Interview with Michael J. Willett

Michael J. Willett landed his first recurring TV role in the comedy show "United States of Tara". He plays Lionel, who is an important person for Tara's son Marshall. In this interview Michael gives away a first little scoop about the third season of the show und comes up with an idea for new characters he and Keir Gilchrist could play together next.

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

Well, I’ve always enjoyed performing. When I was 7, I did my first play and realized that it was definitely something I wanted to do; something I had a knack for. But in high school I really started to enjoy acting. Analyzing and developing a character; getting to create a real person. It’s one of the difficult parts about my job. But it’s also the thing I love most.

2. In "United States of Tara" you play Lionel, a kid who's out and proud in high school. What do you think makes Lionel tick?

Attention. He can’t get enough of it. But I think he likes to be noticed in both real and superficial ways. Lionel is certainly not afraid to make a scene, but he also wants attention from people who he really cares for. Whether it’s Marshall or even his own mother.

3. Lionel speaks out his mind about gay rights. Is this realistic for a high school kid?

I think everything Lionel does is justified. It comes from a real place. All of the teenagers on the show act very mature for their age. Sort of "beyond their years". And I felt that Lionel had had a lot of life experience, which would lead him to be concerned with bigger issues. I personally relate more to Marshall’s character. But I’ve been told that a lot of people relate to Lionel.

4. USoT shows the coming out of Marshall in a very sweet and relaxed way and Lionel mentors him a little. Was this what caught your attention so that you auditioned for this part?

The relationship of Marshall and Lionel didn’t really start to unfold until mid-season. When I auditioned, only a few episodes had been written and as far as I knew, Lionel sort of acted as the antagonist. Lionel, in his own way, was able to help Marshall build his self-confidence. I’m thankful for being able to be such an important part of Marshall’s storyline.

5. Marshall and Lionel were friends first and shared a few lovely romantic moments later on. Did you know from the beginning where their relationship was going?

Absolutely not. We were shooting one of the bedroom scenes, I think it was episode 8, and one of the writers came up to Keir and I and said "oh, by the way, you two will end up being boyfriends by the end of the season". With that in mind, we shot the scene. But that’s how they decided to break the news to us.

6. We didn't see Jason, Marshall's first crush, in season 2. Are we going to see Lionel in season 3?

I have been officially informed that Lionel will be back next season. I don't know to what extent, but I'm excited to see what will happen.

7. Which is your favorite episode of season 2 and why?

I really enjoyed watching episode 7: the one where Marshall breaks up with Courtney. There were moments that were hysterically funny and other moments that were pretty heartbreaking. I also had a lot of fun shooting the scene in the diner.

8. You guest starred on "Joan of Arcadia", "Without a trace", and "Cougar Town". Which one did you like the most? On which set was the funniest atmosphere?

Joan of Arcadia was pretty whacky. I had to sing and march around in the hallways throwing paper at people. I don't know if I'll ever get paid to do that again.

9. Do you see your future in film or television? What genre do you prefer - comedy, crime, mystery or drama?

Most of my experience has been in television, but I definitely want to get into film. In terms of genre, I feel really comfortable with comedy, but I look forward to doing more dramatic roles. Secretly, I'd love to be a superhero.

10. Is there a show currently airing which you would like to play a part in? What kind of part would you like to play if you could choose?

I'm really into "Mad Men" right now. The authenticity of the period is unbelievable and the writing and acting is fantastic. I wouldn't mind playing Peggy Olson's first male secretary.

11. 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)?

Diablo Cody and I speak the same language, so she'd write the script, Tim Burton would direct and it'd be cool to work with Keir again. It'd have to be some emo version of "Hansel and Gretel". But only if Keir plays Gretel.

12. What is your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel most comfortable?

Truth be told, I'm kind of a homebody. I like staying in, writing music, making dinner and watching movies.

13. What do you as an artist think about platforms like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace?

I'm grateful for the opportunity to use Facebook as a way to connect with fans from all over the world. But I never want to subscribe to the idea that my mundane life activities are worthy of posting for everyone to see. I'm just not that cool.

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

I really want to get a dog. So, of course, I have not missed a single episode of "Dog Whisperer". I'm hoping that by the time I actually adopt a dog I'll have gathered all the knowledge to be a calm-assertive Pack Leader, thanks to Cesar Millan. Or I could just screw up the dog on purpose to get on the show...

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase