Penny Johnson Jerald – The Orville

By starrymag | January 3, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I just finished a play, which was really exciting because it’s dealing with an issue that I actually take issue with and that’s prison reform. It was successful and I’m looking forward to maybe next year it being mounted for a longer period of time. I feel like we just finished working and for the first time I’m taking a true hiatus and it feels pretty good because I really want to end the year on a promise that I actually live by and that is family unity. So, I’m taking this time to be with family. Come January 1^st, that’s a different monster.

Q) What is new this season on “The Orville?”

A) What I can honestly say or tease you about this new season on “The Orville” is that we really found our groove. Last year was very successful, but what we were trying to learn how the fans want to see us and how the fans would go on this journey with us. And I think we learned that the fans can deal with more drama and less funny. I’m not going to say that there is no funny in it, but I think I can tease that we go deep on this season of “The Orville.”

Q) How was your character Dr. Claire Finn originally described to you?

A) When I first met with Seth [MacFarlane] and he was describing Dr. Finn, I marveled at the fact that he had been watching my career all along. So, I was pleasantly surprised. It felt pretty good! He described Claire Finn as having the guts of Beverly from “The Larry Sanders Show.” And he had just finished binge watching “24” so he mentioned the solidity of Sherry Palmer. I thought, “Okay…Alright…Let’s do that.” So, it was just exciting that he was there to write knowing my strengths and being able to expand from that.

Q) Was there anything you added to her that wasn’t in that initial breakdown?

A) With Seth’s writing, honestly there is nothing that you need to add. It’s truly there on the page. And as you are playing this character every week something may pop, but there is nothing that I needed to add. Seth had it all there in his head. He’s a good listener and he’s quite observant so I’m certain that he could see, as we’re becoming these characters that, “Oh wow! I think I can go in that direction.” That’s a cool thing.

Q) Were there any costars you didn’t get to work with much in Season One that you were hoping to film more with in Season 2?

A) I’m so glad you asked this question. Last season I felt like Dr. Claire had an opportunity to truly work with everyone in a great capacity, except I so wanted to work more with Scott. [laughs] I love me some Scott. He’s so funny and so creative and talented. I just wanted to have more screen time with Scott. I hope Seth was truly listening because I’d say all the time, “Hey! Come on! I want to work with Scott more!” So, it would be Scott Grimes.

Q) Talk about working with creator Seth MacFarlane.

A) I think evolution is a good word to describe it. He comes prepared because it’s all in his head. And, again, it’s all on the page, but it evolves as he notices what truly works and maybe there is more or less of that. If it’s not working, then less of that. But he’s willing to actually be wrong. He never proclaims to be right, but he is always right. [laughs] So, it’s truly an honor and privilege and it’s safe working with Seth. You can try almost anything and know that if it’s too much or not enough you’ll be told. And you get to really play. I love the ability to play.

Q) We loved scenes last season with your “sons.” Will we get to see them featured more in Season 2?

A) My boys are my favorite characters! I cannot say that enough. Oh, I love me some BJ [Tanner] and I love me some Kai [Wener]! Oh my gosh! And the answer to that is YES! You will see my sons more. I mean, come on! I couldn’t just have kids one day and then you never see them again. They are a very important part of who Dr. Claire Finn truly is.

Q) What continues to challenge you about playing Dr. Finn?

A) The most challenging part of playing Dr. Finn is when I’m given language that I have no idea of the terminology to be exact. I have to ask Seth, “Is this a real term or is this something that you’ve made up? And let’s make sure I’m pronouncing it correctly,” because God forbid if I’m mispronouncing a word that is real because the fans will know because they know everything!

Q) Do you much of a say in how the character develops throughout seasons?

A) I think I touched on that earlier, but it’s not about the say. If Seth has a question that he doesn’t know the answer to I’ll weigh in. It’s not often because, again, it’s there. I just really like Dr. Finn to shape into a real woman not just into this maternal figure like everyone has this maternal figure in their series. I’m loving the fact that is not how she shaped up to be. She is truly three dimensional and I’m just having a great time playing her.

Q) Who are some guest stars you can tease we will be seeing this season on “The Orville?”

A) I’m really not good about giving away secrets of who is coming on this season and da dat da dat da dah. [laughs] But I can say that it never fails that every time there is a guest star, I’ve worked with them before. So, I’m going to leave that question alone and leave you with that. The guest stars are people that I know and that’s refreshing. It’s refreshing that in your career you can have a few years pass by and then it comes full circle where, “Oh my gosh! We’re working together again!” So, that’s about as much as I can give you on that question.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the show?

A) Wow! They are not moments in front of the camera. The moments truly are behind the scenes. I can’t say this enough, I’ve never worked with a group of people who get along so well. We have fun. We know we’re in it for the long haul. We know we’re in it for the long haul. Everyone has a smile on their face and we still like each other. We’ll work out together. We’ll have drinks together. When we feel there is a lull and we need a burst of energy we’ll start dancing. Those are my favorite moments.

Q) What do you think it is about the series that has made it a fast fan favorite?

A) I honestly believe the series has become very favorable in the eyes of the fans because of one thing – we know the fans are smart people. We don’t underestimate the intelligence of our fans and because of that the sky is the limit! And we try to deliver with this wonderful fanbase that happens to be sophisticated with their imagination and are willing to go on this adventure with us.

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

A) I love social media and I love the fact that I can sit at home at the same time in real time with fans and watch each and every episode. I feel like I just have people over and during a commercial we’re like, “Oh my gosh! Can you believe that just happened?!” I just feel it’s interactive and I like it. I don’t take anything personally. If they don’t like something, I take notice. And when they like something, equally I’m interested. Well, why do you like it? That way when we’re having discussions socially when I’m with the cast and creator (because we do that often) we can share those moments. I also like sharing the media that the fans put up. They put together pictures and posters and I find them fascinating.

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

A) Your final question is one that I don’t take lightly. I am so humbled when I find that I have a fan who has been watching my work since the beginning of time. [laughs] But a fan I find longevity with I feel I have a kindred relationship and I do feel honored. It’s nothing like being appreciated with something you are passionate about and acting is something I am definitely passionate about because I love to help tell stories. I love story telling. Not only do I love story telling, but I love depositing something in the lives of people to help make them think, to make them decide after they’ve seen something – to help them make a decision to make them a better person or to make life more enjoyable. Aside from that, I do want to wish everyone a happy holiday. I’m looking forward to everyone sitting in front of their watching device on December 30 and taking this journey with us called “The Orville.”