Due to the strange turns in life, I was able to delve into the mind of Teddy Sears, who recently appeared in the film A Single Man, directed by Tom Ford. Extremely accommodating and good-willed, Teddy was more than willing to answer a few of my questions.
SF: I’m sure you get this question a lot, but how was it like growing up in a such a sports-minded family? Do you have any quirky anecdotes?
Teddy: It’s true, I did grow up playing a lot of sports, but I wouldn’t classify my family as being very sports-minded. My parents encouraged me to do the things that brought me the greatest satisfaction: doing well at school, being social, spending time with my siblings and extended family, and of course playing sports. I’d be lying if I said I enjoyed it all the time, there were many mornings I would have rather slept in than jumped into a cold swimming pool. I remember being 15 years old, passed out in the corner of the classroom, my hair still wet from early morning swim practice, trying to grab a few extra minutes of sleep before class. It’s funny looking back on it, but while I was in it, it was tough.
Now that I’m older and I have a bit of perspective, though, I have to say I’m grateful to have grown up in that environment. It brought me some of my strongest friendships and most memorable moments, and taught me some tremendous life lessons along the way. Like try to get as much sleep before morning practice or you’ll end up passed out on the floor like a crazy person.
SF: What exactly did you have in mind when you moved to NY? What was the transition like from a business management degree to acting? Did you ever get around to working in business?
Teddy: When I moved to New York I really didn’t have a plan. I had just spent about 6 months in Hawaii where I was living after University. I was bored, restless, unsure of what to do next, so I flew back to the East Coast where I grew up and visited some friends in New York City. I loved it. The energy and pace of the city was the complete opposite of Hawaii and exactly what I wanted at that time. So I moved there with about 6 weeks worth of money to live on. I had a suitcase and some good friends and very quickly (and very fortunately) found an agent who was able to get me an audition for a soap opera. I had zero acting experience but decided to go on the audition anyway and, for whatever reason, they offered me the job. Crazy. I love acting, and I’m as much interested in the creative aspect as I am the business side. I studied business at University, which definitely helps me now.
Teddy Sears
SF: How does one go from having Olympic aspirations to becoming an actor? What clicked in your head?
Teddy: I’m not sure what happened, there wasn’t a “click” that happened necessarily. It was much more gradual for me. But there is a common theme, wanting to be the best at what I do, and excelling to the point where I’m eventually at the top of my game. Unlike in athletics, I have many, many, many years to get there, and I like that.
SF: You’ve mostly worked in television. What has been your favourite gig so far and why?
Teddy: American TV has become such a fabulous place to find work, the writing can be so strong and it’s populated with such fabulous actors. It’s always such a thrill for me to work and I usually end up saying that my last job was my most favorite. The memorable stuff for me is working with other actors and I’ve been lucky to be on set with some great ones: Cybill Shepherd, Matthew Perry, Jeff Goldblum, Amanda Peet, Christina Applegate, the list goes on. What a thrill.
Courtesy of Andrew Yee - Capitol File Magazine
SF: Is there anything you would like to change about the whole television/filming scene? Anything that makes your life difficult or that you’re not in agreement?
Teddy: If I could change one thing about American television it would definitely be the casting process, specifically during “pilot season.” It’s typically in January through March and it’s when the television networks audition actors for their prospective new shows, called pilots. The process is grueling, with each callback audition the stakes get higher, there are more and more people in the room watching the auditions, mostly studio and network executives. The actors’ contracts have been negotiated so there’s money on the line and the actors become more and more nervous and desperate as the process drags on. It’s a grind and certainly an imperfect system, but I honestly don’t know a better way to do it. If I figured that one out I’d be everybody’s best friend. I’ll work on it and get back to you…
SF: You’ve recently started appearing in films, what do you prefer and why? Where would you like to see your career go?
Teddy: I love working in film for many reasons, most of which has to do with being a part of something that has the potential to be lasting. The reason for it being lasting can be anything from the way that the story is shot, the way it’s edited, scored, written, acted, where it takes place, who is in it, what transpires, what emotions are evoked, portrayed, stifled, etc. I also love going on location and living some place else for a time. That’s a thrill for me. I’d love to film in Spain. That’s a dream of mine. As far as where I’d like to take my career, I’d like to continue starring in American TV shows and doing films on hiatus. That’s about as specific as I can be on that one. I know a good project when I read it; for me, story and great writing is where any great new project starts. So that’s where I start.
Teddy Sears in Samantha Who?
SF: The million dollar question, what was it like working with Tom Ford?
Teddy: I can’t say enough wonderful things about Tom. His work in fashion is unparalleled, of course, but I wasn’t really sure how that would transfer to film or how he would be personally as a first-time director. Any doubts I had evaporated the first day of shooting. He treated everyone on set as an equal and surrounded himself with a great crew. The finished product is such a beautiful, lean, lovely story, although I’m not sure why I should be surprised. He’s a master at anything he does. He’s really cool, and he’s smart, funny, passionate… You get the picture. He’s great.
SF: What are your future goals and projects, any new films?
Teddy: I just finished a pilot with Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell called “Defenders.”I should find out some time very soon whether it will be ordered to series. I also hope to go back to Law and Order: SVU which will be returning for its 12th season this Fall. And I have two movies airing this summer, one called “Backyard Wedding” starring Alicia Witt and Francis Fisher, and the second, which doesn’t have a name yet, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Cybill Shepherd.
Teddy Sears in Mad Men
SF: What advise would you give to people that are starting out with their dreams?
Teddy: Knowing specifically what it is you want to do is key. It makes all the difference in the world. When you know what you want you can begin taking steps in the direction of that thing and eliminate those things that distract or take you away from it. Do it, immerse yourself in it, surround yourself with those in your field or people like you who are also working toward that same goal. Be persistent, but patient. And welcome all the little “accidents” that occur along the way.
SF: What question do you wish people would ask you in interviews?
Teddy: I’m still waiting for an interviewer to say, “What’s your suit size? My uncle’s Georgio Armani…”
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