We catch up with actor Jerry O’Connell to chat about his new role on comedy-crime TV series, Carter.
Known for his roles on series like Sliders and Billions, Jerry is back on screens as actor-turned-detective Harley Carter in Universal’s new crime-comedy TV series, Carter.
He lives in LA with his actress wife Rebecca Romijn and their children, Dolly and Charlie. We caught up with him to find out more about his new role…
Tell us about your new role in TV’s Carter…
I play Harley Carter. He’s an actor on a crime-procedural TV series, something like a CSI, but after a colossal breakdown, he moves back to his small hometown. There, he starts telling the local police department how they should be solving crimes – he thinks he knows how to do the job because of the TV series he worked on! The whole concept really made me laugh. It pokes fun at the serious crime dramas.
What was the atmosphere like on set?
I actually went to college with my co-star, the lovely Sydney Poitier, and I had a huge crush on her back then – sadly, she had a boyfriend. It was great to work with her on this – she’s fantastic. Murdoch Mysteries actor Kristian Bruun is also with us on the show and he definitely helps ground the series.
I was helping my kids with auditions for their school play recently and I told them that the more fun they have with it, the more fun the audience will have watching them. That’s exactly what we did on Carter. The whole crew just really enjoyed working together and had so much fun on set – I hope that comes across on TV screens.
CARTER – SEASON 1 – EPISODE 101
Why do you think audiences are being drawn to lighter crime dramas?
I think there have just been a lot of gruesome murders on TV recently and that can get a bit dark. Perhaps people are looking for a more family-friendly show, and Carter is definitely that. You have to suspend reality a bit while you’re watching it, and just enjoy the ride.
Looking for shows to watch this year? ALSO SEE: Top 10 TV series to watch in 2019
How do you balance a demanding career with family life?
My wife and I are really good at making sure one of us is at home if the other is travelling for work. She’s also an actor, so things do get tricky once in a while, but we’ve learnt to prioritise family time. We’ve got a couple of great kids, so spending time with them is a treat.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
I’m in another show called Billions, where I play a hedge-fund guy who’s a bit of a jerk – the fourth season is about to hit screens, so I’m super excited about that. And we’re getting ready to film the second season of Carter. Never a dull moment!
The first season of Carter airs every Tuesday at 8pm on Universal TV, DStv channel 117.
Compiled by Features Writer, Stephanie van der Plank
