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Quote: Cameron Bender GilmoreGirls.org Interview, 02.13.07 ...
During Gilmore Girls' seven season run, Rory Gilmore has had no shortage of potential suitors. Dean, Tristan, Jess, Logan, and Marty were all captivated by the studious blue-eyed beauty, with some having better luck at wooing her than others. But what happens with the tables are turned and Rory finds herself drawn to someone new? Tonight's episode, 'Farewell, My Pet', marks the debut of teaching assistant Tucker Culberston, played by Cameron Bender. While Richard Gilmore recuperates from surgery, Tucker fills in as professor for Richard's economics class and quickly charms Rory.
Does this mean the end of Rory and Logan is near? Will Jess and Dean fans everywhere rejoice? GilmoreGirls.org sits down with Cameron to get the inside scoop about his time on Gilmore Girls and acting plans for the future.
Heidi of GilmoreGirls.org: How did you get cast for the role of Tucker Culberston? Had you watched the show prior to being cast?
Cameron Bender: Jami Rudofsky and Mara Casey, the casting directors, brought me in straight to producers. I hadn’t seen them in years, maybe since season one. So I owe a lot to them remembering me and trusting me enough to deliver without a pre-read audition. Luckily, I wore my lucky audition glasses that brought just enough geekiness. I’ve only watched a couple of episodes over the years, but I’ve had friends who are loyal followers who kept me updated. Of course, I’ve been watching since I was cast.
Heidi: Part of TV Guide's episode summary for 'Farewell, My Pet' states, "While Richard recuperates from surgery, a new professor (Cameron Bender) takes his place and steals Rory's heart with his charming ways." That's quite a sentence! It's no wonder that Rory and Logan fans are already weary of Tucker. How does it feel to play a character who is a perceived threat to the Rory and Logan relationship?
Cameron: I’ve been bumping around the chatrooms and I already know and respect the power and passion of the Gilmore Nation. The 'Rogans' (aka Headliners) are already up in arms by the threat of Tucker, but I need them to know not to worry ... yet. And to the already dedicated 'TRockers' or 'Rockers' or 'RoTAs' (Tucker's a TA) who are supporting my character without even seeing him, I want to tell you I appreciate the love. I won’t forget you! It's actually been fun with people bashing on my character based on a synopsis and a really bad picture that I took on the set for my own files. I never intended that to be an official CW picture, I just wanted something to put on my IMDb page. I’m interested to see if they all feel the same after the episode airs. Either way, if they’re talking about Tucker, it can’t be a bad thing.
Heidi: Gilmore Girls has a very dedicated fan base that is quite invested in the characters on the show. How do you think fans will react to Tucker and his role in relationship to Rory?
Cameron: People have very strong feelings about these characters. They feel like they’re old friends. I understand their ire towards any threat. They are responding like good friends and I respect that. To be honest, I don’t know where the writers will take Tucker, but I can let the fans know that if anything, Tucker’s appearance strengthens Rory and Logan ... for now. So please don’t hate him yet. I would just like to bring a message of peace and love to the Rogans and the Rockers. You are all Gilmore Girls’ fans, you all love the same show ... don’t lose sight of what you have in common, rather than focusing on your differences. Viva la Gilmore!
Heidi: Being a graduate of Michigan State University, you know what it's like to be in a college atmosphere. Are any parts of Tucker comprised of people you knew in college?
Cameron: I was in the Honors College at MSU and chose to live on the Geek Floor (Honors Floor) of our dorm. My roommate and I had girlfriends, so consequently we were King of the Geeks (I’m not sure how great that is). But I truly loved those people; they were great and had the best computers and stereo equipment. And I’m a geek in many ways so I fit in okay. I knew a lot of people who were much smarter than me. Tucker is also smarter than I am and likes economics enough to teach it. That’s the biggest difference between us because I hated econ and I was horrible at it. Rock on, Tuck. Work that supply and demand. He even dresses like some of my preppier friends from Geek Floor.
Heidi: As a former mascot at Michigan State and founder of an a cappella group (the Accafellas), it sounds like Cameron Bender would make a nice character addition to Stars Hollow. You'd be a perfect fit. How could the real experiences of Cameron benefit everyone's favorite Connecticut town?
