New Interview with Michael Urie, “Marc” on Ugly Betty

by John Garcia of John Garcia's The Column

If you are a Column subscriber and attended last year's sold out, star filled Column Awards gala, then you are very aware of today's special guest star interview, Mr. Michael Urie.

Last year before Ugly Betty even premiered, Michael and I conducted an interview for The Column as we discussed this new show for the 2006 Fall TV season. This of course was before the tidal wave of glowing media blitz and mountains of critical praise had hit the show.

Urie portrays "Marc" on the ABC Comedy smash hit, constantly stealing scenes with his hysterical characterization of the snooty & campy Personal Assistant to Vanessa Williams. The ratings smash series has already won the Golden Globe for Besy Comedy, and was nominated for both a SAG and Emmy Award for Best Comedy.

In that strange twist of life, Urie was a Column subscriber during his Quad C Theatre days, way before fame came into his life. Thus, it was jaw dropping exciting when he accepted to co-host the 2007 Column Awards Gala, which he stole the show with his quick wit, hysterical one liners, and glowing stage presence.

Even before he left the Dallas Airport, I immediately told Urie that we so badly want him back again to co-host the 2008 Column Awards Gala, and depending on filming schedule, he hopefully will return to slay the Column Awards Gala audience once more in laughter.

Personally, spending those two days with Urie while he was here in Dallas for Gala resulted in a new and endearing friendship. During those two days we had great conversations on a myriad of subjects, both professional and personal. What I observed that was most touching was how fame and success has not affected him whatsoever. He is part of a brilliant, top notch cast in one of the very few successful TV shows that premiered last season. Besides Heroes and 30 Rock, no other new TV show achieved the critical success other than those three.

And yet, he remains firmly grounded. Most stars around his age let their meteoric rise to fame change their attitudes and behavior. Not Michael, he still remains immensely personable, friendly, and charming.

During the show's summer hiatus, Urie went back to his theater roots and did Shakespeare's Hamlet in California with Hamish Linklater. To TV fans Linklater portrays "Matthew" in CBS's hilarious comedy, The New Adventures of Old Christine, which I believe returns next season.

On a lovely afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Urie, who was on break while filming the latest episode of Ugly Betty. We discussed the new season, his summer, the Emmys, and some delicious gossip. As he munched on his lunch in his trailer, here is how our phone conversation went along:

JOHN GARCIA: So after a summer of serious Shakespeare, you start off your first episode of season two (on Ugly Betty) dressed as a woman! Welcome back to TV Michael! How are you?

MICHAEL URIE: (lol) Hey (munch, crunch, munch) John!

JOHN GARCIA: I know I'm a bit obsessed with UB, but I'm just relieved that you guys are back-and what a terrific first episode!

MICHAEL URIE: Thanks! We've all been very pleased with the show so far. Funny, sweet, sad, all that stuff! No show has more show than our show.

JG: Let's go back a little in time, instead of just taking a relaxing summer during your hiatus; you decide to tackle the Bard. Now I know from your theater past you have a love and passion for Shakespeare. So how did this opportunity fall into your lap to do the play during the summer?

MU: I auditioned! (lol) And, I've never been so sure I didn't get a job before. But, then I got it!!

JG: What was it like working with another actor from a hit comedy TV show? Did you guys compare notes?

MU: We definitely talked TV shop, and it was fun to work with Shakespeare types again.

JG: Hamish Linklater is hilarious as Julia Louise's slacker brother with his impeccable dead pan comedic timing. What was it like working with him?

MU: He's a genius, and for an actor who hopes to play Hamlet himself one day, I can't think of a better actor to watch work for 10 weeks...and steal from.

JG: Theater is in your blood, so do you think you might head for Broadway next? I mean I can easily see you do Shakespeare in New York during the summer.

MU: That would be amazing. And ideal. I miss NY. I'd love to do a play on Broadway, but hopefully my TV gig will keep me from those open ended runs for a few more years.

JG: Freddie Rodriquez (Six Feet Under) and Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) are some of the guest stars that have or will appear on this season's UB. What other stars can you tell me that might be walking through the hallways of Mode Magazine?

MU: Betty White. As herself. Need I say more?

JG: LOL! I agree. The Golden girl and Betty Juarez! Love it! Okay, gossip time-Victoria Beckham? What is she really like? I've read that on the show she will be either one of Wilhelmina's bridesmaids or a guest at the wedding. Is she that damn thin? Did you and she do any Spice girl songs during filming breaks? LOL.

MU: No singing, but she is damn thin, but in great shape. Totally hot. And sweet as hell.

JG: Did she bring on the set her soccer stud husband David?

MU: Yup. Everyone that works at Ugly Betty turned up to watch shooting that day.

JG: So would I!! LOL. Never liked or care for soccer till he came to America. Maybe you can kick the first soccer ball for their opening next year. Hehehe.... When you were our guest star co-host at the Column Awards Gala, it was our audience that became VERY privileged to hear first before anyone else that Patti Lupone would be playing your mother. What was it like working with this powerhouse legend?

MU: She's amazing, everything you hope for and more. She fit right in! By the end of her last day, we were huddled around my laptop watching her on YouTube.

