Henry Winkler began playing Eddie Lawson, father to Hank and Evan, in the first episode of season two of Royal Pains on USA. Season two is coming to an end with its finale airing this Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 9pm ET.
I participated in a telephone interview with Henry Winkler about Royal Pains among other things. He was as sweet as anyone could be. Here is what he had to say.
How did you get involved with Royal Pains?
Producer Andrew Lenchewski was sitting at restaurant talking about trying to cast a father for Hank and Evan. My dentist and his wife were at the next table and overheard him. The wife was a big fan and told them they should cast me. When I got the call, I was thrilled because I was already a very big fan of Royal Pains.
What do you find most challenging about bring Eddie to life on screen?
To make sure that I can go toe-to-toe acting wise with MarK, Paulo, Jill and Reshma.
Are there any ways in which you are similar to your character of Eddie?
I love my children. I am misunderstood. I am annoying.
There seems to be such great chemistry among the cast of Royal Pains.
What you see is what you get. The camera does not lie. We’ve had such a great time together.
Why do you think people keep turning in to watch Royal Pains?
Because Royal Pains has such great writing. Actors can’t do anything without great writing. The beautiful scenery doesn’t hurt either.
What is Mark Fauerstein (Hank) like?
He has so much energy it is amazing. And he is a remarkable leader on set. He is so positive.
What would you like to change about your character?
I’d like him to be in every episode!
What do you like most and least about Eddie Lawson?
What I like least about him is that it is so difficult to look Mark (Hank) in the eye when he says to me that I left when he and Evan were 9 and 11. These are the most difficult moments to play because I really don’t like the character then.
My favorite thing about Eddie is his zest for life. And we’ve come to where he now is starting to really appreciate his sons.
After playing such a cool character life Fonzie, it is fun to play flawed characters like Eddie Lawson and your character in Arrested Development?
The character of Fonzie was as different from me as possible. He was tough and Italian. I am short and Jewish. He rode a motorcycle. I can barely ride a two-wheeler. However, I got my Bachelors and Masters degrees in acting and prepared to play any type of role.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments