Interview with Denis Leary and Peter Tolan - The Job

Summary

This engaging transcript offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a popular TV show, reflecting on the casting process, memorable moments, and character development. The speaker, a key figure in the show, shares stories about the actors, including Bill Nun, Diane, and Adam Ferrara, and their unique contributions to the series. There are also insights into the dynamics of the cast and the creative decisions, including the use of humor and character quirks. The transcript highlights the show’s enduring appeal, despite its cancellation, and touches on personal charity work related to the speaker’s family.

Takeaways

• 😀 The show *The Job* was praised for its unique mix of humor and realism, with characters that were both funny and believable.
• 😀 Casting was a crucial part of the show's success, with memorable performances from actors like Bill Nunn and Lenny Clarke.
• 😀 Bill Nunn was selected for his comedic timing and natural fit for the role after a tape audition, despite initial doubts.
• 😀 Diane Farr was chosen for her ability to balance the role of a good-looking woman and a tough cop, making her a perfect fit for her character.
• 😀 John Ortiz stood out during auditions for his ability to portray an innocent yet tough character, which was key to the role.
• 😀 Adam Ferrara’s casting was unexpected, as the creators didn't know he was a stand-up comedian. His comedic timing added a unique dynamic to the show.
• 😀 The show originally intended to have a seventh detective character who didn't speak, which became a running gag throughout the series.
• 😀 The creators originally considered making the show an hour-long, but ultimately felt the half-hour format worked better for its pacing and humor.
• 😀 Despite the show's cancellation after only 19 episodes, the creators still believe the episodes hold up as funny, fast-paced, and full of content.
• 😀 Dennis Leary was personally involved in charity work for firefighter foundations, especially after the loss of his cousin, a firefighter, in the line of duty.
• 😀 The Job's influence was felt internationally, with fans around the world recalling specific episodes and plotlines even years after the show aired.

Q & A

What was Dennis Leary's initial reaction to the casting choices for *The Job*?

Dennis Leary reflected that casting for *The Job* was a process filled with trial and error, particularly with finding the right actors to balance the dramatic and comedic elements of the show. He mentions that it was difficult to find a black actor who could excel at both the dramatic and funny aspects, and Bill Nunn's audition tape was the one that finally clicked.

How did Bill Nunn's casting process unfold?

Bill Nunn made his own audition tape from his home in Atlanta, which initially stood out to the casting team after many other actors failed to meet the needed balance of drama and comedy. After some difficulties with his initial portrayal, including a mismatch in his seating position during the audition that made him appear much older, they re-shot it, and his character became a pivotal part of the show.

What role did Diane Farr play in *The Job*, and how was she cast?

Diane Farr played a cop in *The Job*, and her casting was a bit of a late decision. Initially, there was hesitation about casting someone from MTV’s *Love Line*, but after watching her tape, they realized she was perfect for the role. Leary mentioned the challenge of having her play both a good-looking woman and a believable cop, but she successfully pulled it off.

Why did the character of Jul never speak on the show?

Jul, the character played by John Ortiz, was initially created as a silent role because the show couldn’t afford to hire enough detectives. This was a practical decision, but it also became a funny gag throughout the show. Eventually, when Ortiz’s character broke his jaw, he started to speak, though no one could understand him except for his co-worker.

How did the casting of Adam Ferrara come about?

Adam Ferrara was cast based on a recommendation from Lenny Clark’s brother, Mike Clark, who knew Ferrara from the stand-up comedy scene. Leary had no prior knowledge of Ferrara's comedy background, but after seeing his audition, he thought Ferrara was a perfect fit for the role. This casting choice was initially met with some apprehension from the network because of Ferrara’s stand-up background.

What impact did the cancellation of *The Job* have on Dennis Leary?

Dennis Leary expressed being heartbroken when *The Job* was canceled. He had expected it, but the show's cancellation still affected him. He was particularly disappointed because he believed the show had so much potential and that it could have continued for a long time, especially with the development of character relationships that hadn't yet been fully explored.

What did Dennis Leary think of the episodes after rewatching them years later?

After rewatching the episodes of *The Job* a few months before the interview, Dennis Leary was amazed by how fast and dense the episodes were. He was surprised by how funny they were and how much content was packed into each episode. He admitted that he forgot some of the plotlines and was impressed by the show's pacing.

What was the original plan for *The Job* in terms of episode length?

At one point, the creators of *The Job* considered making the show an hour-long instead of a half-hour, but they ultimately decided against it. Dennis Leary mentioned that although fans often believed the show could have lasted longer if it had been an hour, the half-hour format worked better for the show's comedic style and pacing.

How did the cast members contribute to the writing and improvisation on *The Job*?

The cast, particularly Adam Ferrara and Lenny Clark, contributed significantly to the writing and improvisation on *The Job*. They would come up with their own lines, and while not all of them made it into the final cut, their creativity added to the show's humor and energy. This collaborative approach helped make the show feel fresh and spontaneous.

What was the personal motivation behind Dennis Leary’s involvement with the Firefighters Foundation?

Dennis Leary’s involvement with the Firefighters Foundation was deeply personal. After his cousin, a firefighter, died in the line of duty, Leary started the foundation to help support the families of fallen firefighters. This initiative expanded to help New York firefighters after the events of 9/11. Leary's personal connection to firefighting and loss drove his passion for the foundation's continued work.