Kevin Chapman Interview

Last week I had the pleasure of talking to Kevin Chapman from Person of Interest. Kevin stars on the show as Lionel Fusco. He's our favorite new sidekick and friend of Reese! I thought I'd post it here and remind you all to tune in to Person of Interest, Thursdays on CBS.

Interview by Noelle Gruber

First of all, congrats on your People's Choice Award win. Were you excited about that?

Kevin: We were excited! Unfortunately, our video never got shown. Adam Sandler went a little long with his speech so when I see him I'm gonna give him a noogie. But it's been great. The show has been getting an amazing response and each week you see it building. Each week it gains more momentum so that's exciting to see.

It must be great working in New York City. Is it difficult shooting there?

Kevin: It's definitely an experience. I had only worked in New York one time prior to this when I did a 7 episode arc of Rescue Me, but all that stuff was shot inside. I've never shot in the streets of New York before. I've had some pretty interesting encounters.

A lot of crazy fans?

Kevin: Jim Caviezel and I were standing on a corner having a conversation. It was supposed to be a private conversation for the scene and we were approximately 12-18 inches away from each other. And we're having this conversation and a little old lady came right between us and like, threw an elbow at me as she went by. It was pretty funny.

Kevin: On the pilot episode we actually had some LOST fans approach Michael in the scene.

Do you enjoy working with Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson?

Kevin: Yeah! I had worked on projects with both of them in the past but never had scenes together. I did a couple episode of LOST and had no scenes with Michael and Jim and I had both worked on a movie called Unknown.

I think what attracts a lot of the fans to the show are the dynamics between the actors and certainly the bromances. Jim and Michael have a pretty big bromance going on and you and Jim have kind of an Older/Younger brother relationship. Do you enjoy playing that kind of role?

Kevin: Yeah, I think it's great. What really attracted me to Lionel is the sense of duality. In the Pilot he's perceived to be this dangerous, rogue cop who is taking Reese to Oyster Bay to dispose of him. But Reese turns the tables on Lionel and basically allows him to redeem himself. In that moment you realize that Lionel isn't as bad as you thought he was.

Do you do anything to prepare for your character?

Kevin: The thing that excites me about Lionel is again his duality and I always try to find the truth in a character. I try not to give a performance that's far-fetched. With Lionel I feel like he kind of grounds the show. You have these other three characters on the show... one is a computer genius, one is a black ops man of mystery, and you have this bad ass female cop. And then you have Lionel. *laughs* and I feel like he helps round out the cast. It helps make it a remarkable show.

Is there somewhere you'd like to see the character of Lionel go or develop or something you'd like to see Lionel do in the future?

Kevin: I'd like to see more of Lionel's life. We saw Lionel's son and I'd like to see more of his personal life. I'd love to see him on a date. I'd like to see him wear something other than a suit. What does he do in his spare time? Things like that.

The ratings have been great.

Kevin: And it's building every week. We keep thinking it's going to come back down but each week it keeps getting better and better. The show is starting to have a watercooler effect. People will talk about it the next day at work. It's exciting to see something blossom in front of your eyes.

I apologize for this but I've got to ask. Jim Caviezel, his character had said something funny on an episode to Lionel "I appreciate your concern for my ass." And fans really want to know if you have a concern for his ass.

Kevin: *laughs* Of course I have a concern for his ass!

Is there anything you can tease about the rest of the season? There have been some ominous reports recently that certain stars may not make it to next season.

Kevin: I think a lot of characters on television lately aren't safe. I mean look at Boardwalk Empire. Nobody expected that. I think that television as a whole has kind of changed. People are constantly coming in and out.

Kevin: We've got some really interesting turns that are going to take place. I think fans will be very surprised and very much intrigued.

Are you optimistic about a second season?

Kevin: That is left up to the powers that be. I feel very confident that they know what they're doing. If I was a gambling man I would probably say yes but anything can happen.

I'm optimistic. They'd be crazy not to bring it back. I think a lot of networks are trying to bring back dramas and they're trying and failing. Person of Interest is a show that just works. Like you said I think it's struck a chord with fans and it's a great show.

Kevin: Thank you very much.

Thanks again to Kevin for taking the time to answer my questions!