James Tupper
TheStarScoop.Com spoke to TV's hottest new doctor, Mercy's James Tupper to find out about the hit show and more.
The Star Scoop:
For people who have heard about Mercy, but haven't tuned in yet, how would you describe what it's about?
James Tupper:
It's a medical drama. It's based in New Jersey, this kind of gritty hospital. It's created by the writer from Friday Night Lights, Liz Heldens, and she's going for something that's not just medical. It takes place outside the hospital. People make life and death decisions in the hospital, and it's how their personal lives are affected by it. It's a lot about relationships.
The Star Scoop:
You play Dr. Chris Sands. What is his role in the show? What is he like?
James Tupper:
He just did a tour of duty in Iraq as a medical doctor. He came back to the states and kind of lost his place in the world, doesn't really know where he belongs. But he met a nurse over there that he really likes, so he followed her back to New Jersey. He's waiting to see what happens with her.
The Star Scoop:
The response for the show has been great. Why do you think that is?
James Tupper:
I think it's the simple stuff. It works. The characters work. The actors are great. The writing works. The whole thing just works! I don't know what it is that makes medical dramas work. What makes House work? What makes E.R. work? I think it's a combination of a lot of things.
The Star Scoop:
You have a lot of fans who have followed you from Men in Trees to Samantha Who to Mercy. Does this role bring something new, a different side of you for fans to see?
James Tupper:
Oh, sure. Yeah. Playing a doctor can be very technical. They've given me a real acting challenge, it follows me for the first time out of the hospital into the real world. Comedy and drama ensue. I really like that I have a fan. It's so funny. I worked for years as a carpenter, and just did what I could. It's amazing to do this, and have fans that follow my work on television.
The Star Scoop:
Will you continue to work in television?
James Tupper:
I've got a goal to get with Anne [Heche] to get on Broadway. I want to do a play with her. That's the goal. I've done probably 50 plays in my life. I'd just love to get on Broadway. I think it's a great lifestyle. You go to the theater and you do a show. You go out for dinner after and come home. there's time to play with your kids and be a dad, have a stable life. It's also just fun. I think that being on stage, you actually have a relationship with the audience. The way the audience feels is communicated to you on stage. You're making them feel a certain way, so it's like a real, live breathing relationship. It's different from a camera. I finished a film, Me and Orson Welles that I'm in, with Zac Efron and Claire Danes. I play Joseph Cotten. I think it's a really fun movie. The only thing I don't want to do is a musical [laughs]. If you're an actor, it's exciting...whatever project is so exciting! If any of my fans come to my Broadway show, I'm going to buy them a drink [laughs].
The Star Scoop:
You've been labeled one of the sexiest stars, and you've been on the sexiest men on TV list. How do you feel about those labels?
James Tupper:
It's just funny. You have a way of seeing yourself. It's obviously flattering. My dad was like, what the heck are they talking about? Why are they calling you sexy [laughs]. I don't know. I'm just the same old person. I like to pick up a hammer and built stuff on the weekend. I guess it's flattering. It's very kind. Who doesn't love to be loved?
The Star Scoop:
What do you want to get out there to your fans?
James Tupper:
Yeah, I'd love them to come to the movie when it opens, November 25th. It's a totally different role. I'm clean shaven, and dressed like the 1930s. I had so much fun doing it! I can't wait for that. Thank you very, very much for watching and being a fan. I look forward to having more work. I can't even believe I have fans. It's unbelievable. I'm so grateful. I still have to tell people that Men in Trees got cancelled. I'm just so grateful that anybody would watch the show. I think I've taken a cue from Anne Heche, too. She's very loving with all of her fans. We just appreciate that people like our work and invite them to see us in more stuff.