Stephen Manas – Ted Lasso

By starrymag | April 4, 2023

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) When reading the script for your initial audition did you have a feeling “Ted Lasso” would become such a hit? Did it feel as infectious to you as it is to us the fans because I already miss the good vibes it gives me? 

A) I just knew it would be a comedy about football, nothing more. And to be honest, it was my first English audition/casting ever with my brand new agent. I had absolutely no expectation about this project. But I remember the feeling of being cast and confirmed … one of the best moments in my life! [smiles]

“Ted Lasso” changed my life in all the best ways possible. So, yes, infectious good vibes indeed.

Q) Fans have been dying for this show’s return. Where do we pick up with the team and Richard? 

A) We basically just pick up like Season 1 and 2 in the following premiere league season in England after being promoted to premiere league after last season. [smiles]

Q) Let’s talk about your character Richard is the French footie charmer and lady’s man of the team, and this season the team’s sponsor is Keeley’s BANTR dating app! Does Richard have or need a Bantr account, and if so, what do you think his Bantr bio says?

A) Richard does have a Bantr account, because he supports the team management and Keeley (Juno Temple). He even asked her the correct spelling. I wouldn’t say he needs it … who needs a dating app anyway? It’s not like air or water, right? [winks] He is a charmer and like to play games. So, yes, he probably has tried it out!

His Bantr bio would say: “French flair is useful in many ways…” [laughs]

Q) Ted said, “For me, success is not about the wins and losses; It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.” Keeping that in mind, what have you learned about yourself from the journey of bringing this series to life?

A) The success is not about the Emmys. It’s about the fans saying how much the show means to them, and how helpful it has been in their life. We have just been extremely fortunate to have both actually, but if Jason [Sudeikis] would have to choose one, he and all of us would have chosen the second choice one hundred percent.

Q) It must be a joy to work alongside this talented ensemble cast. Out of all your castmates, who do you love to watch work the most? Who in the cast inspires you, gets your acting juices flowing or just makes you laugh?

A) Hard question. All of them, really. We are friends. We still learn a lot about each other. Beside talents, stars or newcomers like me, we all support and congratulate each other.

They all inspire me, even outside of the cast, writers especially and assistant directors, like Dan [Parslow] or Charles [Obaro] and many others.

Q) What has been your favorite scene or moment from working on the series?

A) Hard question. From Season 1 and 2… For the last episode of Season 1 Jason gave a speech to us, the team, under the rain and snow. We were freezing altogether. It was beautiful.

Season 2 was the funeral episode with the acting of Hannah Waddingham. I really had a great moment watching her acting there.

Q) What are some special moments or episodes that fans should keep an eye out for this season or are they all just so significant as we head into the finale?

A) Well, that’s an easy question – all of them. I enjoy every bit of it like it’s the last. I did it from Season 1 and I appreciated it a lot. [smiles]

Q) Three seasons working in the improv writing and directing style of Jason Sudeikis. What did you learn about your craft from this experience because unless you’re raised on the “Saturday Night Live” or theater stage, it must take some getting used to even if it produces fantastic results? 

A) Good point. Well, on the first day of Season 1 I had no idea who Jason was or what “SNL” was. Then, I checked it out. That’s American comedy, to a very, very, very high level…truly. That’s only my feeling, of course. So, without any surprises, I have learned so much on stage – with improv, last min ideas, script changes. We all had to adapt a lot and that was a priceless acting experience for me as you can imagine because I also had to improve and fit the style of Jason in my own way (staying humble of course). [smiles]

Q) What or who will you miss most from working on this series?

A) All of them and all of it. [smiles] Maybe a little less the London weather when we are on the pitch., but with time, I will miss it, too.

Q) Sadly, we all knew this show might end at three. How did you and the cast say goodbye once you wrapped, or did it feel like one long goodbye from the moment you got the script?

A) We had a huge party, some drinks between the team, a huge group hug and a last Jason speech about how thankful he was – like at the end of every season. But, yes, the goodbye started like weeks ago. [smiles]

Q) Did you get to take anything from the set to remind you of your time on “Ted Lasso?”

A) Everything is in my head and lots of gift from Warner and Apple. [smiles] The BTS pics are the best and the many wrap gifts we offered each other.

Q) Now that we know this is the final season, all the fans are clamoring for a spin-off. If that were to happen, what would you like to see? 

A) I wanna see what the fans want to see and what Jason wants to offer.

Q) Looking beyond “Ted Lasso,” what’s next for you? Are you working on any other projects the fans can look forward to?

A) Projects in development, music composing, acting, travels and writing. We will see what the universe chooses for me. [smiles] I am working hard in many different ways at the time!

Q) What would you like to say to them – the fans of you and this show they love so much? 

A) We love you as much as you love the show guys. Thank you for supporting and understanding it. We had the best time ever shooting it. You gave us two more seasons beyond the first. We’ll see what is next. [winks]