Published: August 27, 2010 9:47 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive (Celebrity Interview with Actor/Writer, Todd Stashwick) August 2010 Edition
Todd Stashwick
Actor/Writer Todd Stashwick has carved out an amazing career that spans over decades. He is an accomplished well respected actor who has starred in many successful projects including FX series THE RICHES and NBC's hit series HEROES. He is also the creator of his own production company titled Lazy Cougar where he is making stories on his own terms. In this spotlight with our Webzine, Todd shares many wonderful things about his amazing career and what fans can expect from him in the near future.
Isaac: Hi Todd, It's a pleasure to meet you in this format. I wanted to first thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to complete this online interview. Let's get started with the interview. I am so thankful for many things in 2010. What are you most thankful for in 2010?
Todd: I am thankful for a happy and healthy family.
Isaac: I read on your online bio that you have always enjoyed entertaining people at an early age. What do you enjoy most about the aspect of acting and entertaining others?
Todd: It's nice to provide a break for people. Life is busy, full and at times exhausting. It's nice to provide a break, an escape. To surprise, laugh or scare someone in a healthy way gives them an outlet. To tell stories that let folks mind and imagination wander is amazing.
Isaac: You received your education from the Illinois State University with a degree in Theater. How has your degree and training help prepared you for a career in the entertainment industry?
Todd: I think training is paramount, in any field. I take it seriously. Understanding acting from every angle, voice, movement, scene study, gives you the tools you need for landing a job. The business of acting is time consuming i.e. meetings, driving around, auditions. Training makes sure that the acting, hopefully, will always be ready.
Isaac: I also read in your bio that you began studying and performing at The ImprovOlympic and The Second City. What was the best part about studying and performing at these different venues?
Todd: The community was amazing. I love the collaborative effort. The camaraderie. The immediate nature of it. Also, I was surrounded by the best of the best. It made me work at the top of my game.
Isaac: You have worked on many successful projects with two notable ones that I would like to ask you about including your roles in FX series THE RICHES and NBC's hit series HEROES. How amazing was it to be featured as a part of the cast in both of these series?
Todd: It was amazing indeed. It always comes down to the writing. Both characters were fascinating. The ensembles were great. I was also afforded respect by the producers. There was a good deal of discussion on the arc of the roles. I had a good deal of input.
Isaac: Between the two series, which one did you have the most fun working on and why?
Todd: Well, if I had to pick, I'd say the Riches. I got to explore that for 2 seasons. Heroes, as fun as it was, was only half a season. Plus, I was series regular on the Riches and had more responsibility.
Todd Stashwick
Isaac: Who was your favorite actor/actress to work with so far in the films and other projects you have worked in?
Todd: Can't pick one. Eddie and Minnie were the best, I learned so much. Hayden and I had a lot of fun. Jensen and Jared on Supernatural were terrific. I also had the good fortune of doing a pilot with comedian Dana Gould, that was a riot from beginning to end.
Isaac: When working on the set of your films, do you have any inputs on the characters you play? If so, how?
Todd: Absolutely. I make my decisions based on the text but then I will have talks with the writers on ideas I have.
Isaac: Which character you have played in the past that you most relate to your own personal experiences and why?
Todd: Kyle Polsky on Still Standing. He was a silly Polish guy from the suburbs of Chicago, that about sums me up.
Isaac: You are also a writer. What is the best part about being able to write down your thoughts and ideas of an original concept you have or want to explore?
Todd: I love telling stories, whether improvising or writing, screenplays and comics. It lets me be in the driver’s seat and share my pov with folks. The best part is seeing it realized like with Devil Inside and then watch and see how people respond.
Isaac: Which one do you prefer the most; acting or writing?
Todd: Won't pick, don't make me.
Isaac: You have also created your own production company, Lazy Cougar. Elaborate a little about the concept of the name of the company and your main reasons why you decided to start your own production company?
Todd: The name is self mockery, it's a long story. The production company is a roof for my ideas. A place for me to produce the kinds of projects I want to see. Whether it's TV or Film, webseries or comics I'm creating a creative entity for stories I want to tell.
Isaac: You have a fantastic website. How has having an official website helped you professionally?
Todd: I've had a website for 8 years. I just completely revamped it to accommodate Devil Inside. It gives a central hub for folks interested in my work. They can see my reel, my resume, how to get in touch with my reps as well as read the comic. It's an immeasurable tool in the business.
Isaac: What is next for Todd Stashwick? What are some up and coming projects that you are working on currently?
Todd: I have several TV shows yet to air. The Good guys, Dark Blue, Detroit 187. A film I did, To Be Friends, is premiering as the opening night film of the Boston film Festival. It's a two person film with me and Joelle Carter. It was written and directed by Jim Eckhart and produced by Aarron Eckhart. Lastly going to keep trucking with Devil Inside.
