Sterling Sulieman – Station 19

By: Lisa Steinberg

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

A) Last summer, I came off Shondland’s period drama, “Still Star Crossed” and got to play in the multi-cam world doing an episode of “Will and Grace.” This year I’m happy to be returning to “Station 19” for Season 2, after appearing in Season 1 this past Spring and have recently been voicing a character (Louis) in the latest edition of Telltales’ “The Walking Dead” game. If you’re in LA and need a good laugh, you can also spot me jumping on stage in the UMPO musicals at the Rockwell Table and Stage.

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “Station 19?”

A) They are pretty tight lipped over there. As was revealed in the season premiere there is a new captain in the house, Boris Kodjo, and that brings a lot of drama as all the main cast adjust to his presence. Other than that, you will learn about the cast’s backstories; really get in deeper with the characters you have already come to love. And of course, more GRANT. I’m still there. Healthy and resilient.

Q) Were you a fan of the series before joining the show?

A) I read and auditioned for the pilot. So, yes. Also, I knew it was going to have some crossover with “Grey’s Anatomy,” so that’s exciting as well. But it was not yet on TV when I joined up mid-Season 1.

Q) How was your character Grant originally described to you?

A) As a big LOVE STORY of Season 1, and possibly more. Grant comes in like a wrecking ball. Not really, but he is the first person since Travis’ husband died a little over a year ago, that sneaks his way into Travis’ (Jay Hayden) heart. So…I knew there would be a lot of fun dynamics to play with. That’s a lot to overcome for both parties.  How can you ever really compare to someone’s ghost?

Q) Was there anything you added to him that might not have been in the initial breakdown?

A) I honestly didn’t see the initial break down. I just had a conversation with Stacy McKee, the creator and showrunner, on the phone. I had gone in for the pilot and auditioned for multiple roles, so they knew me over there.  And then I just got the script. Now that you mention it, that did make it odd for me. Usually you have this idea of what it was supposed to be, and in this case…I went in a bit blind. But also…a bit freer to make it whatever I wanted.

Q) What kind of physical or fire training did you have to do to prepare for this role?

A) NONE. The way I like it. I’m not a fireman on the show. I’m a chef. And so far, I’ve done minimal cooking onscreen. I try and stay in shape anyway. Just in case things get too hot in the kitchen.

Q) Talk about working with Jaina Lee Ortiz. 

A) Well, most of my scenes are with Jay Hayden (Travis). Who is terrible. (I’m kidding, super fun guy!)  One time I was in a scene with Jaina though, for a few seconds. I remember the girl dancing a lot between scenes to Janelle Monae. Jaina is lovely. I still see her on set and at the table reads a bunch. If it’s possible to be more likable and more beautiful than she is on screen, she does just that. And, honestly, everyone around town seems to love her. People ask me about her and to say hi to her for them all the time.

Q) What can you tease were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) Working with Marla Gibbs, who plays my grandma. She is a legend.  She has not yet returned in Season 2, but hopefully she makes an appearance.

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

A) I think it’s the perfect spin-off from “Grey’s.” You have the familiarity of the way the story is told, and the content you will be getting from a Shondaland show. “Station 19” has great characters and puts an emphasis on story telling. It’s also a whole new ballgame compared to “Grey’s,” these firemen put their lives on the line when they answer these calls.  It’s a window into a world a lot of us don’t know a lot about. Also, the cast is attractive.

Q) Is there anything else you can tease about your time on “Station 19?”

A) Um…sure. There is an episode…that turns up the heat.  Get the popcorn and wine ready. Maybe a fan to cool yourself off, too.

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

A) Listen, I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been terrible at social media. I didn’t even have one when I was on “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Vampire Diaries”, which are like social media jackpots, but I’m trying to be better about Instagram. I even did a story! That’s right! We are all impressed.

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

A) Wow. Just a real big thank you. Thanks for watching. I hope to keep it interesting and tell the stories you want to watch. I love doing this, and it’s such a pleasure.