From today, we have something extra special in store for you. We’ll explore the minds of talented individuals who took on the challenge of portraying these unforgettable characters from the TV shows of the first years of 2000s that defined an era. We’ll uncover the secrets behind their performances, the journey of character development, and the impact they left on popular culture. We are joined by a star of the popular tv show “The OC”: Tate Donovan who portrays Jimmy Cooper, Marissa’s father, in the show. You could also may know him as actor and director from many more projects as MacGyver and The Man in the High Castle.
Tate Donovan Exclusive Interview
How did you approach the challenge of portraying such an complex character like Jimmy Cooper?
Donovan: Well, thanks for saying that. You know, to be honest it wasn’t that much of a challenge. It was the script that was very well written and I sort of liked it from the beginning and I really wanted to get the role. I just really like the cast and at the time that the pilot was being directed by Doug Lyman, who was a very sort of famous director, and I really wanted to work with him. My time doing Jimmy Cooper was not much of a challenge. It was kind of a lot of fun and then I went into directing and learned how to direct, and that was a challenge. That was a real challenge to go from actor to director. That was tough.
How do you think the character you portrayed in The OC has left a lasting impact on popular culture?
Donovan: Well it’s amazing how many people still love the OC and every time I go to Italy I’m always like hey Jimmy Cooper. I mean the Italians really love The OC. It’s fantastic. It’s so great. So I’m so glad that Italians love The OC, because I love Italy. So anytime you guys want me over there, I’m more than happy to come.
How has the character affected your own career and the opportunities that have come your way?
Donovan: That’s a good question. I’m not too sure. All I know is that when I go to Italy, people really love it there. So that’s affected my life, which is great. It’s always fun to have somebody be excited to meet you, you know? It’s really fun.
What can you tease about your next projects?
I am in a movie that’s just came out in US and I think it’s out on Apple TV Plus. So it’s with Ana de Armas and Chris Evans. The movie is called Ghosting. It’s a really fun, fun movie and I play Chris Evans’s dad. Who’s like a farmer, it was a fun part of the movie and it was great to work with the director Dexter Fletcher. Then there’s another movie when I’m in. I think it is coming out around Christmas here in USA. It is called The Leftovers and that’s directed by Alexander Payne, who is one of the great. Paul Giamatti, a great, great actor, is the star of this movie. I have a small part, but it’s a really great movie, great script.
The interview with Tate Donovan has been edited and condensed for lenght and clarity. Watch the full video interview at the top of the article!
You can stream all of the episodes of “The OC” on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
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Desirèe
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