Morse Comments On MAD MEN Audition & Broadway Ties

Notable stage and screen star Robert Morse discusses his audition for hit period-set drama series Mad Men and how his association with Pulitzer Prize-winning Frank Loesser musical HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING played into it as part of a new interview.

Speaking in anticipation of the Emmy Award next month, Morse reflected on his Broadway and Hollywood career byway of an anecdote about his Mad Men audition involving the show's creator, Matthew Weiner.

Morse shares, "My agent called and asked if I would read for this new series, and I thought, 'Oh, God, not another rejection.' Whenever I meet people on auditions, it's like interviewing for a job where they forget my previous work [on the musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying]. The chances of getting on a series are slim as they only hire so many elderly people. I walked into the office, and they give me two pages. I couldn't understand six lines, so I turn to the intern, and I ask for his interpretation."

More continues, adding, "It turns out, he wasn't an intern, it was Matt Weiner. I received the part a few days later, and when I met Matt, he said, "I have great respect for you. During college, I traveled to New York to see you in How To Succeed.'"

Morse concludes, "He was touched by my performance and has a great memory of me. One time at a party, I sang "I Believe in You" to him."

Check out the original article on the matter here.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride