Jason plays Officer Herrmann in “Orange Is The New Black.” His powerful performance is a must-see. We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with him. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Jason! Thank you for granting the interview. Congrats on your role as Officer Herrmann in “Orange Is The New Black,” a Netflix production. What should the audience expect from your character?
They can expect him playing a key role as a villainous antagonist this season. He plays a key role in how the inmates are affected by the fallout of their riot.
Tell us about Herrmann. Who is he? What is his personality like?
Herrmann is a badass, die-hard blue-blood. He is a dirty cop.
What role does Herrmann play in the show?
He plays the a-hole leader of the CERT team of officers that stormed into Litchfield in the season 5 finale.
Is it a challenge to play Herrmann? Did you have to pull from experience?
I think it is a fun challenge. I didn’t pull from experience as I have no law enforcement experience. I only relied on acting technique.
How did you get the role?
I auditioned for a smaller role on the season 5 finale and they called me back to read for the larger guest star role of Herrmann. I was offered the role that day. It wasn’t written originally as a recurring character but I am certainly happy they kept having me come back.
How does your role bring something new to the series?
I think the role brings a villain that affects these characters in an extreme way from outside their prison environment.
What is going to surprise people about Herrmann?
The consequences of his actions have a long-lasting effect on the series.
Without giving too much away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue and why?
From the season 5 finale- I say “pepper bullets up!” And smack my inferior officer in his head while saying it. It’s such a key line to what happens this season.
When looking back on the start of production, what resonates with you the most and why?
Well, it was such a huge experience in my life because it was the most responsibility I had as an actor to date with this role.
In your opinion, what makes Netflix Original content outstanding?
Netflix has so many great original series and films and it gives so many options to everyone throughout the whole world. Plus now they are adding the greatest talent of writers, showrunners, and Actors to their ‘stable’.
You appear in a lot of crime-related series. Is their role you would love to play that you want to sink your teeth in. If you say a vampire, no pun was intended! [lol]
I just want to act in projects that people will remember for a long while after they watch. The kind of stuff that gives the viewers goosebumps when they think of it.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the series or any other upcoming projects?
I think the artistic vision that Jenji Kohan shares with us in the first ten minutes of episode 1 will say it all. What a beautifully artistic start to a season! There are dance and music and pop culture all mixed into a great intro! As far as other projects, I am just waiting to hear if I will be back for season 7 of OITNB to hopefully wrap up my arc and few others things I can’t talk about it yet.
Featured Image Credit: Charley Miller.
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