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Bum Interviews:
The Ethan Zohn Interview | I recently had the unique pleasure of interviewing Ethan Zohn, of "Survivor" and "The Scorned" fame. I say it's unique, because Ethan completely blew me away with how honest and "real" he was. This is no cookie cutter TV star looking to get famous, he's genuine, and funny, and dammit, I like him!
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Scraps: Tell us a little bit about your role in “The Scorned”.
Ethan: I played an ex-drug addict, nomad, beach bum that could channel the dead. I dug deep and referenced my days as a kid wandering the mean streets of Lexington Mass…ha-ha.
Scraps: Was it difficult filming a movie while simultaneously filming a TV show about the process?
Ethan: I have never filmed a movie before, but I imagine this is not the best atmosphere in order to focus and perform at ones best. I loved every second of filming the movie, living in the house was the real horror show. The real horror movie was the house we lived in. We are all crazy. I tried to stay out of all the drama…I was like the elusive white rhino…I contemplated staying up for 4 nights straight and taking a dump in the kitchen, but then re-considered.
Scraps: What was the hardest part to adjust to as an actor?
Ethan: It was fun getting all wrapped up in who I was playing…a lot of my scenes were improvised. I just said whatever came out. The director and producers were kind in giving me some creative freedom. It’s hard to screw up a role as a crazy person…the more I messed up the crazier I looked. Since it was a horror film, a bunch of scenes were filmed in the middle of the night. That was weird. In addition, we got to do the scenes 6,7,8, times from every angle. Sometimes it took all day to shoot a 4 minute scene.
Scraps: Are you a horror fan? What was the last movie you saw that scared you silly?
Ethan: Yes. I love all scary movies. My girlfriend drags me to all of them. I loved “The Ring”. But I still can’t seem to get over “Poltergeist”. But the campy ones are just as good. “Cabin Fever”, “House of Wax”, “Final Destination”, “I Know What You Did Last Summer”….they are all great.
Scraps: Let’s be honest for a moment…do you think more people will buy this because they’re fans, or because they’re hoping to see you in a horrific death scene?
Ethan: I think people will buy this because they want to see us screw up a horror film. However, the glee involved in seeing a fire poker shot through Bachelor Bob’s heart, or Johnny Fairplay tossed against the wall like an old ding dong wrapper, or Jenna Morasca getting sucked into a giant hole and folded in half is why I bought it. There is a lot of hype around this movie, it’s the first of its kind, and unfortunately people want to see us fail. But it's good for what it is…a horror movie with reality stars…for most of us this was our first time acting. The great thing about it is we all have built in fan bases…”Survivor”, “Bachelor”, “Amazing Race”, “Real World”. Oh yeah, there are lots of naked people in it.
Scraps: Looking at Reality TV right now, has it reached its peak, or do you foresee even more growth?
Ethan: I think it's approaching the peak…but there is still more room to grow. I think it’s the same core group of 20 million reality fans that will watch any reality show. I think the trend is shifting to a more “feel good” model of reality show “Extreme Makeover”, “Nanny 911”, “Miracle Workers”. Of course the good shows will stick around, “Survivor”, “Race”, “Apprentice”, “Idol”. I’m amazed that new ideas are still being produced. ..like “Unan1mous”. Brilliant.
Scraps: What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done in public?
Ethan: Have you seen the show “Kill Reality”?
Scraps: During the filming, was there one particular person that was surprisingly easy to work with and blew away any preconceived notions you had about them?
Ethan: Jenna Morasca, although her part was small, did great. She’s a natural. I also thought Jenna Lewis did well. Rob Cesternio did an amazing job with the script, it’s a bit unfortunate it was used on actors like us…
Scraps: So what’s next on your plate? Any cool projects you can share with us?
Ethan: I’m still heavily involved with my charity grassroot soccer. I used the prize money from survivor to start this. Grassroot soccer (GRS) is a US-based nonprofit organization that uses the power of soccer to educate adolescents so they remain HIV free. GRS trains African soccer stars, soccer coaches, and peer educators in the world's most HIV- affected countries to deliver an interactive HIV prevention curriculum to youth.
I’m also the host of two soccer shows. “Metro Soccer Report” which airs on the Madison Square Garden Network. The second is, “F.C.Fox”, which airs on Fox Soccer Channel.
Scraps: If we were going to shoot a movie about your life, who should we get to play YOU?
Ethan: Patrick Dempsey. Not the new and improved “Dr. McDreamy” Patrick Dempsey. The old school “cant buy me love” Patrick Dempsey. You can also contact Screech from “Saved by the Bell”. Or Side Show Bob.
Scraps: Any words of wisdom for those out there wanting to make a career of acting?
Ethan: I say go for it. Just be prepared for some rejection. I don’t claim to be an actor, i never wanted to be an actor, nor have I pursued acting ...but it would be silly to turn down such a fun project as “The Scorned”. People train their whole lives to be an actor and still do not get roles….there’s no reason a reality show makes you a good actor. I imagine it takes time and practice..just like everything else.
Scraps: We’re always looking for new friends to hang out with (we seem to go through old ones rather quickly) – at parties are you more of a fountain of entertainment, or more of a wallflower. And more importantly, is it okay if we hang out with you?
Ethan: I'll hang out with anyone. We can even hug, hugs are free. But, I’d have to say I’m a wall flower. I’m not so much fun anymore…I’m an old man. Old as dirt. But every so often I will emerge from the crusty old Ethan and have a crazy night and steal some pretzels from the corner store.
Scraps: There are some people that feel that you hadn’t “earned” your stardom, that basically you’re getting jobs based on public recognition alone that should be going to actors & actresses who have worked all their lives to achieve what was seemingly handed to you on a silver platter. How do you respond to this public conception? Was it really easy for you to get where you are today, and do you really feel that you deserve the recognition that you have?
Ethan: I can see their points but I don’t necessarily agree. I think they can blame the “reality” genre. But not the individuals. Reality shows are cheap to produce…and they are popular. On the flip side, they are now creating scripted dramas based on reality shows…”Lost”, “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton” “Truman Show”…you can make an argument that these would not have existed with out “Survivor”, “Bachelor”, “Real World” respectively. This day and age I feel any way you get your foot in the door. Look at all the pro athletes, musicians, wrestlers, BMX bikers that are in movies and TV. They are not natural actors. I personally have worked hard for 4 years to get where I am today...I was doing sideline work for division 3 soccer games…and worked my way up. It’s what I wanted to do.
Scraps: In 2 sentences…how would you convince someone to rush out and buy “The Scorned”?
Ethan: Boobies, lots of boobies. Reichen kisses a girl, Fairplay dies painfully and I think I make a pretty convincing crazy man.
Scraps: Thanks again for your time, we do appreciate it, and we wish you luck in all your future endeavors. We're getting some pizzas and having a Dirk Benedict marathon tonight…want to stick around?
Ethan: I’m busy trying to extend my 15 minutes….and I’m lactose intolerant…maybe next time. |
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Updated Sunday, April 09, 2006 Written by Scraps |
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