I had a chance to talk with Scott last week about his work on the series and his desire to better the lives of children all over America. On January 22 (2005), he and two-time Olympic medalist Picabo Street will host a celebrity ski challenge at the Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah. All proceeds from the event will benefit National Children's Alliance and the Children's Advocacy Center Programs. The main reason Scott likes being on a hit series is that he gets to use his celebrity status as a way to help kids who need assistance the most. That's why he definitely deserves his time in the spotlight.

"Gilmore Girls" fans will be able to find their favorite show on more than one network this year. ABC Family will start broadcasting the first season on Monday, October 4, in the 5:00 PM time period on weekdays. Scott and the rest of the cast will also be featured during a "Backstage Special" that will debut on ABC Family Sunday, October 3 at 8:00 PM. Men who think that the show is nothing more than a series of mini chick flicks should tune in to find out why they are so wrong.


TB: What was your experience with The Actors Studio?

Scott: I am not a member. I auditioned twice. Didn't get in, but they did ask me to become an observer, which is the next step to becoming a member. What that afforded me was the chance to sit in on the twice weekly sessions. They had an acting session -- I believe it was on a Monday or a Tuesday -- and then on a Thursday there was the director's unit that was usually moderated by Arthur Penn. I found it equally, if not more fascinating, than the acting unit.
I was also allowed to audition for and actually became involved with several productions that the Actors Studio was putting on. They have a real professional theater there. I just got very lucky. I don't know why they allowed me to do it, but I certainly wasn't going to question their decision.

TB: The fact that you even got in their front door speaks a lot for your talent level.

Scott: I started late in life. I was more interested in writing. I had actually written a play in high school. I was more interested in directing and writing during those years than I was in acting. I was too shy, too withdrawn to ever consider getting out in front of people and acting scenes out. I did eventually get into an acting class and found it to be quite interesting. I gave it six months and thought if I had the talent for it I would stick with it. I found out that indeed I was actually falling in love with it and couldn't consider doing anything else.

TB: You're terrific as Luke in "Gilmore Girls."

Scott: Thank you very much. I feel very privileged to be able to play that role. Amy Sherman came into my life and completely transformed it with this character. All kudos to her.

TB: You're the reason I watch the show because your character would be fun to hang out with at a ball game or pool hall.

Scott: I've been getting that the last couple of years. Guys have been coming up to me and saying, "you know, it's really not my kind of show. My wife and my daughter got me into watching it. Initially, I was sort of reluctant, but now the only reason I watch it is because of Luke. He's the only character on television that doesn't take crap from anybody."

TB: You don't take it and you don't seem to really care about what they think about the way you dress.

Scott: He's definitely the king of his castle, if you want to call it a castle. He's the king of his hut.

TB: Do you think Luke's upcoming romance with Lorelai will force Luke to change.

Scott: I really look at it as an opportunity to show a different side of the character and that is always refreshing. I've been playing him for four years now. This is the fifth year and now there are some situations where it would be inappropriate to be so rough. Luke has to display some compassion. He has to display more patience. The challenge is to not lose the thread of the character, which is a little bit of a balancing act, but it's not too tough. I think I can pull it off.

TB: When Luke and Lorelai met in season one, it was easy to sense the chemistry between the two characters.

Scott: The pilot script began with Luke's diner and ended with Luke's diner. I was not originally a series regular. They hired me just to be in the pilot. I think they were just wondering how the chemistry would be between Laura and I. They came back for more episodes. Then it sort of grew into this regular series thing very quickly. I don't know if a lot of people know that, but I was not originally a series regular.

TB: Do you get to write much anymore?

Scott: No. I don't really do any writing anymore, I don't have time. I'm trying to get some things off the ground as a producer. I'm also working on a charity ski event in Park City in January with Picabo Street. It's The National Children's Alliance. It's for sexually abused children. I also work with the Make a Wish Foundation. I did a fund raiser for Cystic Fibrosis in Colorado last year. We did great with that. I really enjoy the charity work. I'm always eager to try to help out because I think it's the best use of celebrity.

TB: Can you tell me more about the ski event.

Scott: It will take place on January 22nd and January 23rd in Park City, Utah. We are currently seeking corporate sponsorship. Right now we're negotiating with ESPN to televise it. We're trying to get as many celebrities on board as we can. The WB is going to help us out. We'll just see what happens. We'll either have a big deal event or we'll have a smaller event that raises a little bit of money. Either way, it's all good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm also trying to raise money for the new Children's Hospital at Johns Hopkins University. My brother-in-law is head of pediatrics there. He's trying to raise $100 million to build a new Children's Hospital. He has about $65 million.
I'm beginning to see the point in being a celebrity, however small a celebrity I am.

TB: I appreciate the great work you're doing for children. They need it.

Scott: They sure do. Well, you hang in there man.

TB: Thanks, you too.

Scott: All my best to you and yours and take care, Tony.


Source: tv-now.com