'Book of Mormon's Josh Gad & Andrew Rannells Reflect on TV Journey

In an interview with Variety today, former BOOK OF MORMON stars Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells reflected on their recent TV sitcom experiences. Gad starred in NBC's 1600 Penn, a behind-the-scenes look at the nation's First Family. Rannells headlined another NBC comedy, 'The New Normal,' which followed a gay couple who adopt a baby from a surrogate mother. Both shows were recently canceled by the network.

In the interview, the Tony nominated stars commented on their recent transition from the Broadway stage to the TV sound stage. "The kinetic energy you feel when you do a live taping, it perfectly mirrors being in a musical in any theater," Gad offers. "And that eight-show-a-week cycle on stage is something that TV mirrors as well. I just think that's where the comparison ends. They are extraordinarily different mediums."

"Broadway has evolved," agrees Rannells. "It has become more contemporary. Everyone assumes (the stage actor) will be too large for TV, but it's not as big an adjustment as people may think."

It was after his run as Book of Mormon's Elder Price that Rannells was introduced to 'New Normal' creator Ryan Murphy. The actor recalls his inital thoughts on taking on the lead role of Bryan. "I was adamant there had to be affection between the two men on the show," he says. "As a gay man, what I often find rings untrue with straight actors playing gay characters is that middle ground. They're not a couple acting like a couple. That is removed from the equation. And it was important for Justin Bartha and me to be a real couple. And Ryan was in total agreement."

To read the interview in full, click here!

Rannells is best known for his breakout role as Elder Price in Broadway's SMASH hit musical "The Book of Mormon," which was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of "South Park" fame along with Robert Lopez of "Avenue Q." "The Book of Mormon" received nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, and on the Tony Awards telecast, Rannells brought down the house with his performance of "I Believe." For his work in "The Book of Mormon," Rannells received nominations from Tony Awards, Drama Desk and the Drama League. He also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album for the cast recording of "The Book of Mormon."

Previously, he was seen on Broadway as Bob Gaudio in "Jersey Boys," having played the role on the first national tour and in the Toronto Company as well. Rannells also played Link Larkin in the Broadway production of "Hairspray."

Josh Gad's television credits include "Back to You" and ABC's "Modern Family," as well as the animated series "Good Vibes," where he voiced the character of Mondo. Gad also starred in the title role in "Gigi: Almost American." He recently guest starred on FOX's hit show "New Girl."

Gad will be seen on the big screen in "Thanks for Sharing," opposite Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Ruffalo and Tim Robbins, which premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, he will also be seen starring as Steve Wozniak in the highly anticipated Steve Jobs biopic, "Jobs," opposite Ashton Kutcher, and co-starring in Fox's film "The Internship," opposite Will Ferrell and Owen Wilson, which will be released on June 7, 2013. His earlier film credits include roles in "21," "The Rocker," and "Love and Other Drugs."

Currently, he is lending his voice to DreamWork's animated film "Me and My Shadow," opposite Kate Hudson and Bill Hader. He also voiced the character of Louis in "Ice Age: Continental Drift," alongside Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez and John Leguizamo.

Gad took Broadway by storm starring as Elder Cunningham in the Tony Award-winning musical comedy "Book of Mormon," written by the creators of "South Park," Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Tony winner Robert Lopez ("Avenue Q"). Gad was nominated for a Tony, a Drama League and an Astaire Award, and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance. Gad made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

Gad is currently co-writing the sequel to the hit comedy "Twins" for Universal Pictures, set to feature Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito and Eddie Murphy.

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