Cameron: Cameron would make an interesting character in Stars Hollow; too bad I’m already playing Tucker. Maybe Cameron Culbertson is his twin brother? I think Cameron would bring my weird intensity and passion to the town. Things would definitely not be boring with him on the case. I always like to be the center of a lot of action, and if there isn’t any, I’ll start it up myself ...
Heidi: What was it like working with Alexis Bledel? Is there a cast member who you haven't worked with yet that you'd especially like to have a scene with?
Cameron: Alexis is a very warm, generous, talented actress. She seemed very thoughtful and sincere. Careful and quiet at first, she must meet hundreds of actors every year, but she was so kind to me and made me feel comfortable right away. Having her stare deeply into my eyes wasn’t too horrible either. I’d love for Tucker to meet Lorelai. Perhaps they could hit it off and she and Rory could fight over him. Kidding! Kidding, Rogans and Lukelais! Tucker is not a threat to anyone!
Heidi: It's fair to say that many Gilmore fans are on the edge of their seats waiting to hear news about whether or not season 8 will happen. When you were on the set did you get any feeling as to how likely it is for the show to continue beyond this season? If the show does come back, would you be interested in having Tucker become a recurring part in Rory's life?
Cameron: I wish I had some info for the fans. I know what its like to be freaked out that you might lose a favorite show. But when I was on set, I got no indication that anyone was even concerned with that. It was a wonderful set, it really felt like a family and I could tell people cared about each other. Because of that, I was really sad leaving, even though I was there such a short time. I would love for Tucker to come back, perhaps become the grandfather’s protégé? Definitely not as a romantic threat ... unless the show needed the spice. I would love to come back in any capacity.
Heidi: A fair bit of luck has rubbed off on actors who've appeared on Gilmore Girls, many of whom have gone on to star in their own shows. Do you hope this role will open new doors for you?
Cameron: I know it will; it already has. On my auditions, casting directors always ask me about my experience and role. The show has a great reputation around town and Mara and Jami are famous for finding young male talent. Alexis has been a bit of a 'king-maker' as well. I know the experience has already benefited me. I hope I can keep their streak alive. We’ll have to do a follow-up interview after my own series gets picked up in the fall.
Heidi: Gilmore Girls is often defined as a 'dramedy'. Do you find it more difficult to take on a comedic role with quick-witted banter or a dramatic role heavy with emotion?
Cameron: Gilmore Girls was tough because it’s a dramatic role with quick-witted banter. The dialogue is so great though, so much fun to say, except for my name 'Tucker Culbertson'. It took me a while to wrap my diction-lacking tongue around that. Drama seems to be easier, in general for me because you can take your time and really feel it. Sitcoms especially are all timing and transitions. I really have to work at that.
Heidi: The GilmoreGirls.org Forum has a few aspiring actors and actresses that would be interested to hear what it's like to begin the process of making your way onto the Hollywood scene. Do you have any personal experiences that you'd care to share?
Cameron: Be patient with yourself. Take the time to build a perfect team for yourself; agent, manager, teacher, etc. You want everyone to work well together, believe in you, and work their tails off. Be professional, be on time, and be prepared. This is your job. Surround yourself with creative people who will be positive influences on you and keep you going (make sure they aren’t all actors). If you get to know writers and directors, they sometimes just include you in their projects. Put yourself out there. Do student projects, independent films, get tape and experience everything for yourself. But always believe. If this is your passion, your dream, go for it and leave yourself no 'outs', no 'fall-back plans', because when it gets tough (and it will, trust me), it's too easy to fall-back to. Stay positive, build your momentum, and remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Okay, enough of the seminar.
Heidi: During the first season of Veronica Mars, you appeared as Nathan in the episode 'The Girl Next Door'. Now that you've covered both shows on The CW's Tuesday night lineup, do you have a favorite on set memory for either show? What were the differences and similarities between the two jobs?
