Jennifer CooperNBC's drama Deception has no shortage of juicy drama and intriguing storylines, but one other thing it certainly is not skimping on is good-looking leading men!
Wes Brown, who plays the almost too-charming Julian Bowers, and Laz Alonso, who plays FBI agent Will Moreno, are two parts Deception's central love triangle, with the third part being Joanna (Meagan Good). We've already gotten to know their characters, so we thought it was high time we got to know the men behind them! Oh, and we got them to spill some scoop, too! Here are five questions with Wes Brown and Laz Alonoso:
What is your favorite thing about playing your character?
Wes Brown: First, there's no way I could just say there is a definite "one" thing I like most. On a larger scale, just that fact that we're shooting in New York is something I've really enjoyed. Playing this role has offered my family a chance to live and experience the northeast (we lived in Connecticut and New York) and I never thought we'd have that opportunity and we loved it. The fact that I've gotten to be a lead on a show with the caliber cast we have has been tremendous. Going to work and seeing my castmates and this crew has been nothing short of a huge blessing. On a smaller, character scale, there's nothing more enjoyable to get a chance to play someone who is nothing like myself. I know I should be "cooler" about it, but putting on a $10,000 suit, hopping in an Aston Martin and playing a billionaire playboy, it's been pretty fun. I would not do those things if I were a billionaire. But honestly, my favorite part about the character is what we have yet to see.
Why should Joanna be with your character? State your case.
Let me start by saying, I love Laz Alonso! Let me finish by saying, Detective Moreno, you have been Chopped. (I like Food Network; it's a saying) Bottom Line: The heart wants what it wants. It has nothing to do with money. Yes, Will and Joanna have had their fling, but at the end of the day you can't help who you love. But just because you may have a fling, that doesn't mean it's for the right reasons. In fact, it seems the more these two fight it, the more they realize who they want. Each other.
Boom. Case closed, detective.
What's coming up that you're really excited for viewers to see?
My favorite thing about what is coming up with this show is the balloon effect that the story turns into. Yes, right now we want to find Vivian's killer. But there is so much more to this story and this family that we don't even know about yet. There are characters who haven't been shown yet who have an enormous impact onto where this is going. And then there's the ending. Oh, the ending. I have to say…did not see that one coming! Sets up for an unbelievable second season, stay tuned!
Do you have a terrible or embarrassing audition story?
Well, my representation will be reading this so I'll say, none. They've all been perfect and I've booked every job, but, clearly that would be false. The two worst probably were when I went out for Boss, and for whatever reason I just could not remember my damn speech. It was prepared, ready to go, and I felt I left my brain in the car. The other was a really weird deal. When I walked in the room, the casting people and producers were laughing. I walked in, introduced myself, and we began. Everyone stopped laughing except the person I was reading with. She had a smirk on her face and was trying to hold in whatever it was they were joking about prior! The problem, she was in front of everyone and no one could see her but me! I wanted so bad to ask her what was so damn funny, but thought that would be unprofessional so I barreled through it, but it was bad. And weird.
Another is when I auditioned for the Coen brothers. I had to play guitar and sing. I had put the pages, music and words, on my lap. [It was] complicated song. As I was playing I could feel the pages starting to fall. I was praying they'd stay. Nope. Beginning of the last verse, pages fell, and I had to pick them up. Not a huge deal but I felt all coolness drift out the window.
What TV shows are you obsessed with right now?
Sorry for the cliche, but I too am obsessed with Breaking Bad. I also really like Longmire. I used to watch Hawaii Five-O before I realized they were in our time slot! Like I mentioned earlier too, I love Food Network. Love the show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Being from Louisiana and a big outdoorsman, I'm a big fan of Duck Dynasty as well.
What is your favorite thing about playing your character?
Laz Alonso: I get to play a man in love who is fighting to save a relationship while keeping his eyes on the prize. When you are really in love, you become vulnerable and insecurities come out of nowhere. These real human emotions that everyone, at one time or another, experiences are much more fun to play on screen than going through it in real life. Been there, done that!
Why should Joanna be with your character? State your case.
Will truly loves Joanna. They experienced a true, healthy, functional romance not influenced by anything external or materialistic; never tainted by all the baggage that comes with the Bowers and their dysfunction. The love Will and Joanna have is all heart, passion, and a deep connection which blossomed from friendship; the type of organic love that Julian has to woo and charm her to get her attention and keep it. What she has with Will is effortless—its real.
What's coming up that you're really excited for viewers to see?
I'm really excited for the viewers to see new cast members in the next few episodes—cast members that add even more mystery and craziness to the story. Not only are the Bowers insane, but the people they associate with are just as nutty and corrupt.
Do you have a terrible or embarrassing audition story?
Last May I ripped my pants during an audition but I stayed in character and finished. They continued to rip until I was left with only one leg clothed and the other with just a shoe, a sock, and boxers. I didn't get the part, but shared a great laugh with the director!
What TV shows are you obsessed with right now?
I love HGTV. I love working on my house and have really been bit by the "luxury remodeling" bug. Million Dollar Rooms, Million Dollar Listing…any show that can give me design inspiration, I soak it in and try my hand at it. Home Depot is my second home!
(E! and NBC are part of the NBCUniversal family.)