Exclusive interview with Kurt Fuller

Most people might know Kurt Fuller from his recurring role as the archangel Zachariah on "Supernatural", where he was seen in the fourth and fifth season. But he is also a part of the cast of "Psych", on which he plays the coroner Woody since season four. In this interview he talks about these two jobs and about some other productions he starred in.

Foto: Kurt Fuller - Copyright: Jenny Duckworth Photography

1. On "Supernatural" you play an archangel which isn't a very common part to play. How do you prepare for playing such a supernatural being?

Since I have no first hand knowledge of how an archangel acts, and I don't know anyone who does, I had to use the clues offered by the script. Fortunately the script was excellent; Zachariah was written as a middle-management guy trying to keep his job. The most interesting thing to me was that he seemed extremely ambitious and would do anything to get ahead. Unfortunately his desire was greater than his ability.

2. What (character-)feature did you like most in Zachariah?

I loved that he had a sense of humor! He was a funny, sarcastic, snarky dude who loved to entertain.

3. You were a guest at "Supernatural"-Conventions. What is it like to meet the fans in such a setting?

Yes, I participated in two conventions. It was shock and awe for me. The fans were so kind and knowledgeable and dedicated to the show. Ultimately I would leave each convention feeling appreciated to a degree that I would never have in the "real" world. I wanted to go back and get some more love.

4. On the DVD audio commentary it says Zachariah was supposed to be good. When and how did the plan change?

That's a good question. I've played a lot of a**holes and I was delighted and encouraged when I was told that that Zachariah was a good, caring guy. And he was - for one episode. The second episode I noticed that Zach seemed a little darker, and by the third I was trying to start the apocalypse? What happened!? I don't know, maybe it was the writers' plan all along and they wanted to keep it a secret. Maybe I'm so good at being "bad" that they had no choice. I hope not, I like to play all the colors of a character, even Zachariah. I really concentrared on the good in him.

5. Everybody knows that the "Supernatural" actors love to play pranks? Were there any played on you and if so, what did your revenge look like?

Yes, those two boys are pranksters. We laughed a lot! Their favorite was to imitate apes and make ape faces in the background of my most serious and dramatic scenes. Har de har har. My revenge looked like nothing because I'm a chicken.

6. No one on "Supernatural" is really dead. Any chance the archangel Zachariah will make a return?

Well, Zach looked pretty dead, but you're right; at any time I could get a call that I've come back to life. So far not a word.

7. If you could change anything about Zachariah's storyline what would you have him do?

I wanted Zach to be there fighting till the end. For me he died three episodes early. Don't get me wrong - I knew he had to die, but he was fighting so hard and I wanted a couple more chances to try to win.

Foto: Kurt Fuller - Copyright: Jenny Duckworth Photography

8. On "Psych" you play Woody the Coroner. What piqued your interest with this role?

"Psych" is one of the most enjoyable jobs I've ever had. First, I'm friends with all the actors so the atmosphere on the set is relaxed and fun. And Woody is such an odd, endearing and complicated guy. I read the script and was flooded with ideas about him. That's not always the case - some characters are a struggle to get inside, but Woody was like slipping into a warm bath.

9. Was it planned from the start for Woody to be quite a big role and such a crazy character?

No and no. It started as just one episode; it was written funny but I brought the crazy. Now I don't ever want it to end.

10. Are we gonna see more of Woody in this season? Because he seemed to team up so well with Shawn, Gus and Lassiter in #6.02 Last Night Gus.

Yes, lots. I was doing my own series on ABC and was unavailable for the middle episodes. Then my time freed up and I think I did five or six in a row. Some funny stuff.

11. What do you enjoy most, playing a crazy character like on "Psych" or serious roles as on "Alias" or "Desperate Housewives"?

Definitely "Psych". There's much more range and many more possibilities with Woody. His inner life is much, much larger than those other characters. Woody's a lover - you'll see. He rocks.

12. You have a guest spot on "Glee" but you didn't have to sing. Would you ever like to play in a musical show?

Let me put it this way; Early in my career I got a part as a singing construction worker for a restaurant called Long John Silver's - a fish and chips place. I got fired because I could not stay on key during the "batter-fried fish"-jingle. So no, I don't think I'll be singing in a musical any time soon.

13. You played a part in "Midnight in Paris" as the future father-in-law of Gil (Owen Wilson). If you could visit a different age, which one would it be?

Great question. Really I'd prefer to go about a hundred years into the future. I'm an optimist; I think the world will only get better and more interesting. So in keeping with the movie I am dissatisfied with the age I'm living in, but I want to go forward, not back.

14. What was working with Will Smith like in "The Pursuit of Happyness"?

He was a completely down to earth guy. No star treatment - we were all actors trying to give our best. I doesn't hurt that he's incredibly talented.

15. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

Yes. In my opinion the best show on T.V. is "The Good Wife" on CBS here in the States. Brilliantly written and brilliantly acted.

Thank you, Kurt, we wish you all the best for your next projects!

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase

Note: © myFanbase 2011 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.