JG: Wow. I love hearing stuff like that. I met her after her mesmerizing performance in Sweeney Todd on Broadway, and my brain was screaming "I'm talking to Eva Peron"! Will La Lupone return as your mother this season?

MU: Hell yeah.

JG: I have read in several articles how many gay teens were deeply moved and found courage in watching that episode when Marc comes out proud to his mother. Did you or the writers feel that you were making some cathartic Television-abet a hysterical comedy-but nonetheless you would be touching so many confused, closeted teens?

MU: That was definitely the hope, but you never know what's going to hit home. It's really rewarding to hear that kind of feedback.

JG: What new storylines will we see for Marc? I have read he will finally get a boyfriend!

(NOTE: This interview was conducted before last week's episode when Cliff the photographer made his first appearance on the show)

MU: The schlubby photographer Cliff! He steals Marc's heart, which confuses Marc, who didn't realize he had one.

JG: Well already I think he is adorable on the show. It is such a breath of fresh air and originality that for once a gay love interest storyline doesn't have a model type. I just think having someone like Cliff grounds the relationship in honest reality. I can't wait to see how the relationship progresses! Can you tell us anything about the much talked about "Musical" episode?

MU: All I know is that it's Valentine's day (on the show). Otherwise, I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING! IT'S KILLING ME!

JG: Any Broadway stars that you can share will sing along side the UB cast?

MU: (laughs) I DON'T KNOW!

JG: Do you have a solo?

MU: (again, laughter echoes on the phone) STOP ASKING!!!

JG: (sigh) okay. lol. Speaking of storylines, what exciting new plot twists can you tell us? Don't worry; it's just you, me, and over 8,000 subscribers worldwide who will know! We won't tell a soul! hehehe...

MU: There will be weddings, funerals, surgeries, lies, and Wicked!

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The Wicked episode airs tomorrow night!)

JG: Okay, spill the gossip! What delicious, funny, naughty, backstage gossip can you share with us about the show, your co-stars, etc? Again -- our little secret. Just speak loudly into my flower lapel-I got it as a gift from Linda Tripp!

MU: Between shots, we play guitar in America's trailer. Chris Gorham is the best at it.

JG: Wow, I did not even know you played guitar. A man of many talents you are my friend!

MU: (laughs) Thank you!

JG: The Emmys. First off, did you like that "in the round" thing? I personally hated it. It just cheapened the show and I missed those big, glitzy sets they usually have for these things.

MU: Yeah, that was lame.

JG: I was at an Emmy watching party, and we picked you out immediately in the audience! You had one of the BEST seats in the house! We could constantly see you on the left part of the screen. Did you know this?

MU: Of course!! We were caged animals!!!

JG: HAHAHA! Take us on the red carpet. Share with my readers what it is like to be on those red carpet events with tons of screaming fans, the cameras, and Billy Bush!

MU: I once spent an afternoon with Billy Bush AT his work, and I'm almost positive he had no idea who I was on the red carpet. And it was HOT AS HELL OUT THERE!

JG: OMG! I often wonder that when I see him on ACCESS HOLLYWOOD at those red carpet events. He asks the oddest questions and looks like a deer caught in the headlights. By the way, I did see that segment of you and co-star Becki Newton doing a "switching of jobs" with Bush & the female co-host (forgot her name). Again, funny stuff my man. Funny stuff. Especially when you tried to teach her what to say on the mike!

MU: LOL. Thanks!

JG: Can you share any festive gossip that we did NOT see on the telecast that happened during commercial breaks or that was not on camera?

MU: lol. Actually........it was pretty boring. And we were starving! Judith Light split her last stick of gum with me. The after parties were fuuuuuuun, though.

JG: I saw your picture in several magazines covering the Emmy after parties. It was of you and Vanessa Williams doing a drama pose!

JG: My Board of Directors and I are now in the planning stages for the 2008 Column Awards Gala. You have been to the Golden Globes, the SAG Awards, the Emmy Awards, and The Column Awards. What do they have in common? LOL! Or what did you see at those awards shows that we should do? LOL.

MU: They all have the word Award in the title. As for what the Column awards should do this year? Two words. Turn Table.

JG: HAHAHAHAHA! I love it! Do a mini-spoof of Les Miz, knocking and hurling presenters, the band, and winners out into the audience as the turntable circles around like a tilt-a-whirl!

MU: LOL

JG: If scheduling permits, you may be able to return to serve as our co-host again for this year's gala. You really made that Gala night truly special. You know, even still today when I'm out at some event regarding theater, someone will bring up the Column Awards and your name. They always comment on how much they fun they had at the Gala and how much they loved you.

MU: Thank you!!! I hope I can get back again!! It was so much fun!!

(Alas, it was at that moment that a production assistant came in to alert Urie that he was needed back on the set. And with that we ended our interview as we said our goodbyes!)

JG: Thanks again so, so much Michael for taking the time from your hectic schedule to do this interview.

MU: My pleasure and tell everyone back home hi for me!

And with that we ended the interview. Let's keep our fingers crossed that THE COLUMN can get a media pass from Mode Magazine to cover Wilhelmina's wedding! HAHAHAHA.