Photo by Akeem Biggs
We interviewed Evan last year and he shared the tea on TNT’s “Claws.” We are speaking with him, again, to discuss the latest developments. Check out this fun interview with Evan below.
Hi, Evan! Thank you for granting the second interview to discuss “Claws.” Wow! The claws are out on this series! Great script and cast. You’ve appeared in 15 episodes, thus far. What scene has been your favorite to play so far?
Thanks so much for having me back and for the kind words! I really loved the stuff I got to do this season, but I think if I had to choose, my favorite scene to film was the water ballet scene in season one episode four. I had a ton of fun those days and got to experience something I knew nothing about.
“Claws” is well-received by the fans. In your opinion, what do you think is making this show a hit?
I think what really makes the show unique is the tone. It’s a sometimes shocking balance between dark drama and broad comedy that I think fans aren’t used to seeing. I also think we have one of the most diverse casts on TV right now, which is amazing to be a part of. “Claws” have diversity in front of and behind the camera and I think viewers really crave that.
What should the audience expect in upcoming episodes?
The new Russian crime boss, Zlata, is really taking over. The power dynamics that were present in the first season are changing greatly in season two. I think fans are going to really enjoy seeing Desna lean into the crime boss role.
Toby is an awesome character! Tell us about the experience
It’s really been a life-changing experience for me. This being my first professional acting job, I pretty much learned as I went. I feel so lucky not only for the job but for the amazing support I’ve had from my cast mates and our creator Eliot Laurence. Playing Toby has been amazing. I’ve gotten a great response from the role, especially from young gender non-conforming folks.
You enjoy representing the LGBTQ+ community on “Claws.” Which has been your biggest inspiration, thus far?
I think it’s extremely important for the LGBTQ+ community to be positively represented in film and TV. The more inclusive our writers’ rooms, network/studio executives, and directors become, the more accurate and dynamic all minority stories will be. I get inspiration from talented actors and great writers. I’m lucky to work on a show with just that. Queer people, people of color, ultimately any and all minorities haven’t been allowed the access to high-level positions in this industry, in front of and behind the camera, so to see that start to change and to be part of a show that adds to that progression gives me a lot of inspiration and hope.
How important is it for an artist to expand their portfolio by playing the roles that resonate with them?
I think it’s definitely important as an actor to play roles that really resonate with you, but I think as far as expanding your portfolio it is more important to play characters that scare you or that you have a more difficult time relating to. In my opinion, the most talented actors are those who we consider to really be able to change themselves with each role. I want to play people that have lives I have no connection to because that’s how you learn the most about the greater human experience. I also want to play characters that I feel as though I really relate to and have a strong point of view with.
We’re seeing more roles that represent the LGBTQ+ community. If you could choose to tell, what what would it be and why?
I would love to play a character that’s a gay actor in the early days of Hollywood. I think the whole concept of Lavender marriages and other devices the studios would use to keep contracted actors “in the closet” is horrific and interesting. I always wonder what it must have been like for LGBTQ+ actors in that time. I think there could be many parallels drawn from what was going on then and to the residual homophobic and especially transphobic behaviors that still affect our industry today. We pride ourselves as an industry for being progressive, yet, we still have insanely talented trans actors who are only considered for trans roles, yet, it’s acceptable for cis actors to play any and every kind of person. I think that can only be true if we have equal opportunity for performers who have been and continue to be dismissed.
Thus far, what has been the best experience playing Toby?
For me, the best experience playing Toby has been all the time in-between action and cut. Ultimately, I’m an actor because I really enjoy acting. Playing Toby has started my professional career and has opened me up to a lot of great opportunities in the industry.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
Other than recently wrapping season two of “Claws”, I’m just enjoying some time off and always looking for my next gig!
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
A mini-series opposite Jessica Chastain directed by Yorgos Lanthimos because she’s my favorite actor and he’s one of my favorite filmmakers. Also, because the miniseries is my favorite medium. That’s very specific, but really I just want to continue to work consistently and work with really great actors and filmmakers.
Connect with Evan:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/evandaigle1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evandaigle/
View the previous interview with Evan.
Featured Image Credit: Akeem Biggs.
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