Rick Glassman – Undateable

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

A) Most recently, I made a video to promote “Undateable.” If you want to watch it, and/or any of my sketches/videos, you can go to http://www.thatguyandhisfriend.com.

Q) How was your character Burski on “Undateable” originally described to you?

A) He was a no-filter loud mouth who approaches women with little self-awareness.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I am a big “Scrubs” fan. So, to work with the guy who created it…Well, yeah. I’m interested. Not to mention, during the audition process, both Bill Lawrence (“Scrubs” creator and “Undateable” show runner) and show creator Adam Sztykiel allowed me/requested that I improvise. I love that shit. And they do, too. It makes for great teamwork, where everyone is involved in the entire process. When we shot the pilot, they even wrote my improvised lines into the script.

Q) Is there anything that you find challenging about your role?

A) As a standup comedian, I play a lot with situations; both that inherently exist in that moment and situations that I create. When I do that, there is sometimes an ironic unawareness that I represent. The thing is, I do that intentionally; to allow other layers to be performed. So, to me, the unawareness isn’t the comedy. It just gives me a platform to perform the jokes/satire/deconstruction that I often like to play with. I am challenged quite often while playing the role of Burski because, like parts of my standup, he plays unaware…rather, he IS unaware. Having that lack of vision, though much more simple, can make playing Burski confusing. To play a character that I have played so many times with the intention of building a platform – and not BEING that platform…it challenges my instincts. And I think in a very good way. Added layers isn’t necessarily better. Sometimes, a true simplicity can be very engaging.

Q) Was there anything you added to Burski that may not have originally been scripted for you?

A) Yes. Originally, Burski wore bullshit clothing like t-shirts that talked about farting. I wanted his big personality to be represented by his wardrobe, but I wanted to dress awesome, too. The wardrobe department, headed by Carey Bennett, and I discussed this and they helped build the most amazing closet for my character. Having him be a fashionable guy contradicts his lack of awareness and allows for a much more interesting character. At first glance, though definitely nerdy, there is something cool about Burski. It isn’t until he opens his mouth that you realize – Oh, maybe he just dresses cool.

Q) What makes someone undateable?

A) I think it may be easier to answer what makes someone dateable. Here are some necessary characteristics: kind, funny, empathetic, independent, good lips, pretty, strong as shit (guys and girls), caring…Stuff like that.

Q) You work with fellow comedians on the show that you are friendly with. That must make for some interesting moments on set. What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) Not JUST friendly with…Brent [Morin] and I live in the same building. He is one of my best friends and has been for years. I have been good friends with Chris [D’Elia] for just as long. I love these guys. Ron [Funches], David [Fynn] and Bianca [Kajlich] – all of them. Doing this show – a network sitcom with a guy who I have been a fan of for years (Bill Lawrence) – this is a dream! One of the coolest parts of taping this first season was carpooling to work with Brent. Driving to play together! As if we were headed to a basketball game. But we were actually headed to Warner Brothers lot to record an NBC sitcom that airs in Seinfeld‘s time slot!!

Q) How hands on was Bill Lawrence with the production of the show?

A) He was the head writer and show runner. He went on a cross-country tour with Chris, Brent, Ron and I (the four standup comedians on the show) as the host to help promote the show. He sends us all personal emails and phone calls about the show. We play basketball together. He bought me and Ron a massage while we were on tour. He’s pretty hands on.

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Did you enjoy the instant feedback you have received from fans after the show aired?

A) I tweet and Instagram regularly. I use Vine occasionally. The feedback has been great. Whether it is from @midnight, Loveline, “Undateable” or any random standup show – it’s cool that our audience has a voice that we can hear, that we can say “thank you” to, or block if they’re being a c***.

Q) What do you think it is about “Undateable” that will make people want to tune in?

A) The cast has been friends for years – it shows. The writers are amazing and are genuinely funny, on and off the page. The cast and the writers are all fans of each other. We all work together with scripted jokes and improvisation. Because we know each other so well, we help write for one another and know how to set each other up during a scene. Also, the comedians I work with are all included in my “Top Comedians to Watch.” I am so privileged to be able to associate myself with the caliber of standups we have on this show.

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

A) On Twitter, Vine and Instagram I am @rickglassman.

Q) Is there anything else you would like to be sure to share with the fans about Burski and “Undateable?”

A) Pay attention to his socks/shoes. You usually can’t always see them, but he wears dope footwear. Also, he live tweets the show. Be sure to ask him questions with #AskBurski.

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

A) Thanks! I mean it. Thank you. Like I said, working with the cast that I am working with –I’m a fan. And to be appreciated, to make people laugh – well, it reminds me that I’m also on this fu*king awesome show with them.