5 QUESTIONS WITH PATRICK FAUCETTE

 

by Ryan Meehan

Patrick Faucette is a talented actor, who can currently be seen in OWN’s highest rated drama “The Haves and the Have Nots.” Written and directed by Tyler Perry; Patrick plays the role of Tony Watson, the long lost father of Benny Young (Tyler Lepley). His character creates quite a stir in the lives of the “have nots” with his renewed interest in the life of his son. Originally from Willingboro, New Jersey, performing has always been in the forefront of Patrick’s interests. He began his career with his first love: music, playing the bass guitar in several bands before graduating from Cinnaminson High School. Patrick also loved to perform on the field; he is a talented athlete and attended Boston University on a football scholarship where he majored in Physical Therapy. After graduating from college, Patrick moved to San Francisco and quickly was employed as a Physical Therapist. Under the influence of his roommates, and the love of performing, Patrick soon began his acting career in local theaters, commercials and print advertisements. He loved the idea of bringing characters to life and decided to move to Los Angeles to seriously pursue his new passion. Since then, Patrick has acquired notable film and television credits like: “Walk Hard”, “Teenage Bank Heist”, “The Office,” “Southland,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “Cougar Town.” And he is our guest today in 5 questions.

RM: When did you start acting? What was it about the performing arts that interested you so much in the beginning? How do you continue to maintain that passion today?

PF: I first started acting after college in San Francisco. I started out as a musician when I was a kid – I play the Bass Guitar. My mother is a music teacher so, growing up we all had to play an instrument. I played in a lot of bands in junior high and high school, but when I went to college I stopped playing as much because I was playing football. I went to Boston University on a football scholarship. After college I moved to San Francisco with some friends from college who were actors. One of them convinced me to do a play and I was hooked. I fell in love with the whole process of building a character and becoming someone else. I still feel that excitement every time I work on a character for an audition, even if it’s for a small role that’s not very developed. I developed it myself in my own mind. That’s how I keep the passion going. It’s all in the process.

RM: Could you tell us a little bit about “The Haves and the Have Nots”? What is your character Tony Watson like? Are there any glaring similarities and differences between yourself and the character?

PF: “The Haves and the Have Nots” follows the lives of the rich Cryer family and their not so rich maid Hanna Young (Crystol Fox), and her family. I play Tony Watson who is the father of Hanna Young’s son Benny Young (Tyler Lepley). I ran out on Hanna when she was pregnant with Benny so he never knew who his father was. Tony Watson is a bit of a mystery man. His wife has recently died and now he wants to reunite with his son and possibly Hanna. The biggest similarity between myself and Tony Watson is that we are both parents. We both want what’s best for our children. The difference is Tony is just starting to try to be a part of his sons life. Better late than never.

RM: The show is produced by Tyler Perry and airs on the Oprah Winfrey Network…How involved are those two individuals when it comes to the production of the show itself? What is your relationship with them like?

PF: Well if Tyler Perry has his name on it, then you can bet he’s very involved. Tyler Perry not only produces it, but he also writes and directs the show as well. He is a very hands-on director. From the lighting to the camera angles, Tyler Perry is on it. He’s a bit of a perfectionist. That said, he’s also very confident in his actors. I originally was supposed to be in one episode as a blind date Benny set up for Hanna. After our first scene Mr. Perry changed the ending of the scene and made me Benny’s father. It was like a dream come true. I’m not sure how involved Oprah is, but since it’s on her network, I’m pretty sure she had her input. I haven’t met Oprah yet but I’m hoping I will when we start shooting again.

RM: What is the one thing in the entertainment industry that you would really like to do but haven’t had the opportunity to do yet? Do you think that you will get the chance to do that within the next ten years?

PF: I would love to star in an action film and play one of those ordinary people put in extraordinary situations and have to save the world a la Will Smith. I think in the next ten years I’ll get a chance to do it, God willing.

RM: What’s up next for you in the remainder of 2013 and the beginning of 2014? Anything big in the works that we should know about?

PF: Well I just finished shooting an episode of “Back in the Game”. It’s a new show that will come out this fall staring James Caan. Other than that I’ve been really excited about going back to Atlanta to shoot more episodes of “The Haves and the Have Nots”! If people want to stay up to date on what’s going on in my career, they can follow me at any of the links below.

The Haves and the Have Nots on OWN: http://www.oprah.com/own-the-haves-and-the-have-nots/the-haves-and-the-have-nots.html

Patrick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrickfaucette

Patrick on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PatrickFaucetteActor

Once again thanks for stopping by First Order Historians and enjoying more of the internet’s finest in user generated content.

Meehan