We reported recently on “Job Guys” star Leesa Durst wrapping her shooting for Season 1. We sat down with Leesa on her last day on set to get her thoughts on the show, her costars and coming out of retirement for the role of ‘Janet.’
Q: How would you describe the show?
A: Job Guys is about some truly incompetent but lovable idiots. Dominick and Herman are two wannabe hit men who are looking for their "big break," but are far too unorganized and chaotic to land a professional job. They hire Janet to be their secretary, and before long they've bitten off more than they can chew.
Q. Who do you play?
I play Janet the secretary. Think Annie Potts from “Ghostbusters,” but Janet definitely has more determination and professional motivation. She's had her share of run-ins with thugs and crummy boyfriends, which is why she connects well with these two guys who would love nothing more than to rid the earth of people like that. For a paycheck of course.
Q: How did you get involved in the project?
I've worked with Dave (the writer) a few times before in other projects, and Kevin (who plays Dominick) was one of the first friends I made when I moved to LA over six years ago and we've been able to do projects together before as well. They reached out to me to see if this is something I'd be interested in doing with them, and I said “DUH."
Q: What's it like working with series director (and co-producer) Brook Hubbs?
A: I can't even imagine Brook being angry or mean. He definitely has the hardest job; what with holding a heavy camera, checking script continuity, directing AND editing. But despite all the multitasking, he remained patient, supportive and flexible. He's a damn saint.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about shooting?
A: My favorite part about shooting was getting a chance to goof around with some seriously wonderful and funny people. Towards the end of us shooting, I started to get a little emotional because I was about to move to San Francisco and this was the perfect book-end to my acting career in Los Angeles. I feel so lucky to have gotten to be a part of something really cool and funny right before leaving this strange land of Hollywood.
Q: What are your thoughts about working with Kevin and Brandon? (“Dominick” and “Herman” respectively)
A: Kevin (Caliber) and Brandon (Fisher) are the easiest people to work with ever. Kevin I've known for forever, and it's been cool seeing him become so confident in expressing his ideas and giving helpful feedback. It's not fair that he gets to be a hunk and funny AND smart. So annoying.
Brandon is such an amazing performer, and if you met him after seeing him play Herman you'd see why. He's basically the opposite of Herman, thank God. He's kind, professional, funny and an amazing dad! It was such a pleasure getting to work with him!
A: What’s next for you now that you’ve wrapped Season 1?
My fiancé and I just moved to the Bay Area at the end of February and I'm going to grad school for Social Work! I'm hoping to be working with parolees and ex-convicts on their rehabilitation and re-entry programs, which is ironic since I played Janet, who helps criminals land jobs murdering people. Ain't life funny? Anyway, I hope to continue acting as a hobby because I've loved having it as a creative outlet.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Dave (Beaudrie- show writer and playing “Frank”) was also such a joy to work with, even when he's playing a villain. He's such a hard worker and puts so much love and care into his scripts. He is the best person to collaborate with, because he's generous, encouraging and funny.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Rumors that Beaudrie slipped Durst $50 following this interview have not been proven...)
