George Newbern is an American television, film, and voice actor with an extensive resume to his name.
He is perhaps most recognised for his role in the 1991 movie, Father of the Bride, however, he has starred in numerous films and TV shows including Friends, Designing Women and Saw VI. George is also a voice actor, best known for voicing Superman in the Justice League series.
Since 2012, George has been starring as TV’s most lovable assassin Charlie in Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal. Whilst he was initially drafted in for one episode, he has since been a popular recurring character, starring in over 40 episodes.
We recently had the chance to shoot over some questions to George about Scandal, working with Shonda Rhimes and roles that got away. Check out what he had to say below.
The sixth season of Scandal recently kicked off, with your character Charlie returning once again to wreak havoc. What can we expect from him this time around?
He’s been bumped up to working in OPA now helping with the day to day.
What attracted you to take on the role of Charlie?
Great character…. lots of layers to this killer.
You were initially only cast for one episode, yet you’ve been a recurring character for over 40 episodes now. Why do you think people enjoy your character so much?
Maybe because he’s so oblivious to how he comes across… there’s a tweaked kind of naïveté to him.
What’s been your favourite Charlie moment so far?
A knock down drag out fight with Quinn, after which we talk about my grandmother dying.
Charlie is a bit of a crazy guy to say the least. You’re a nice guy so how do you psych yourself up to play such a character?
How do you know I’m so nice? ;). I just show up and say the great words I’m given… really.
Scandal is the latest Shonda Rhimes show that you’ve appeared in. What is it about working with Shonda that you love so much?
She trusts actors…and is a loyal person. Can’t say enough about those qualities!
Aside from Scandal, you’re best known for starring in Father of the Bride. The two roles couldn’t be any more different! Which do you think you get recognised more for?
It depends on where I am… airports, always Father Of The Bride. Restaurants, Scandal.
Your resume is so extensive – can you pinpoint a favourite role from over the years?
Aside from loving playing Charlie, I played a stockbroker in Bull for TNT— a gas.
Are there any roles that got away? Something you wanted to appear in but didn’t get the part?
I screen-tested for Back to the Future when I was in college… down to the very end… and lost out. That one hurt!
You’re also a voice actor, best known for being the voice of Superman. What do you love most about voice acting?
The camaraderie…. and creativity.
How do you find the voice acting process in comparison to on screen acting?
Completely different… VO process is more technical… a little more overt craft involved.
What does 2017 have in store for you?
I think a cool directing gig:)
Thanks to George for his time. Scandal is on ABC on Thursdays 9|8c.
Keep up to date with him on Twitter and Instagram.