RedZone: Your character, Tuc, has really gone through a lot on the show. How do you feel about his development?

Tuc Watkins: Malcolm is a very issues-oriented character. He has come out of the closet, he was slapped with a sexual harassment suit, he deals with network politics on an executive level, etc. But I like the fact that it is all dealt with, with a sense of humor. Normally, intense issues like these are handled with a heavy hand. We go the comedy route — which is much more fun to play and for an audience to watch.

RZ: Now that you've been on the other side of the casting desk, would you ever have any interest in the development side of the business or does the crazy, cutthroat environment scare you?

TW: Beggars does show the underbelly of the industry but with such a sense of humor that it wouldn't scare me off. I've actually had a little experience in development (in real life) and it's not nearly as funny as it is on the show. I think down the road for myself, there may be more ambition in that area. Once you get involved in any business you have the tendency to want to take on more responsibility, try a different arm of the same machine. I've got a screenplay up my sleeve. I'm saving my nickels and one day maybe I'll be able to branch out.

RZ: Do you get feedback from your colleagues about the authenticity of LGT Network and Malcolm?

TW: My friends are mostly actors or are not in the business, at least not executives. But when I do meet network execs at dinner parties or through other projects, I do hear their opinions. Of course every casting director thinks I am playing them, and I go along with it. "Yeah you're the prototype," I say. They think they are infused into the show. There are also quite a few network brass who think it is based on something or someone. Lilly Tartikoff (the executive producer) and Peter Lefcourt (the writer) get more of an earful than I do.

RZ: The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) cited your character as an exemplary role model because he is depicted in real-life everyday situations, both personal and professional. They lauded the fact that he is not defined just by what he does in bed. Do you feel Malcolm is a strong role model for young people?

TW: Malcolm's got a good head on his shoulders and knows right from wrong. He is a role model in that he had a catalyst - when he was confronted and outed on the fictitious news show, it really turned his life around in a very positive way. We're all afraid of the great unknown until it finds us. Malcolm found it is OK to be yourself — and in a professional capacity — whether you're white, black, straight or gay. If you're good at your job, you're good at your job. So yeah, he's a good role model!

RZ: There have been some great cameos on the show. Anyone you were really excited about meeting?

TW: When Bea Arthur was going to be on the show, everyone was excited and a bit intimidated. Anyone who you think is funnier, and wiser than you, could be a little intimidating.

RZ: Do you enjoy doing comedy?

TW: Actually my soap work was sort of comedic. I would try and see how far over-the-top I could go without anyone noticing. I got away with it. I think I do prefer comedy. It is more fun to go to work and be funny.

RZ: How does episodic television compare to the grind of soap work? Are you appreciative of the time off to do other projects or just relax?

TW: I actually never found soap work to be a grind. You work 2-4 days a week. It cracks me up when soap actors say "I had to do 35 pages of dialogue today." Well, the pages are double-spaced and on one half of the page! Episodic is different in that you do less scenes in a day, but you do each scene more times, so it becomes taxing because it's hard to keep it fresh — I would prefer to do it fewer times. It is great that with episodic series you get 3-4 months off — it's sort of like being back in grade school. You get three months off to do what you want. This past year I worked on a Disney movie and an NYPD BLUE episode. But I also got to run around on the beaches of Hawaii!

RZ: What do you consider your big break?

TW: Several years ago I did an infomercial for a piece of exercise equipment (Gravity Edge) in which I played a motorcross dude. When people say 'you're that guy from that thing,' I know exactly what they're talking about. The script was actually sort of interesting; the story was kind of clever. I took a chance on it because I thought I could put a spin on it and do something that was never seen in that arena before. It worked out pretty well and I'm pretty sure it led to me getting ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

RZ: You have been working pretty steady since. Are you pleased with the way your career has evolved? Do you feel lucky?

TW: Yes and yes. I've been an actor for ten years, in both NY and LA. I continue to work on stage, in film and on TV. I'm lucky enough to play a lot of different kinds of roles without being identified with one particular role — a lot of actors get concerned with that. I'm having the good fortune to consistently work but not having to be exclusively identified with my most recent project. I don't have to rationalize how miserable I am being a movie star. I can be a normal person.

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