so cool! You don’t have to know The Velvet Underground to listen to The Strokes, but if you listen to The Strokes and you know The Velvet Underground then you are like, “I get it more now!” The jokes are so modern and the pace of the show are current and the jokes are really well written, great and fresh. It makes me proud to be on the show!

Q) You are a writer and an actor. Is there anything else you would like to try your hand at?

A) I don’t know! I like comedy a lot. I’m still trying to do this for now. This is the dream and it is kind of happening. So, I couldn’t be happier at this point.

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Are you enjoying the instant feedback you’ve been receiving after episodes?

A) I have been because it has been good. I am concerned that stuff I’ll work on there is no where to go, but down from here because everybody is really into it. This show, during say some of the more emotional moments, to have people be like, “Oh, and now I’m crying” is amazing. They are all tweeting their internal monologue and you can see the show really works in this way. I feel like a focus group is happening. You know aspects of the show are working and that’s pretty cool. I think the reason people really respond to the show is because it starts at the top. We’ve all had awful bosses that make your job really hard, but Mike Royce and Kevin Biegel are just great super fun genuine people and that it trickles down to the cast. It was hard work, but it was easy in that way and the support has been cool. That vibe really resonates with fans.

Q) Where can people go online to learn more about you?

A) My sketch group is called “Sad On Vacation” and I think http://www.sadonvacation.com has some videos.

Q) What would you like to say to everybody who is a fan and supporter of you and “Enlisted?”

A) You guys be careful with the Gumble Nation because they’ll do anything that I say. It’s like the way Hulk Hogan had to be really positive with all his fans because they are impressionable. He said, “You should pray and eat your vitamins, brother.” I’d like to say that, too.