Jason Gedrick came by AOL Live to talk about his show, Falcone. Jason was in the miniseries The Last Don. He has also appeared in the films Backdraft and Born on the Fourth of July. Check out what he had to say!
TV Guide Online: Tonight we are chatting with "Falcone" star Jason Gedrick. Hi, Jason! Thanks for coming.
Jason Gedrick: It's great to be here!
Question: Jason: First off, our prayers are with your brother-in-law and his family. Second: Now that "Falcone" is finally being aired, what's your next project?
Jason Gedrick: Thank you for the kind words regarding my family. As far as my next project, I'll be working on a movie for Warner Bros. called "Summer Catch," starring Brian Dennehy, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Jessica Biel, just to name a few.
Question: Mr. Gedrick, love you in the movies and on the television show "Falcone." Do you prefer TV or movies, and why?
Jason Gedrick: Feature films are usually a little more comfortable to work on, for a couple of reasons. In the first place, on a feature film you know where the end is, so there's closure, which allows for personal and professional planning for the future. TV is a challenge that I like, but it is by far the toughest medium acting-wise, because you have less time to produce high-profile and high-quality material. And it's something that you can't control what the ratings are like, regardless of your reviews; whereas in feature films, reviews mean a lot. In TV, anything is possible.
Question: What is your character like in the new show, and are you much like him in real life?
Jason Gedrick: The character is extremely focused and understated, and I have some qualities that are fractions of what he is. I am a pretty juvenile human being. Joe is a great inspiration for anyone as an example to dedicate their lives to something they believe in.
Question: Are you planning on making another appearance on "Ally McBeal"?
Jason Gedrick: I would love to. That was a great experience. It was pretty spontaneous... much like the scene was. I pretty much had as much time meeting her in real life as I did meeting her in the car wash. Everyone in the cast was great to work with, and Mr. Kelley was very generous for dropping that opportunity in my lap, so to speak.
Question: Hi, Jason, I loved you since I first saw "Iron Eagle" and haven't missed anything you've been in since. Out of everything you did, what was your favorite?
Jason Gedrick: There have been a lot of favorites. "Murder One" was a great experience. It was one of the times that TV didn't demand so much time of me, and yet the role was so full of anything possible, regardless of consequence. "Backdraft" was another great experience -- it was a bunch of actors who can get accustomed to being pampered. Working with Ron Howard, everyone checked their egos and had fun. Also doing Broadway was terrific -- I had never experienced the joy of a 3-tiered, filled-to-capacity theater responding immediately to what you emote; it was a thrilling ride. "Falcone" was an experience that -- we worked so much, and I still haven't caught up with what the experience was really like, because we were kept so busy with it.
Question: Are you afraid of being typecast since "The Last Don"? This role is a Mob-type role, too. You are great in that type of role, though!
Jason Gedrick: That's what roles like "Ally McBeal" or my upcoming movie "Summer Catch" are providing for me. They provide a wider perception of range for myself as an actor. I'm proud of how far I've come -- I don't know if anyone expected the kid from "Iron Eagle" to portray as many roles as I've done. I'm still aspiring to be the best I can and to continue to improve upon my acting capabilities.
Question: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Jason Gedrick: Get naked, read poetry....
Question: How did they come up with the name "Falcone" for this drama?
Jason Gedrick: They wanted to separate the TV show from the movie. Even though it's based on the same man, we needed to create our own identity.
Question: Are you married or seeing anyone now?
Jason Gedrick: I am divorced and single.
Question: What's it like being famous? Is there pressure to be a good role model?
Jason Gedrick: I definitely feel a responsibility to set somewhat of a good example, especially when you portray great people. But more importantly, as much as there is a price to fame that many don't understand, there is a privilege to it that I do understand. The opportunity to do good by working with charities and helping to educate people is always in the front of my mind.
Question: Where is the new series being filmed at?
Jason Gedrick: Toronto.
Question: How do you feel about CBS's strategy, putting the show on consecutive nights?
Jason Gedrick: I like the gusto with which CBS has supported "Falcone." It was very ambitious and brave, and it gives us the opportunity to know relatively soon how well it will do.
Question: I love you!!! And I just wanted to know if you have a web site. Thanks, -- love, your biggest fan, Christina.
Jason Gedrick: I don't have a website. At least not right now. Although I know some are being created. I really appreciate all of the support of people, whether just the support you show with your kind comments or expressions of love like Christina's. Thanks, Christina, I love you back!
Question: So what's it like knowing your show is gonna premiere in less than 10 minutes?
Jason Gedrick: It's a waiting game and it's making me a little anxious, but for the most part I'm OK with it, because it took over a year to get it going.
Question: What do you feel is you best accomplishment?
Jason Gedrick: I think one of my better traits is an awareness of people in need. I'm very for causes. One of my greatest accomplishments was PoolAid, that I created. It was a charity for an AIDS project in Los Angeles that Stephen Baldwin and I originated.
TV Guide Online: Thanks, Jason! We'll be watching tonight. Please come back and talk with us soon.
Jason Gedrick: If you guys want me to talk again, you just let me know. Thanks again for all your support -- it means a lot! :)
TV Guide Online: "Falcone" premieres tonight at 9:00PM ET on CBS.
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