Exclusive interview with Michael Boatman

Michael Boatman plays the role of Lockhart/Gardner attorney Julius Cain on "Good Wife" and also he is the rich industrialist Russel Thorpe on "Gossip Girl" season 4. In this interview he talks about how he got into acting in high school, what he thinks about Julius Cain's loyalties to Lockhart/Gardner and he tells us how he likes a certain horror writer.

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Foto: Michael Boatman
Michael Boatman

1. How did you get into acting?

It was all to meet a girl. When I was in high school, I was terribly shy. The first girl who showed any real interest in me happened to be in the theater department. She spoke to me one day in the hallway. i got up the courage to make a joke. She told me that I was funny, and that I should try out for the school play. I did. I got a part (much to my surprise) and also found a group of people with whom I seemed to resonate; a group of outsiders, outcasts from their various cliques, who all came together somehow in the theater department.

2. You worked with Michael J. Fox on "Spin City" for 5 years. What was that like? Did you have the chance to meet him again on the set of "The Good Wife"?

Michael is a kind, courageous guy. He's also Canadian, and I believe it's written somewhere in the Canadian constitution that every Canadian has to be kind and courageous.

3. Do Julius Cain's loyalties lie with Lockhart/Gardner or do you think he rather acts loyal to build up his career?

I think it's a combination of both answers. Julius views Lockhart/Gardener as his territory. It lies under his protection. His loyalties to the people are secondary in that he thinks of Lockhart/Gardener as his. Therefore he will defend it with his life, blood and soul.

4. Have you ever talked to the Kings about an episode that's told from the point of view from one of the attorneys from the second row?

I love the way the Kings write. I would follow their lead anywhere...even into the depths of Hell itself.

5. There are a lot of guest stars of the show who play judges and opposing lawyers. Who is working the most fun with on the show?

Zach Grenier, who plays 'David Lee' the head of the divorce department. On the show, Lee and Julius are becoming bitterest enemies. As actors we both enjoy the conflict, many times wondering..."Why do we hate each other so much?" Look at it this way...one of us is repressing hidden emotions.

6. On "Gossip Girl" you play the antagonist Russell Thorpe. Did you know from the start that this character was going to be a bad guy?

Yes. When you sign on to play a "ruthless billionaire industrialist" you tend to understand that the character won't be the most altruistic of men.

7. "Gossip Girl" is a show with a lot of young stars. What's working with Ed Westwick and the others like? Is there a lot of hype around the set?

They're all professionals. No hype, no ego-tripping.

8. If you could spend a day with any living or dead person, who would it be and what would you do?

It would be with Stephen King. I would drain him of everything he knows about writing, creating compelling characters and stories. I am a huge fan of his work.

9. myFanbase is a website that is devoted to American television shows. Do you have a favorite show?

My current favorite, and quite possibly my all-time favorite is "The Walking Dead". Simply put... it's just the best show on television right now. Followed very closely by "The Good Wife" ...of course!

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase