MeeVee Exclusive! Interview with The Shield's Michael Chiklis
Michael Chiklis has lived both the horror and the dream of being an
actor. The horror: Three years after arriving in New York City to
pursue stardom, Michael found himself so poor that he couldn't afford a
can of Spam. Then the dream: Just when his acting career seemed
hopeless, Michael landed the title role in Wired: The John Belushi Story. His fortunes made a dramatic turnaround, including starring roles in The Commish and the current F/X hit series The Shield, as well as playing his childhood idol -- comic book superhero Ben Grimm, aka The Thing -- in the blockbuster movie Fantastic Four and its upcoming sequel.
Grey Goose Vodka in hand, Michael spent a few minutes with MeeVee's Steve Czarnecki to talk about the return of The Shield, and a love connection for his Fantastic Four hero.
Everyone is anxiously awaiting the return of The Shield after a hiatus almost as long as The Sopranos. Did you realize the show would become so popular?
I
don’t think anyone did. I get fan mail after fan mail that says, “I saw
the first episode and went out and bought the DVDs, and watched them
all.” People have these intense marathons where they watch a whole
season in two days. I’m surprised at the diversity of people, young and
old, who watch. It's obviously great to be a part of something this
huge.
The show has really skyrocketed your career. I’m sure you have no regrets.
God,
no! What it did for my career at that time -- a miraculous turnaround,
awards. [It's] great to be able to go to work every day and be so
excited to go there. It's been an actor's dream come true! I hate to
sound like a cliché, but it’s true. To not only love the material, but
to love and respect everyone there, and not have egos pushing one
another out of the way -- it’s amazing.
Both Vic Mackey on The Shield and The Thing in Fantastic Four are very physical roles. How often do you go to the gym?
Frankly, I like to go at least six days a week, if I can do it. If my schedule is too busy, I just get up earlier.
I know you’re a movie buff. Have you seen any good movies lately?
Wow, what movies have I seen? A lot of dramas -- The Departed, Blood Diamond. That new Bond movie [Casino Royale] was awesome.
Any favorites on the tube?
I’m a huge Sopranos fan. I watch a lot of American Idol -- sure, I have a wife and two girls, but I quite enjoy it myself.
You've mentioned in other interviews how uncomfortable the Thing costume was in the first Fantastic Four movie. Was it improved for the sequel?
Yes, it was much easier. I was able to take it off between every take. It was a world of difference!
Will we see a continuing storyline with Kerry Washington's character as the love interest for the Thing in the new Fantastic Four movie?
Yes,
and it's my understanding that that’s going to develop a lot more in
the third installment. There is some development in the second film,
but apparently it goes to a different place in the third one -- which
they are looking at very closely, [depending on] how well this one
does. And from what I’ve seen so far, the kids are going to love this
movie!
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