You already know Rich Sommer as the likable/unlikable Harry Crane on Mad Men. But be warned, you're about to see a whole lot of him. This is a good thing. Sommer is bubbly and sincere, a pleasure to talk with. You get the sense that he's incredibly thankful for his work and hobbies, which is sometimes rare with interviews. Instead of formulaic answers, we had a conversation. Bad for transcription purposes, but good for reassurance that there are some good people out there that are getting their dues.
I talked to Sommer about Mad Men (and that hamburger scene) as well as his indie features Fairhaven and The Giant Mechanical Man (look for those reviews soon on Ology!), his future in Broadway, his teaching experience and his love of board games.
On Mad Men:
So, let's talk about Mad Men. How do you feel about Harry these days? Do you think he's likable?
I think he's likable, I think he's awesome. But he's more likable to an audience, than if you worked with someone like Harry, you might hate him. I hope for the audience to love him.
He's definitely become a bigger character over the series.
I think his position has changed the most out of everyone. Except for maybe Peggy. their jobs have changed the most. I don't know if he's different, he's just got new avenues of being a douche bag.
This season has also highlighted the humor of Mad Men.
I certainly notice that it's very funny, [but] I think the show is always funny, mostly because me and Slattery have the best lines. I do think the tone shifts throughout the season, it stays funny, but the humor-to-darkness to ratio shifts.
In talking with some of the other cast members, they all say that they trust their characters implicitly in Matt's hands. Is this the same with you?
History dictates that we would really be fools to question any decisions that he makes. I think that this season is my favorite script wise. I feel like our track record is pretty solid.
What about all the secrecy? Weiner's known for keeping critics and viewers in the dark about the show. Like, are you allowed to tell your wife?
As far as my wife goes, most of us have Matt's blessing to talk to them about that kind of stuff. My wife has been a part of the Mad Men world as long as I have, so she's in that circle of trust. As far as everyone else goes, I much prefer to let people be surprised. I watch Breaking Bad and The Wire and if anyone had ruined those for me I would have undoubtedly been disappointed.
Do you do any research before hand? For example, you look through history books and think 'Oh this is probably going to happen next, I should prepare.'
I let it happen as it happens to the character, it wouldn't do me any good to do research as to what the cultural impact of The Rolling Stones concert is. We had that Romney line that everyone got all bent out of shape about. But knowing it ahead of time doesn't really do us any good.
John Slattery and Jon Hamm have directed episodes of Mad Men now, do you think you'll be next in taking up the directing mantle?
I don't think so, no. It's something that would be higher stakes. [In directing] Hamm would take it well because he's great, but I'm still very deferential to people like Hamm and Slattery.
I have faith in you.
Haha, well thanks, but no.
So, I have to ask, how many White Castle sliders can you put down in one sitting?
During that shoot I think I put down something somewhere between nine or ten but really the most I've ever done at a sitting is about five.
On his upcoming indie features and more projects:
You've worked a lot with Chris Messina recently- are you guys best friends or what?
I did three indie films last year and Chris was in all three of them. I absolutely have a deep, deep crush on him.
You have a lot of work coming up. How do you have the time?
Every hiatus I've tried to focus on a different aspect of things, I will hopefully have a full rounded deal. [On The Giant Mechanical Man with Jenna Fischer and now husband Lee Kirk] Around the time I worked with her on The Office, they were writing the script and asked me to read. I did and I was so delighted that they kept me in mind for the film.
I'm also going to be on Broadway this summer with Jim Parsons doing Harvey. I'm really excited about the project and can't wait to get started.
I absolutely loved Fairhaven, tell me about working on the project.
Oh you've seen it! I loved it. I mean, it was January on a boat. It was nightmarishly cold. I loved the character because I am a dad and there's great little stuff. We ended up improvising a ton of dialogue as long as we kept it in the framework.
And in the meantime...
Sommer also (seriously, his life makes me tired) teaches acting and improv classes around the country...
I met my wife in grad school and part of the reason why we got MFAs is to get teaching accreditation, I taught a bunch of workshops, I really enjoy doing it. I think I'm semi-qualified and it's exciting to see.
I have to ask- what are your Ologies?
Board games and cocktails. I love board games. There's a ton of stuff you should be checking out these days. My current favorites are Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War. It's sort of like a reverse Stratego. Also Summoner Wars. It's a two player game and you can choose a group and you can alter your strategy. It's really great. I love the ritual of the game.
When I talked to Jarred Harris he mentioned that occasionally the cast [of Mad Men] gets together to play poker. Do you play with them?
I hosted one night. Jarred did not do well that night. But usually we play games if I can get one or two other guys to get together for a few hours. Right now we play a lot of dominos on set.
Thank you so much for talking with me, hope to see you in New York soon!
Thank you.
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