Interview with Mark Christopher Lawrence

Mark Christopher Lawrence is best known as Buy More's Big Mike on "Chuck"! Although the production on season three is in full swing Mark was so kind to answer some of our questions. He gives not only an insight into his life on set of "Chuck" but also into his life as an actor and comedian.

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1. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

I'm not sure you can decide to be an actor. You get bitten by the "acting bug". Then make a decision to chase it or not. I was bitten in high school and then made a decision to chase in my junior year of college.

2. What is your favorite memory of your childhood?

Summers in Louisiana at my grandparents home are my favorite childhood memories. Life was stress free then.

3. How do we have to imagine a day on the set of "Chuck"? Any anecdotes worth telling?

Imagine a lot of very talented and fun loving people coming together to create a very special show and having a blast doing it. Also, what happens at the Buy More stays at the Buy More.

4. Your character Big Mike is a fan of fishing. Do you go fishing yourself? What do you like to do in your freetime?

I go fishing once a year or so with my brother in-law in Vero Beach. I like to spend my spare time cooking and eating with friends who love to laugh and play dominoes.

5. There is a giant swordfish in Big Mike’s office. What is the story behind it, because we also discovered it on other NBC shows?

The story behind Norman the Swordfish was revealed in Chuck Vs. The Marlin. Norman was bought on ebay.

6. You initially auditioned for the role of Harry Tang. Why did the producers decide to cast you as Big Mike? Did the character Big Mike exist before or did they write it especially for you?

I have no idea why I was not cast as Harry Tang other than the fact that Harry Tang is Asian. The Big Mike character was already in the script, but in an even smaller capacity. So, it wasn't written for me, but since the pilot, I believe the writers tend to write him with my strengths in mind.

7. You are a professional stand-up comedian. Do you still perform as a stand-up comedian? What do you prefer, doing television and movies or being on stage?

Yes, I still perform as a stand-up comedian. I love every aspect of my work, whether it be TV, Film, voice over, print work, live theater or stand-up. I do have a fondness for the immediate feedback of live theater and stand-up, because you know if you suck immediately.

8. Are there any new projects coming up for you? What can you tell us about them?

I am writing a film with my writing partners and constantly working on my stand-up and planning a 2010 Comedy Tour. All very Funny!!!

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

Rusty Cundieff would direct and it would be co-written by myself with Rusty, Tarabu Betserai Kirkland and Barry Shabaka Henley. I would love to act with Barry Shabaka Henley, del Roy Lindo, John Ratzenberger, Salma Hayek, Gina Torres, Yvonne Strahovski and many others. Too many to even list here with out changing my mind daily!

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

Chuck! After that it's a toss up between No Reservations, Bizarre Foods and Deadliest Catch.

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase