T.A.G. brings you yet another exciting "Baker's Dozen!" This week we have Actor John Francis Daley! At the tender age of 19, John is already a seasoned TV (and movie) veteran. He was the star of the critically acclaimed TV series "Freaks and Geeks," and now he settles in for 13 questions with the critically ignored TVadviceguy! Enjoy.
1) Let’s get some “Freaks and Geeks” questions out of the way. What’s it like to be a part of such a treasured cult classic?
It was definitely a surreal experience. At the time, I had nothing to compare with the amazing quality of the show, so when I started doing other television (sitcoms, etc.), I began to realize how rare it was to have been a part of something so critically acclaimed.
John as Sam Weir in "Freaks and Geeks."
2) Did you ever get any crazy fan letters during your time playing Sam Weir on “Freaks and Geeks?” If so, tell us about them.
I'll tell you this: I got a lot of prison letters. Yeah, I know... For the most part, the inmates were simply collectors of headshots and autographs, but it was still weird to think that my photo was on the walls of jail cells. And stimulating.
3) Do you still keep in touch with your co-stars from “Freaks and Geeks,” or do James Franco and Linda Cardellini think they’re too good for everyone now?
Yeah, they've become major asses. I'm kidding, they're both still as nice as can be. For the most part, I've kept in touch with the geek side though; Martin and Samm. Makes sense, right?
The cast of "Freaks and Geeks." This show kicks other shows ass.
4) (Warning! Question you have probably been asked a million times ahead!) In real life, would you consider yourself a Freak or a Geek?
Neither, dude. I'm a jock. A gaunt, frail, half-jewish jock.
5) In the 5th episode of “Freaks and Geeks” you had to do a scene where you were running through the school “naked.” Was that a pretty embarrassing scene for you?
It was totally embarrassing at first, especially when we did the exterior shoots. After a while, though, I started to get used to it. And I'll bet some of the prison inmates loved it.
6) After “Freaks and Geeks,” you went on to star in “The Geena Davis Show.” Tell us a cool Geena Davis story.
Geena Davis was one of the nicest, most professional, tallest women I've ever worked with. She had a straw target set up next to the soundstage where she'd practice her archery every day. How cool is that?
The cast of "The Geena Davis Show." This show got it's ass kicked.
7) In 2003 you were cast in the sitcom, “Regular Joe.” Did anyone ever tell you that Daniel Stern’s previous sitcom lasted only two episodes? And was he excited as hell when “Regular Joe” aired twice as many episodes?
I found out AFTER I was cast that Stern's last show lasted only two eps. I was scared as hell, especially since I was having so much fun with the cast and crew. There's nothing quite as awesome as eating a sandwich with Judd Hirsch. We were all excited to learn we passed the two-episode mark, and just as sad to learn that we were cancelled two episodes later.
Daniel Stern looks through the classifieds.
8) What are you currently up to? Give us an update.
I was just cast in Darren Star's new pilot, "Kitchen Confidential," which takes place in a restaurant. Aside from that, I did a couple movies that should be coming out this year. One of them's called "Waiting," which also takes place in a restaurant and will have theatrical release on October 7th. Now I'll be able to experience the life of a restaurant employee without all the long hours and lousy tips. Hey now!
9) So, as we’ve discussed, you’ve worked on hour long television, feature films, as well as 30 minute sitcoms. Do you have a preference, and why?
I don't really have any preference. It's like comparing apples with oranges. They're each a lot of fun in their own way... Except, as we all know, apples are better than oranges.
10) When did you know you wanted to be an actor, and how did you get your start?
I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be an actor, especially when I longed for the attention of every single member of my preschool class. My parents say that I was acting the day I was born... acting like a baby, of course, but still...
I got my start when I was nine and asked my parents for an agent. I know what you're thinking, "what a precocious little shit," but no! I just knew that the first step to acting professionally was to have an agent, since my dad was an actor and he had one. I promise you, I wasn't one of THOSE kids.
11) What are your favorite TV shows these days?
I'd say that my favorite shows still on the air are Arrested Development and Deadwood. Wait, wasn't Arrested just cancelled? "The Office" (British version), however, has to be my favorite TV show of all time. Ricky Gervais is a God among men.
12) If you could be adopted by any TV family (past or present), who would it be?
I'd want my adopted TV family to be "The Simpsons." At least I'd live the longest life there.
John all growns up.
13) I’m going to list some names, you jot down some thoughts about them.
(Example: Jonathan Goldstein = Nice guy, funny writer.)
*Joe Flaherty = Makes me laugh more than anyone else.
*Paul Feig = Nice, gentle, caring.
*Judd Apatow = Nice, caring. (Hehe)
*Judd Hirsch = True sitcom pro.
*Harland Williams = Nice guy, when you figure out what the hell he's saying.
*Kim Coles = What's NOT to say about Kim?!
*Samm Levine = He's like my big/little brother.
*Natasha Melnick = Her engagement ring is tattooed on her finger.
*Daniel Stern = I don't know, I was too busy bothering him with Home Alone questions.
A big thank you to John for indulging in our "Baker's Dozen!" Check out all his movies when they come out, and order the "Freaks and Geeks" DVD wherever good DVDs are sold, or go to www.freaksandgeeks.com to re-live the magic.
|