Cameron: We shot Veronica down in San Pedro, California by San Diego. It's such a great city and was fun in general just to be there. Plus, like me, Kristen Bell is from Michigan and we just hit it off. Nathan was a snotty character, so it was fun just to play a jerk and get 'mine' in the end. Gilmore Girls was shot at the Warner Bros. lot which is by far my favorite studio lot in Hollywood, so I just loved being there. My dream is to have an office there and show up for work everyday in Burbank. Maybe ride my bicycle from place to place. Being on location versus a stage are two totally different beasts. It's much more exhausting and high-energy when you're on location, while it's much more chillaxed on a set. There are pros and cons for both, but to be honest, every time I show up to a set ready to work it’s a joy and pleasure no matter what.
Heidi: What other projects are you currently working on? What are your aspirations for the future?
Cameron: I did a small scene in Smother, a film starring Liv Tyler, Diane Keaton, and Dax Shepard. I worked one day, but it was a lot of fun. Another rich jerk character, always a good time. Pilot auditions are in full effect right now and I hope to book one in the next few months. Plus I’ve been making various short films for contests with friends, for things like the Independent Film Channel, the Beastie Boys, FX, a local radio station and so on. I love just grabbing a camera, shooting for an hour, editing for a night and having something awesome to show for it. There’s nothing like the energy on a set with friends, shooting something you all came up with together. That’s the dream. The biggest thing I’m working on right now is my friend Matt Gren’s project Gabriel. We’re currently trying to lock down a location to shoot. I believe we found my female lead today. We are trying to sell a short film based on a scene from the feature to help sell the project. That’s been taking up a lot of time and energy, but it's such a great project. I’m loving it. You can see some of the things I’ve done on my bizarre page at www.myspace.com/cambender.
Heidi: What do you like to watch on TV?
Cameron: Scripted stuff, that’s for sure. I hate reality TV only because as an actor, every reality or game show is one less show that I could be on. I try to explain to my Mom that she’s killing her son by watching Big Brother. Kidding! I love my Mom; she’s awesome. But back to TV, I watch a lot of HBO. They really put out the greatest programming. Deadwood is my all-time favorite show, period. Extras, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Rome are all great, and I’m looking forward to Sopranos ending on a high note. When it comes to broadcast TV, I only really watch Lost and 24, but only if they stay good. Sporting events never let me down, even if my teams do.
Heidi: Considering that you're a Chicago Bears fan, I offer my condolences. Will next year be 'the year' for Da Bears? Are you a big sports fan in general?
Cameron: Thanks for your kind thoughts. This week was kind of tough. I can’t defend Rex [Grossman] anymore, even though I still think he can be a good quarterback. I thought next year would be the Bears’ year; this Super Bowl was gravy, but yes, I think Da Bears will be back in a weak NFC. I know it's boring for a lot of girls, but I do love me some sports. I really get into it. I’m difficult to watch games with and stay away from me if my teams lose ... Michigan State anything, Detroit teams, and the Bears. I really believe it goes back to cavemen days. We all belonged to tribes and clans, and you would defend to the death. Well, teams allow you to pick your tribe, pick who you will fight for, and as Jerry Seinfeld says, you’re really only cheering for uniforms because if a player leaves your team you hate him. People just like to feel like they belong to a group bigger than themselves and sports allows them to do that. Too philosophical an answer? Probably.
Heidi: When you have downtime, how do you like to spend it?
Cameron: I love movies, sports, my friends. I like reading and learning and doing crossword puzzles when I’m on the stairmaster. I don’t go out to clubs much anymore. I feel I’m getting too old to wait in line to pay $20 to get in somewhere. But on a typical day when I’m not auditioning too much, you’ll probably find me chilling at the coffee shop down the street, writing or fooling around on my MacBook, and/or playing my PSP. Maybe drawing in my sketch-pad if I’m feeling creative.
I just wanted to thank GilmoreGirls.org for the opportunity to share a little bit with the audience about my experiences and myself. I don’t know what the future holds for Mr. Tucker, but I know I personally would love to see him come back and play a part in their lives, this season and the next. Thank you!
Heidi: GilmoreGirls.org would like to sincerely thank Cameron for participating in this interview. If anyone would like to discuss Cameron or Tucker, you can do so in the 'Farewell, My Pet' thread on the GilmoreGirls.org Forum.
Credit: GilmoreGirls.org
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Last edited by lemon tart : 02-13-2007 at 05:10 PM.
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