Exclusive interview with Scott Elrod

December 8, 2016 | Actor Scott Elrod started his career in television and movies in 2005. He joined the cast of the ABC hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" in season 12. He plays Major Will Thorpe, the new love interest of Meredith Grey, and he kindly made time to answer our questions about his career and his future plans.

Foto: Scott Elrod
Scott Elrod

You were born in Germany while your father was stationed here. Did you ever come back to Bitburg? Do you know some words in German?

No have not been back to Bitburg, back to Germany for work but not Bitburg. I forgot everything I learned as we left when I was 2 or so and then moved to the Philippines

You dreamed of becoming a pilot. Have you had the chance to fly around with your father while he worked for the army?

I've flown with both my dads prob a hundred times, private of course as the military was very strict about incentive flights even thou I was an air traffic controller.

What about the movie "Top Gun" made you consider becoming an actor?

"Maverick" had it all; the Ninja motorcycle, Top Gun fighter pilot, and we can't forget Kelly McGillis. I was 11 or so when I saw it for the 1st time, I had a Kawasaki dirt bike, KX80 that was my jet. Sure I could make it fly but landings didn't always go the way I planned. In all seriousness as amazing as that film was I was introduced to a "Hollywood" version of my fathers so credit is due to my two dads, who were both the real life versions of Maverick. I suppose I thought I could be like my dads, aka play "fighter pilot" without the "consequences" of what it took to be what they were.

Soon after starting your acting career you were cast for "Men in Trees". What do you remember best from filming this show?

Running lines with John Amos… granted there is more to it then just that, short version is - we are all human. He put that in perspective for me.

You were on "How to Get Away with Murder" and portrayed Gideon Holt. What was that like, and did you get to meet Viola Davis?

The audition was just a lot of fun, and the writing made it easy, the "room" aka casting director, writer and one of the producers were all there and all very welcoming, which makes it easier. It was a long day, I was with a friend at Jay Leno's that morning we were getting ready to film a bit for Jay's TV show "Leno's garage" so I was up at 3am, audition was around 6pm that afternoon, and all I wanted to do was go home and take a nap, actually took one in the car before I went in, anyhow I just went in there and had fun with the material. As for Viola I met her on set.

In season 12 of "Grey's Anatomy" you play the role of Major Will Thorpe. Did you follow the show before? How was working with the rest of the cast especially Ellen Pompeo?

Don't really watch all that much TV, I had seen episodes of "Grey's" in the past as they had launched "Men in Trees" ("Men in Trees" aired right after "Grey's") so had seen a couple of episodes years ago… Cast and Crew were great every single one of them, total class act, a lot of fun working with that group and Ellen is awesome…

The first 11 seasons of the show followed the love story of Meredith and Derek. Did you know that you were going to play the new man in Meredith's life and was that challenging for you? How did it feel to follow in McDreamy's footsteps?

When I auditioned no didn't know where the character was going, I think it was the 2nd episode that I got wind of where they were taking my character. As for following McDreamy's foot steps not sure my four episodes really followed him but regardless I was and still am very thankful to be a part of such an amazing show.

Foto: Scott Elrod
Scott Elrod

The first episode you appeared in was about a major surgery, the doctors took one of the patient's legs and put it back in the middle of the hip. Was it funny to film those scenes?

No not funny it was actually based on a true story, don't get me wrong the process is fun but I wouldn't say it was funny.

When you left the set the story between Will and Meredith did have an open end. Would you like to return and tell more of their story?

Acting is a passion so when asked if I would like to go act for the most part I respond with a yes.

Earlier this year you also joined the cast of "Chicago Fire". What was it like crossing paths with Kelly Severide and the other firefighters? Did you enjoy Chicago?

Again great cast and crew… had lots of fun on that set, also have friends in Chicago so any chance I get to visit them is a welcomed blessing.

What were your favorite moments on the sets of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Chicago Fire"?

Favorite moment on "Grey's"…there was a scene where Ellen and I were in my car eating french fries and our director, Nicole just let Ellen and I do our thing.
Favorite moment on "Chicago Fire", a conversation between Joe and I, my director after having just wrapped on my first day of filming.

Next year we'll see you in "Atone". Can you talk a little bit about movie or any other new projects?

"Atone" was great, excited to see how it turns out. Nothing new on the horizon, taking some time off focusing on family with the new addition; Easton have just joined us 5 months ago.

Since myFanbase is an online magazine about U.S. television shows, we would like to know what your favorite shows are?

Don't watch all that much TV but really enjoyed "24 - Twenty Four" what? 10 years ago? If I have time... Redbull Air Races, F1, and anytime the Denver Broncos are playing.

Thank you so much for making time for us, Scott, we wish you all the best for your future!

Cheers and thanks for reaching out!


Marie Florschütz - myFanbase

Note: © myFanbase 2016 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions (up to 180 words) if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the link to this site.

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