Don Johnson interview
Miami Vice star Don Johnson has flown over to the UK to play company boss Kenny West in Sick Note...
What drew you to Sick Note?
It always starts with the writing, and I believe Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz have done a great job with Sick Note. And the part was just too juicy to turn down.
How would you describe the series?
A wacky, in-your-face, next generation of English comedy.
This is your first British comedy. Are you a fan of British television and comedy? Any favourites?
I wouldn't say I'm a devotee of English comedies, per se, but of course I am a big fan of the staples like Monty Python, Absolutely Fabulous and others that I cannot recall. But I'm a fan of English television in general.
How was your time filming in London?
I love filming in London, although I must say that, this time, I shot pretty much the entirety of Sick Note jet-lagged... Hope I'm funny!
What are the major differences between filming a US show and a UK show?
I wouldn't say that there are major differences. It's more subtle interchangeable terms. Instead of "roll it" it's "turning over". And there's a lot more tea.
Tell us a bit about Kenny...
Kenny is an amoral modern-day CEO who I patterned after the likes of Donald Trump junior and senior, but I had a wealth of amoral CEOs to draw from.
Were there any scenes that were a highlight for you?
There were many that were just joyous to play because of the larger-than-life nature of Kenny. One that sticks out is in the conference where he is extoling the virtues of the late John Holmes, the porn star.
Or even costumes? That zebra print suit is quite something!
I think we may have gotten the idea for it, the costume designer and I, from a photo of Donald Trump Jr.
We hear little snippets of what Kenny's home life might be like, certainly about his hobbies and interests such as big game hunting. What do you imagine Kenny's home to be like?
I absolutely abhor big game hunting. I think it's a crime and there should be a special court to try all these bozos. As far as Kenny's home, I would imagine that it's a super swanky bachelor sex pad, with suggestive erotic art everywhere. Even the ashtrays.
Why do you think he ended up working in the UK in the insurance field?
Kenny is cut from the mould of the modern-day corporate raider. He saw an opportunity to take advantage of the system in the UK, the NHS, and he pounced on it.
How would you characterise the relationship between Kenny and Daniel?
Mutually beneficial. Kenny doesn't give a damn about Daniel, except what it can mean to Kenny's bottom line, but it makes for great comedy.
What's it been like working with Rupert Grint and Nick Frost?
I loved working with them. Nick is a gifted comedic actor who can make me laugh with "hello". And Rupert pulls off the role of Daniel with pathos and at the same time with extraordinary comedy chops.