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So what is that like? I have friends that go to them and I know they are very different.
Yeah, they are very different, it’s a whole other world. I have been to two so far, with Anson Williams, because he directed a bunch of them. So the two of us will go together and witness this amazing scene that goes on there. People come from all over and they dress up in these amazing costumes that they create themselves. Then cast members from some of the other Star Trek spinoffs show up, and you have a big auditorium where you do Q&A.
But the people are amazing, they love being there and it’s great to be a part of it.
Before we talk about more recent projects, I also want to recognize you for your voice over work. What did you enjoy the most about voice overs and how does the preparation differ from a script for film or TV?
I enjoyed it. I started doing these cartoons in the 70’s. It became more interesting for me in the 80’s, when I did Dungeons and Dragons. I did 3 seasons, where I played Eric the Cavalier.
It was different than acting on camera because you have to put everything into your voice to express all that is going on. So they will show you visual images in order to show you what was going on, and that helps you to bring that reality onto it. I imagine this is what it would be like doing a radio play. You didn’t have to worry about what you look like, and usually I wouldn’t prepare too much like I would for a normal script, because I would need to see the visuals. I like that it was very spontaneous.
Over the last decade we have seen you on TV shows such as Bones, Glee, The Odd Couple, The Bold & The Beautiful and films such as The Great Buck Howard, Ed TV. Let’s make a stop at Glee! Since it also was one of those shows that just took over the screens too. Can you share your Glee experience with us?
I had a great time. I got cast as the father of one of the regular actors - I was the father of the character Emma. Who was the guidance counselor on the show. She was a redhead. It was important to the storyline. Jayma Mays was the actress that played Emma. I did 3 episodes. It reminded me a bit of Happy Days - the cast and crew had a great working relationship.. It was a highly professional feeling on set, really good people who knew what they were doing and they really impressed me. I really enjoyed doing that.
From around those times, from all those TV shows, which ones are the ones that come to your mind?
That’s tough!… You mentioned one earlier, and you mentioned Ron Howard, who of course went onto become one of the biggest directors of our time. He cast me in his movie EdTv. So getting to work with him and the other big stars... that was a big treat. Hopefully we’ll get to do that again sometime. Of course Happy Days. I got to do a scene with John Malkovich in the Great Buck Howard….that was a real treat to work with him. I always admired his work as an actor….
Directing Last Best Sunday and Moola, I really enjoyed that. Those things truly stay with me.
As the well rounded artist that you are, not only have you been in front of the camera, you have directed a few films like The Last Best Sunday and Moola like you just mentioned. Was that an organic move? How different is it to be behind the camera?
it’s a little bit like baseball. If you are one of the players, that is like being an actor... as supposed to being the manager, which is like the director. Its like the manager has to look at everything.
As the director you are involved in everything. As an actor, you learn your part, you come the days you are hired to work and that’s it. As a director, from the very beginning you are involved in everything - the script, making sure it’s in the right shape, working with the creative team during pre production for months, finding locations, making sure the sets are correct, wardrobe… then you start shooting, then you have post production which can go on and on, and of course there is also the music and sound.
It’s like your child. It’s your life for that period of time. It encompasses you in a bigger way. Directing is a much greater canvas because how much more you are involved.
So what would you prefer? Acting or directing?
If I truly had to choose, if both were equal, I would have to say acting.