Scott Grimes – The Orville

By starrymag | October 12, 2017

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) My band with Russell Crowe, Alan Doyle and Carl Falk, Indoor Garden Party, has an album out called The Musical, which just went #1 in the UK last week.

Q) Please tell us the premise for your series “The Orville” and about your character.

 

A) Gordon Malloy is the helmsman of The Orville and the best friend of its Captain Ed Mercer (Seth MacFarlane), who has to run the ship alongside his ex-wife Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki). Gordon is your best friend in every way. He’ll make you do things don’t want to do and help do the things you need to do. He’s the perfect right hand man for the party side of life and the serious side. He’s a bit inept, a bit goofy, irresponsible, a practical joker but you can trust him with your life.

 

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

 

A) Seth wrote the show knowing he wanted me to play Gordon. That kind of thing doesn’t happen often. But besides working with Seth, I love space and it’s a show that’s never been done before. There’s never been a modern drama in space, it’s really a childhood dream to do a space show.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally described to you?

 

A) Normally that would happen, but the role was written for me so what I put into it was just the energy that I like to put into any role. Ultimately, it was making an irresponsible, dumber version of myself for the comedy. But he has red hair just like me!

 

Q) This isn’t your first time working with Seth MacFarlane. What is it about working alongside of him that is so appealing?

 

A) He truly is a genius and that comes with great things and also with demanding perfection, which can sometimes take a little time. I love that challenge of bringing whatever he’s written to life. For example, maybe he’ll say we shouldn’t be as funny in this scene as we could be, but I love that process and that challenge.

 

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it a natural ability to you or have you had to work at it?

 

A) I used to watch Michael J. Fox on “Family Ties” so I could say it came naturally to me, but I would be lying because all I did as a kid was copy Michael J. Fox. His timing, his motions and his physicality, I completely stole that as a kid. I’ve also seen every Charlie Chaplin movie so I think the people you grow up watching can have that effect on you.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “The Orville?”

 

A) Being on the bridge. I grew up loving “Star Trek” and Star Wars so being in the cockpit of any sci-fi vehicle like The Orville or The Millennium, which is such a practical and realistic set, is my favorite thing. And also usually that’s when the whole cast is together and it’s really the best cast I’ve ever worked with. We all got along immediately, which is rare.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series that is going to make it a fast fan favorite?

 

A) It’s a different kind of space show, but has homages to the favorites of the past. It also looks different – we’re not over modernizing our outfits or anything. I think it reminds people of good television. I really can watch it as a fan because I get to see the final product after adding in all of the special effects and everything, and I love watching like that.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to episodes?

 

A) I love it. I might be one of the only actors who does not get negative comments on social media. I don’t know if it’s the character, but for some reason my followers really respect me and I love interacting with people. I try to follow people back because I like that relationship. I like how narrow that gap is between my career and the people who follow my career. It’s important to be as connected as possible with the people who are watching your shows and buying tickets and, ultimately, are responsible for making you money.

 

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

 

A) The best is yet to come! I love doing this for an audience. I do it more for them than for myself. I’ve really enjoyed this ride and the more people that can get in the cockpit, the better.