Exclusive interview with Gillian Jacobs

April 28, 2012 | US actress Gillian Jacobs is currently part of NBC's critically acclaimed comedy show "Community", portraying restless do-gooder Britta Perry. In this exclusive interview with myFanbase the Juilliard graduate talks about her favorite aspects of the show, her similarities with Britta and her latest projects besides "Community".

Note: © myFanbase 2012 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like.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.
Foto: Gillian Jacobs - Copyright: Jordan Strauss
Gillian Jacobs
© Jordan Strauss

1. Greendale is obviously a very different school from Juilliard, but is there anything they have in common? What was the craziest thing you experienced during your acting school days?

My class at Juilliard was very small (15 people) so in that respect it is very similar to the insular and sometimes claustrophobic atmosphere of the study group on Community. We were a family just like Britta and the gang have become a family.

2. "Community" is about to premiere its first season on German television. If you were asked to explain to a potential viewer why the show is streets ahead of its competition, what would you say?

It is truly unlike any other show on television. The scope, ambition and creativity of the show are unmatched. Also, Dan Harmon has created characters that are indelible and have become beloved by US viewers.

3. For many fans and critics alike, Britta has become the most valuable player on the third season of "Community". Why is it so endearing to watch her britta everything? And how has she changed since season one?

I think Britta's flaws and shortcomings are much more on the surface than they were in the pilot. She continues to try in the face of her mistakes and failures and I think that endears her to audiences.

4. Looking back on scenes like the "me so hungee" dance or the improvised Christmas solo, Britta's had ample opportunity to make a fool of herself this season. In your experience, is it more difficult to shoot this kind of embarrassing scenes, especially with everyone else on set watching and laughing?

I think my ability to laugh at myself has cut down the embarrassment factor. I try not to take myself too seriously and remember that vanity is the enemy of comedy. There is also a very loving and supportive atmosphere on set so everyone feels free to make a fool of themselves.

5. Britta has some very strong beliefs about politics, gender roles and the environment. Do you tend to share her convictions? Are there any character traits you and Britta have in common?

I think our similar beliefs is what initially drew me to Britta. When I was younger I was filled with a lot of righteous indignation. As I've gotten older I realized that life isn't often easily categorized into "right" and "wrong" but I definitely relate to Britta's passion.

6. Have any of the running gags from the show become a part of your everyday life? Have your friends, for instance, started to refer to you as "the worst" or use the verb "to britta"?

I say "cool cool cool" a lot. Probably say "pop pop" too much. I also reference inside jokes that we as a cast have developed and then people have NO idea what I am talking about.

7. Is there any member of the study group you would like to have more scenes with in the future? Do you have a personal favorite among the supporting characters and guest actors?

I haven't had a solo arc with Abed in a while. I would love have an episode with the Dean and Britta alone. I adore so many of our recurring characters. We always wish we could have John Oliver on the show more frequently but the "The Daily Show" gets in the way.

Foto: Gillian Jacobs, Charley Koontz, Joel McHale - Copyright: NBC Universal
Gillian Jacobs, Charley Koontz, Joel McHale
© NBC Universal

8. The idea of Britta pursuing a career in psychology is pretty hilarious given her flaws and obvious lack of qualification. Do you belief that she'll nonetheless make a good therapist one day? After all, she's shown some promise in "therapizing" her fellow students.

I don't think you have to be a perfect person to be a good therapist. Maybe she'll accidentally help some people along the way. She certainly has the drive and her heart is in the right place.

9. "Community" has paid tribute to many different movies and TV shows over the last three years. Is there any film you particularly enjoy and would like to do an homage episode to?

I think a daytime soap opera homage could be amazing.

10. If you had to pick a favorite among all the high-concept episodes of the show, what would you go for? And which of the more down-to-earth storylines involving Britta did you enjoy the most?

I think maybe our fake clip show from Season 2 is my favorite high-concept episode and then Britta dates a mass murderer episode from Season 2 is my favorite down to earth episode.

11. Can you tell us a little bit about the development in the relationship between Troy and Britta? Where is this going and do you think these two are a good match?

I never know where any pairing on Community is headed. I think it is obvious that they have mutual crushes and chemistry but ultimately I'm not convinced that any couple within the group would work out in the long term.

12. The outcry from fans following last year's announcement of the NBC mid-season schedule must have been somewhat overwhelming for you and your fellow castmates. Would you agree that with hindsight, the hiatus also had some positive side effects for the show, for instance in terms of fan mobilization?

I think if there was any doubt about the passion and dedication of our fan base it was put to rest by the enormous outcry following our hiatus. It proved to NBC and the world that there is an audience for this show that is passionate, creative and very dedicated.

13. If the "Community" pilot hadn't been picked up back in 2009, would we have got to see more of you as Alicia Florick's assistant on "The Good Wife"? Are you generally more drawn to comedy than to drama?

I would have had a recurring part as the shared assistant for Julianna and Matt Czuchry. It would have been great to have had a part in a really awesome drama but I am excited to be on a comedy because I didn't many opportunities to do comedy before "Community". It has been really fun and I have learned so much from working on the show.

14. Are there any projects besides "Community" you've been involved in recently? A little while ago you tweeted a about a film you were shooting with Busy Phillips, can you tell us a little bit about that?

Busy and I worked on a short film that will be part of an anthology called, "Cleveland, I love you." It was written by Karey Dornetto who used to write for Community. I'm also in a film called "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" that opens in June. It stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. I'm also in another film with Steve called "Burt Wonderstone."

15. myFanbase is a website that's devoted to American television shows. Do you have one or more favorite show(s)?

I love "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Eastbound and Down" among many, many others.

Thank you, Gillian, we wish you all the best for your future!

Willi S. - myFanbase