Actor Alexandra Daddario already has quite an impressive roster of films and TV shows is different genres. To younger moviegoers, she's known as Annabeth Chase in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief." To older audiences, she's probably more recognizable from her roles in "Hall Pass" and "White Collar." I had a chance to talk to Ms. Daddario about her newest role in the hit NBC television show "Parenthood."
You're filming "Parenthood" right now. How did that come about?
My first episode airs next Tuesday. I had just come back from shooting "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." They're doing a 3D version. It was my first audition back. I had a callback and ended up booking it. That was exciting for me. You never know when you're going to work next and it was great to go right back into something that is so fantastic. The show is wonderful. The cast is great and I get to work in LA on a studio lot. This is the first time I've ever done that, so it's very exciting.
Who are you playing in the show and are you in every episode from now on?
I'm playing the new receptionist at Adam and Crosby's music studio that they're opening. I come in and cause problems for them. I'm in the next few episodes. It's a nice arc. It's the first time on a television show where I had a lot to do. I was on "White Collar" but I didn't have as much to do. It's a lot of fun.
What are some of the challenges of being on television versus making a movie?
I find that they're pretty similar. I think that TV tends to have a faster pace sometimes. The hours can be longer for TV. I put in some very, very long hours for movies as well I think. The first day I got on set they said, "Welcome to the easiest show on television." I don't know if that's true. I haven't done a ton of television really. The only thing I have to compare it to is "White Collar," which I wasn't really working crazy hours. Production on "Parenthood" moves quick. It's a well oiled machine with a great crew and cast. The show is well written and everyone seems to be on top of their game. It's a warm welcome environment to work in.
Do you prefer television or movies more?
Either one as long as there's a character I can be invested in or make something of. That or a story I believe in, relate to, understand, or want to understand. I love anything that does that for me. It doesn't matter what medium you're working in as long as you love what you're doing.
How was it working with such a great cast?
They're all wonderful. There are no crazy divas or anything like that. There's no drama. Everyone is fantastic. They welcomed me completely and worked with me. Peter Krause is fantastic. He was fantastic on "Six Feet Under." I love that show. Sometimes there's improv where Dax Shepherd will throw something out. You have that reaction without even thinking and something will happen that you don't expect. Sometimes each take can be different in the sense that you found something completely new in it. There was something thrown out that you didn't know was going to happen and your reaction is natural and in the moment. That's a lot of fun for me as well.
Let's say someone isn't presently watching "Parenthood." What would you tell people to convince someone to start watching the show?
I would say that I find the show is very true to life and very relatable. I think the storyline that's coming up and the storylines on there right now are not only relatable but have incredibly exciting moments. It can incite debate between people. I think it's an entertaining and fun show. Some exciting stuff is about to happen. I think everyone should check it out. The performances are fantastic as well.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
'Alphas' Actor Ryan Cartwright Talks About His Role as Gary
Batman Arch Nemesis Ra's Al Ghul Returns in Action-packed 'Young Justice' Episode
'Star Wars: The Clone Wars': Young Darth Vader Tells us What to Expect in Season 4
Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.
