Interview with Michael Grant Terry

Since 2008 you can see Michael Grant Terry as lab assistent Wendell Bray in the FOX crime series "Bones". It's his most famous TV role so far. In this interview you can read about his new projects, his love for nature and outdoor activities and his role on "Bones".

The interview contains spoilers for season 5 of "Bones".

Foto:

The interview is © myFanbase 2010. Please do not copy it to other websites or message boards.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Is there a special moment in your childhood you like to remember?

First of all, I’d like to take a moment to thank myFanbase for asking me to do this interview.
I was raised in Philadelphia in a very nature oriented environment – although I technically lived in the city, I grew up with my brothers near a nature preserve. This definitely had a big effect on who I am as a person. Similarly, I spent many summers in northern New York state (just south of Canada) as a camper – and later a counselor – at a magnificent summer camp, which relied heavily on wilderness skills and the general craft of the outdoorsmen. We shared the remote area, located on a beautiful lake, with animals and wildlife alike. This was a profound experience for me as both a child and adult and I will never forget the atmosphere there. Often when the busyness of Los Angeles gets to be too much I will close my eyes and try to imagine being on that lake.

2. When and why did you decide to become an actor? Have you always been interested in acting?

Since I was very young I have always been obsessed with theater, television and film. My grandfather is very involved in Theater and he is also an avid film buff. He has an amazing collection of original 16mm films that I grew up watching. So at a very young age I was introduced to film as this magical art form. This was definitely the start of my passion for acting as well as cinematography and film in general. When I studied at Emerson College in Boston I went though a period where I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue Cinematography or Acting – I majored in both and ultimately decided that acting was a greater passion for me. Although I do look forward to making the transition behind the camera in the future.

3. What was the most difficult scene you have ever shot?

Some of the more difficult scenes that I’ve had to shoot have probably been on the set of Bones. There was one episode where the CIA was coming to shut down the Jeffersonian unless we essentially solved the crime in the next two minutes. I had a lot of medical dialogue in this scene that I had to spurt out quickly as well as go through my actions in a timely manner. I can still remember my dialogue from that scene even though we shot it over a year ago! I also recall the hockey episode that I did to be quite tough but incredibly fun. Really when it comes down to it even the hardest scenes are always fun to work on (especially on Bones) and promote great growth in you as an actor.

4. How did you get the part of Wendell Bray on "Bones"? What do you think of the development of your character in the last two seasons?

Honestly, when I went out for Bones it was just another audition for me. I think I had an audition for another television show right before it. I remember the audition going well and the part feeling very right.
I have really enjoyed the development of Wendell. It’s kept me on my toes as I am constantly learning new things about Wendell every time I get a script. I don’t always know what direction he’s going to go in until I read the next episode that I’m in – which can be pretty exciting.

5. What do you find most fascinating about "Bones"? Is there a special storyline or character you like the most?

I really like the relationship between Booth and Brennan. All the actors on the show have such great chemistry with each other. It’s both a joy to watch and to work with them. I also find it incredibly fascinating learning all the medical jargon and working with our amazing medical advisor. One of the best things about being an actor is that you get to learn about so many different jobs and trades that you probably would never know otherwise.

6. Maybe Dr. Brennan is never going to decide which intern she wants to keep in her team but who would you pick if you had the choice?

Easy answer: me. I’d love to have a permanent position on Bones – I’m sure Wendell would too! It would also be awesome to do another episode with all the interns together – they’re all such amazing characters and work really well on the show.

7. Can you give us some scoop about the upcoming episodes? Will Angela finally decide to be with Wendell or will she go back to Hodgins?

I guess at this point the episode has already aired where Angela and Wendell break up… or should I say, Angela dumps Wendell. So we know that happened – which I think will be a good thing for her possible future with Hodgins. I also think this will help further along Wendell and Hodgin’s friendship.

8. Have you ever met some of the other actors who play Dr. Brennan's interns? If so, who do you get along with the best?

I’ve met all the other actors who play the interns. And they all are amazing! It was really fun to get to work with them in the season four finale, but it’s been also fun to hang out with them at some of the various Bones events. Joel and Ryan are pretty much the funniest guys you’ll ever meet. Carla is probably the funniest girl you’ll ever meet. Eugene is from Philly like me – so we immediately got along. And Pej is so genuinely nice it’s refreshing. I wish we could all work together on the show more often.

9. From all the characters you played in movies and TV, which one is your favorite and why?

That’s a tough question. I think they all stick with you. You have to learn to love them and make them all your favorite while you’re playing them. Some will disappear for a few months and then resurface when you least expect it. I’ve also done a bunch of work in theater and so many of those characters have influenced the other work that I’ve both auditioned for and played on the screen.

10. If you could put together an entire crew for a movie or show: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Another tough question. I would have to give a lot of love to the cast and crew on Bones – they’re such a talented lot and I would work with any of them in a heartbeat – so they’re all on that list. Some of the film actors that I’m incredibly impressed with at the moment are Jeff Bridges, Jeremy Renner Marion Cotillard, Greta Gerwig, Jeff Daniels and Vincent Cassel– to name a few (the list could go on). I also love the writing of people like David Simon, Noah Baumbach and Charlie Kaufman. I think Wes Anderson is a force to be reckoned with. The list could go on and on. There are so many talented people out there and many that I would be honored to work with.

11. Do you have any new projects you can tell us about?

I am working on a few independent projects that I am producing as well as acting in. One of them is set in Philadelphia – the other takes place here in Los Angeles. The first has a wonderful writer/director attached who has written a beautiful script that was recently in the Sundance Writers Lab.

12. Is there a show currently airing that you would like to play a part in?

There are many show’s that I would love to work on; Weeds, Glee, True Blood, Modern Family, House. I think The Pacific is wonderful.

13. Where do you see yourself in ten years? What do you want to achieve at work and also in your private life?

I’m very interested in having a collaborative production company. There are so many talented writers, actors in filmmakers surrounding me and I would love to work with them to create our own production company – much like a theater company. I would also like to continue to work on stage – hopefully around the world. Traveling is very important to me, I’d like to continue to explore the world and keep learning.

14. When you are not on set what do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

I am devoted to black and white photography - I built a room in my basement where I develop my own prints. I have also been concentrating on writing as much as I can when I am not acting – although I believe writing is an important asset to being an actor. As I said before, I also love nature and the outdoors so I often utilize the beauty of California to go hiking, skiing, and scuba diving. I’ve also recently started a band with a few of my friends.

15. What’s your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel the most comfortable?

In addition to working, being on set and being on stage I feel comfortable in so many different places … I love exploring and off the top of my head a few places come to mind; Philadelphia (obviously), Prague, Switzerland (somewhere in the woods) and Positano overlooking the ocean. Right now I’m pretty comfortable writing this interview from a hammock in my backyard in L.A.

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

There are many impressive shows on the air. Too many to choose from!

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase