TJ Thyne – Flesh and Bones

Q) What can you tell us about the premise of “Bones” and about your character?

A) “Bones” is a new FOX Drama, written & created by the brilliant Hart Hanson & produced by Barry Josephson. “Bones” is based on the real life of Forensic Anthropologist & best selling author Kathy Riechs.  It follows the events of Forensic Anthroplogist & novelist Temperence Brennan (played by Emily Deschanel) & her team of scientists at the Jeffersonian Institution as they interact week to week through cases with the FBI represented by agent Seeley Booth, who is played by David Boreanaz. “Bones” is a witty book-smart-verse-street-smart show that takes place in the world of forensics, but is primarily a character driven drama with lots of humor.  I always feel like it’s sort of Indiana Jones meets “Moonlighting” with a dash of “CSI.” I play Doctor Jack Hodgins, who is on Brennan’s team of scientists at the Jeffersonian.  Dr. Jack holds advanced degrees in Entomology, Botany, Mineralogy and probably a few other “ologies.” He has an anger management issue (making him quite literally a mad scientist). He’s also referred to by many as a Conspiracy Theorist-THOUGH Jack of course would claim they were “truths” he speaks of, not theories.  Also Jack LOVES women, all women, and he’s a secret Billionaire that, unknowingly to the team, funds most of the work that takes place at the Jeffersonian Institution. So he’s a fantastic character to play.  He’s such a fun role to play.

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

A) As an actor in Hollywood, I have the wonderful opportunity of reading on many shows during Pilot Season.  It’s always fun to go in and meet with so many producers about their projects. Hart Hanson, Barry Josephson and director Greg Yaitaines are all geniuses at what they do.  It was thrilling just to get in the room with them about “Bones,” let alone have the opportunity to actually end up as a cast member. So, those three guys are the reason.

Q) How is getting to work with Emily or David?

A) Emily is such a gem and David is such a consummate professional. I love them both. As much fun as they are to watch on screen, they are ten times that fun working with on set. The whole cast is a dream cast to work with. Michaela Conlin, please.  How great is she? Eric Millegan, Jonathan Adams, can one laugh any more?  It’s truly a thrilling cast to be able to work with. Emily, David, Michaela, Eric, Jonathan, we all have the same type of humor, so going to work is a lot like just getting together with friends.  Everyone is also really dedicated to the work.  We have the best crew & writers/producers, too.  I know I’m lucky to be a part of this project.   This doesn’t happen everyday in the world of storytelling out here in Hollywood.  It doesn’t always work out that everyone is on the same page, but at stage 6 and 10 on the FOX lot, the cast of “Bones,” we are. I love it. I’m lucky.

Q) Do you have a most memorable moment from filming?

A) We had been shooting all day & night one night.  It was late, we were on the last scene, which was about a 5 page scene with 5 actors (which is an extremely long scene to cover).  We, the cast, decided to run lines together (which we do a lot and is so excellent). So, we went into Angela’s (Michaela Conlin) office and spent the next 40 minutes cracking up with each other while the crew was lighting.  We had all reached that loopy-giddy place all at the same time, you know that thing you can get sometimes after working so many hours.  I laughed so hard my stomach hurt the next day.  I loved that moment. Also, any time Greg Yaitaines comes back to direct.  We are really lucky to have amazing directors on this show, led of course by Greg Yaitaines who shot the pilot.  Greg is easily one of the greatest directors in television right now. We always have a great time when he’s directing. It’s like having the whole family back again.

Q) Why should viewers tune in to “Bones?”

A) People should tune in to see if they like it and to see if it’s the show for them. I, personally, can’t imagine not watching. This is a really fun and intelligent show with great character relationships, on the FOX Network. That’s another thing I love about this show, it’s a FOX studio and FOX Network produced show.  FOX, to me, has already changed how we view television with it’s hip, inventive broadcasting.  I know the studio, led by Gary Newman & Dana Walden, and the network are being run by Peter Ligouri. We are only going to hear more and more and  more brilliant things about FOX in the years to come!  It’s exciting for me, being part of the FOX family.

Q) Are there any similarities between you and your character?

A) Yes.  I’m a secret billionaire like Jack.  Though, I’m not a conspiracy theorist. It’s a hard question. There is a part of Jack that lives in me. I suppose all my characters live in me somewhere, huh?!

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) I’m a movie junky. I see every movie out there. If I can get to the movies, I go. I just spent the weekend up in Santa Barbara at the film festival. What a fun experience.  I like to see so many different films by different calibers of talent at different times in their careers.  Such a blast. In LA, I basically live at the Arclight and the Grove and Century Cty, Burbank AMC, just seeing films. Have you seen Joaquin Phoenix in Walk The Line yet? Or, Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Capote? Wow!

Q) What is your latest obsession?

A) I’ve been swimming again. I’ve always worked out, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been in the pool, and I just love it.

Q) Now that it’s 2006, what are you most looking forward to?

A) I am looking forward to continuing to be able to play Jack Hodgins in “Bones.”  I hope to be able to do that all year long.  I’d also like to jump into some films in the summer months.  It’s weird not having time to do movies, I miss it.  So, that’s what I look forward to this year.

Q) What would you like to say to all of your fans and supporters?

A) Keep on watching. It’s getting better and better each episode! And, genuinely, thank you.  You are the reason we do it everyday.  Without you, what’s the point?