Interview: More Than a Mullet, Josh McDermitt of THE WALKING DEAD

I had the pleasure of speaking with Josh McDermitt who plays Eugene on AMC's THE WALKING DEAD. Eugene was introduced in the second half of last season as a scientist with a cure for the zombie epidemic. He was being escorted to Washington D.C. to provide the cure to the proper authorities and enroute he is introduced to the gang from the Prison as they escape from the confrontation with the Governor.

With a background in improv and sketch comedy, I asked Josh if these skills were ever able to incorporated into this show. He very respectfully admitted "no, not really. The writing is just so solid. We have complete faith in the writers." He did say that he enjoys making the crew laugh between takes. Anything to keep people in good spirits while braving the summers in Hotlanta.

Josh's character "Eugene" was introduced to us when Glenn stumbled upon them after he escaped from the prison. Even though he was only working with one series regular, he was happy to tell me how the other series regulars would stop by and introduce themselves to the people they were not in scenes with. "All the actors like to keep up with the plot and all are given full scripts. It isn't as strict as something like BREAKING BAD. Everybody wants to know what is happening at any given time." Because of such an atmosphere, as a newcomer he felt immediately welcomed and could feel the (literal) warm atmosphere. "I don't want to sound cliche but it really is a family. And from day one, you could feel it."

The character of Eugene didn't speak a lot the first season but I greatly enjoyed watching his performance because it is quite clear there is a lot going on behind that silence. Particularly, Josh has very expressive eyes and he is fantastic to watch when the scene isn't focused on his character. "It's all about being present. I read the script entirely but i have to play the scene like it is the first time I am hearing the words. He has incredibly complex secrets that have not been revealed yet. But his one mission is to get to D.C. and he will stop at nothing to get there. And if he will stop at nothing, that makes him a very dangerous individual." And his choices pay off. Even though we have some theories, none of us really know what Eugene is thinking and that is exactly the way Josh likes it.

I had to ask about the mullet, I mean, it's pretty epic. And that is Eugene's identifiable feature. No, it is not entirely his natural hair, it's kind of a combination with some extensions weaved into his own hair. The creators asked if he'd be willing to grow it out on his own and Josh lovingly turned down the offer saying, "No, thank you. I'd rather have a social life."

He is continually humbled by the fan reaction to the show. "I've been a fan of TV shows before, but standing on the edge of the set for 12 hours on a hot, summer day, so you can take one photo with one of us? It's just incredible." He attended the Season Five premiere last Thursday with his fellow cast and crew and the fans did not disappoint as they lined the streets waiting for glimpses of their favorites.

Every year, I always read that it's going to be the craziest season yet and remarkably, it is always true. I asked Josh if this holds true again. He laughed. "We waste no time in Episode One. We hit the ground running and it does not stop. Just be ready." Words of wisdom from a great actor and a great guy.

Follow Josh on Twitter @JoshMcDermitt. THE WALKING DEAD Season Five premieres Sunday on AMC. Here's the trailer:

Follow me all season for recaps and tweet me @eponineq. And follow @BWWTVworld for all the latest recaps, scoops and updates.

Photo Credit: Isaac Sterling

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