Roxana Brusso plays Sheri Strepling on the new Fox series "Touch." The show stars Kiefer Sutherland as a single father of an autistic boy named Jake, who doesn't speak and is on the verge of being institutionalized. Strepling is the director of the facility that is evaluating Jake (played by David Mazouz). In a recent exclusive interview Brusso talked about working with Sutherland and Mazouz and what sets her apart from her character.
Roxana Brusso Says Working with Kiefer Sutherland Is a Daily Acting Class
Brusso said she was drawn to the project for several reasons including the story, the script, the world of autism and the character itself. But one thing enticed her more than any of that. She said it was "the connection, the interaction, of course, with Kiefer Sutherland." She continued, "I've been a fan of Kiefer's for a very long time so that alone attracted me to the project."
She said, "Working with him and all of his years of experience in front of the camera and being on '24' for so long, I always feel like I'm in an acting class. I'm always trying to steal as much as I can from the guy - his attention to detail to every single nook and cranny of the script. I find that so inspiring - the stuff that he questions, and I didn't even question, that he pays attention to. Working with him in that capacity has been a wonderful thing to be a part of."
Roxana Brusso Is Amazed by David Mazouz
Brusso's character is essentially in charge of making the decision as to whether Jake is institutionalized or returned to his father's care. So she has many chances to witness the acting abilities of Mazouz. She commented, "He is absolutely amazing. To be a 10-year-old kid and have that kind of inner life, I'm constantly amazed with his work ethic... David is so professional... For a role where he doesn't really talk, although he does the narrative through the show, to be able to not say a word and still have that inner life that he has. It's just absolutely amazing. I wish I had that when I was 10 years old, I was the complete opposite."
Roxana Brusso Is a Bit Like Sheri Sterling
Like any actress there are parts of her character that Brusso can relate to. "I'm a lot like Sheri as far as being in charge of things. Throughout my life being an only child, having to work my way through things. I never had anything handed to me, which I love actually. I've always had to work for everything I do. I think Sherri is very much like that. Our authority levels are very much alike. Everybody who know Roxy, sees a part of her in Sheri, when she's very authoritative. I can be that way at times as well."
Still Brusso admits that's where the similarities end. As someone who lives her life to its fullest and appreciates the simple things like barbecues and friends, the actress says there's one big difference between herself and Sheri. "Every good story needs a conflict and [Sheri's] definitely in the show to stir up the pot. In that way, we're not alike. I don't think I can be as conniving as Sheri is. She's definitely there to cause trouble for Kiefer, there's no doubt about that."
Watch "Touch" on Thursdays at 9pm EST/8pm CST on FOX.
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