MICHAEL ZEGEN
PHOTOGRAPHER: AINGERU ZORITA FASHION EDITOR: JOSEPH EPISCOPO
Shirt by CARLOS CAMPOS
Interview by Sydney Nash
Congratulations on your recent win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards! It’s been two seasons now, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is as popular as ever. Initially, did you believe audiences and critics would have such a positive and strong response to the show?
I knew from the get-go that this was something special—otherwise, I wouldn’t have wanted to be a part of it. And, as we continued filming, I was pretty confident TV watchers would like it, as well as critics. What I didn’t know was how well it would be received around the globe. I get messages from people in China, Spain, South America, Poland, the list goes on and on. Estonia! Plus we’re huge in India, apparently. It’s mind-boggling.
Tell me a little bit about growing up in New Jersey. What was your first experience with acting?
Well, the great thing about growing up in New Jersey is that it’s so close to NYC. Plus, my parents love theater, so they took me to a multitude of shows. Straight plays, musicals, Off-Broadway, it didn’t matter. And my Uncle Bernie would take me to the more obscure, avant garde variety of theater. Oedipus on the steps of a downtown library, Shakespeare in Washington Square Park (where a homeless guy threw a beer bottle at Puck, and a fight ensued), and even a one-man show in some dude’s apartment. I lived a very cultured life.
One of your first large roles was in FX’s Rescue Me, playing Damien Keefe. Tell me how this role influenced your career.
Rescue Me taught me how to act on-camera. I definitely think I’ve grown as an actor since that show, but it was certainly a true foundation for what I’ve learned so far on this journey. And Denis Leary was a great teacher. Fantastic actor, hard worker, and always offered me tips—both critical and technical. Such a fun show to work on. Never imagined I’d play a firefighter!
Jacket, shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
Jacket, shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
You’ve appeared in a number of period pieces (Boardwalk Empire, Brooklyn, The Seagull). If you had to choose your favorite time period to portray, what would it be?
I’m really digging the 50’s! The clothes, music, cars… I must’ve watched Back To The Future and Stand By Me like a billion times when I was a kid, so this is sort of a dream come true.
You’ve starred in many hit series (Girls, Boardwalk Empire, The Walking Dead). Did these experiences prepare you at all for the success of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?
Well, I’ve definitely gotten recognized more from Maisel than any other project I’ve worked on. It was jarring at first, but I’ve come to embrace it. People love the show, and it makes me happy to know that.
A lot of your past work has been within the comedy realm. How did you bring this experience into your role as Joel Maisel, a tragically unsuccessful comic?
I think Joel’s funny, actually. Obviously in the first episode he’s not exactly a barrel of laughs, but he still must have a great sense of humor—he did fall in love with Midge, after all. Perhaps if he had put a little work into his act, instead of copying other material, he could have been a contender!
Tell me what initially drew you to the role of Joel Maisel.
Initially, I think I just wanted to be anything in this show. A tree even! But really, I lucked out because Joel is such a great part. I mean, he could’ve been written as the villain, but Amy and Dan are too smart for that. He’s more layered. He’s got more depth. He’s really not a villain at all, just a flawed human being. I get to play all the emotions, and there’s nothing better as an actor.
Shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is exceedingly hilarious, but it also deals with a lot of heavy topics. Specifically, your character is going through a lot of emotional ups and downs in the 2nd season. How do you strike the balance between these two moods on set?
I guess I don’t think about it all that much. I always have fun when I’m acting, whether it’s comedy or drama. And it’s also tough to even think about heavy topics when you’re working with people like Tony Shalhoub, Kevin Pollak, and Alex Borstein. It’s virtually impossible to keep a straight face.
Amy Sherman-Palladino is the mastermind behind the show, and she’s been applauded as one of the great, modern writers of female characters and dialogue. As the male star of the show, what’s it been like working on a set with a heavy female influence over the characters and writing, as well as starring alongside a powerful female lead?
I’ve been on some testosterone-heavy shows (Rescue Me, Boardwalk Empire), as well as the opposite (Girls, Maisel). And, to be honest, I haven’t really seen a difference. Everyone is working towards the same goal—to create the best product possible. That being said, working with Amy and Rachel has been incredible. They’ve not only made me strive to become a better actor, but also a better human being.
One of best parts of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is the overall atmosphere, including the sets and costuming. What’s your favorite part of acting in “1950s New York?”
The cars! God, so beautiful. They really don’t make ‘em like they used to.
Jacket, shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
Shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
Season 2 left us on a bit of a cliffhanger, emotionally. What do you hope for your character in season 3?
I’m hoping that what Midge pulled in that last scene doesn’t screw with his head!
I have to ask. Are you team Midge/Joel? Are they good for one another?
At this point in their lives, I think he needs to give her some space. Perhaps they both need space, to be honest. It makes it tough with the kids and all, but they each sort of need to figure out their own paths. And if those paths happen to cross again at some point in the future, then so be it!
You’ve gotten to work on a lot of different sets and with a lot of wonderful actors. Who’s been your favorite actor you’ve shared the screen with?
Maisel cast mates aside, probably Steve Buscemi. I was obsessed with Reservoir Dogs after I saw it in high school—to the point of attempting (and failing) to mount a stage production in my friend Markus’ garage! Steve’s performance had a big impact on me. I wanted his career. Still do!
Describe your dream film/tv project.
There’s a lot, I’ve got a list. But my ultimate goal is to write and produce my own projects, whether I act in them or not. Someday…
What’s next for you?
Just finished shooting an indie film with Drew Barrymore called “The Stand-In.” It was really fun, and Drew is absolutely lovely—inside and out.
Jacket, shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
Quick Q’s
Favorite spot in NYC?
Bar Six. 13th and 6th. Great food, drinks, and ambience.
Guilty Pleasure?
Serial killer documentaries. I know, I’m weird.
Pet Peeve?
Texting during plays/movies.
Favorite Comedian?
Robin Williams
What’s the show you’re currently bingeing?
Russian Doll. I like it!
Favorite place to vacation?
It’s not beaches and sun, but I love London. I try to visit at least once a year.
Your go-to drink order?
These days, celery juice. Good for the skin.
You’re not on set. Where can we find you?
Probably strolling aimlessly uptown, listening to music, zoning out. Those kinda days are necessary. This city can eat you alive!
Shirt and pants by CARLOS CAMPOS
Creative Director: Deborah Ferguson
Photographer: Aingeru Zorita
Fashion Editor : Joseph Episcopo
Groomer : Rheanne White
Interview/Web Design & Layout: Sydney Nash