When Jason Priestley is mentioned, there’s a few things that come to mind. Well, one thing mostly; Beverly Hills 90210 - the cult teen drama series that launched him, and his co-stars into superstardom in the early 90’s.
The show lasted 10 years - with Jason starring in eight seasons, and then directing and producing for the final two years.
Since then he’s had roles in Tru Calling, 7th Heaven, Without a Trace and My Name is Earl. More recently, he directed a few episodes of the updated 90210.
He’s back on our screens in the Canadian series Call Me Fitz, which can be seen on Tuesdays at 21h00 on DStv's new Sony Max (channel 126).
The half-hour comedy sees Jason star as Richard “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, a morally bankrupt used-car salesman whose consequence-free life is complicated by the arrival of do-gooder Larry (Ernie Grunwald), another salesman who claims he is Fitz's conscience.
Colin: What made you say yes to Call Me Fitz?
Jason: It was the pilot script ... Sheri Elwood had written such a genius show and such a beautifully flawed character in Richard Fitzpatrick, I knew I had to play him.
Colin: What do you think will surprise people the most about the show?
Jason: Just how far we go... Fitz will say and do anything to get what he needs... And that takes us to some pretty crazy places...
Colin: What was your first day with the cast like?
Jason: The first day on the show was exciting... we all couldn't wait to get on the floor and get to work... and every day since has been the same...
Colin: Does the cast of every show automatically bond?
Jason: No they don't... But we all did... I think it's really important... I went to theatre school where you have to learn to trust your fellow cast mates... working on a TV series is no different... trust is incredibly important...
Colin: Which TV show's cast and chemistry are you most impressed with at the moment?
Jason: Aside from my show? Breaking Bad.
Colin: Do you still keep in touch with the cast of 90210?
Jason: The ones I want to, yes...
Colin: What do you think about the update, would you ever return?
Jason: I directed an episode in the first season... I had a good time... It's a good show with a talented cast... but it has nothing to do with the original show... As an actor I would never return..
Colin: What made you want to direct?
Jason: I always wanted to direct... I started directing in the third season of BH90210... I've been directing ever since...
Colin: What did being behind the camera teach you?
Jason: Being behind the camera teaches you perspective...
Colin: What is different about your technique from the first time you directed, to say, the last time?
Jason: My technique is very different now... 18 years and 5 movies and 40 hours of television music videos have made it so...
Colin: Do people still recognize you as Brandon - and how do you feel about it?
Jason: I'm recognized less and less for the character of Brandon... and that's just fine... Brandon Walsh was just one character in a long career of characters for me..
Colin: What would be your ideal role?
Jason: Right now, Fitz is the perfect role for me...
Colin: When was the last time you were star struck?
Jason: I've never been star stuck...
Colin: What about you would surprise even your biggest fans?
Jason: I'm not so sure... but if I've kept it a secret this long, I think I'll continue...
Colin: What is next for you?
Jason: Directing... I'll be directing this spring and summer before we go back to shoot season three of Call Me Fitz.
Ends