Exclusive: Colin Fickes on Playing Jimmy Edwards, One Tree Hill’s School Shooter

30 08 2009

Colin Fickes made teen drama history when he starred on One Tree Hill as Jimmy Edwards, a high school outcast turned school shooter.  The storyline remains one of the most-loved by critics and fans alike, giving Colin one of his career highlights.

Colin was kind enough to provide an inside look at the making of “With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept,” the 16th episode of One Tree Hill’s third season.

TeenDramaWhore: Years before you started on One Tree Hill, you appeared on two episodes of Dawson’s Creek (Episode 2.3, Alternative Lifestyles and Episode 2.9, The Election).  How did that come about?

Colin Fickes: First off, thank you for taking the time to interview me!  I grew up in Raleigh, NC doing community theater and I’d audition for projects that came through NC.  I had a wonderful agent in Raleigh who would submit young actors in the area for various TV and film projects. They were seeing people in LA and NC for the role of Kenny Reiling, and I was lucky enough to get to audition and subsequently land the part.

TDW: On One Tree Hill, you were introduced in the first few episodes and then were off-canvas until season three in 2006.  What was your reaction when you found out a) they were bringing you back and b) what the storyline was?

Fickes: I was completely shocked when I found out that Mark Schwahn wanted to reintroduce the character of Jimmy Edwards.  I remember getting called into his office on the Warner Brothers lot, having no clue what the meeting would entail.  He pitched me his brilliant idea, and I immediately said yes.  I knew that it would be a tough few weeks of preparation and filming, but I was up for the challenge.  I enjoy playing interesting character roles, and where he wanted to go with Jimmy Edwards was exactly where I wanted to be.

TDW: Was it difficult filming such an emotional storyline and/or difficult to keep it all a secret?

Fickes: It was definitely a challenge to go to those dark places and stay true to the character.  There are places inside of yourself you have to explore, and they aren’t necessarily pretty places.   The fact that there are people who feel the way Jimmy must of felt made me strive to be as authentic and honest as possible.  My hope was that if people could see themselves mirrored in the character, they would also see the hope and optimism in there too. That they could see they weren’t alone and that it would, or could, all be okay. The fact that I had pretty much locked myself away for those weeks leading up to filming, I really didn’t have time to worry about keeping the story line a secret.  The twist didn’t really have anything to do with my character and his circumstances, so I didn’t really focus on that part.

TDW: Allison Scagliotti (Abby) told me that you guys didn’t know the ending until it was nearly time to shoot it.  How did you react when you found out your character’s fate?

Fickes: I knew my characters fate from the get go.  What we didn’t know was that Dan [Paul Johansson] would show up and shoot Keith [Craig Sheffer].  I think I was too busy learning lines and finding character to worry too much about the twist.  It was pretty shocking though, yeah?

TDW: How does it feel to know your character was the key to so many critical storylines that followed and still occur?

Fickes: To know that Jimmy Edwards life wasn’t in vain and that he affected so many people, hopefully for the better, is a good thing.  I think it’s indicative of real life.  People can come into our lives and shape our courses, even if it is only for a brief amount of time

TDW: What kind of response did you get when the episode aired?

Fickes: The response has been incredibly heartfelt.  When people take the time to write letters, or stop me on the street to tell me how that episode affected them, it truly moves me.  It makes it seem all worth it.  I think that’s why we make art.  To connect and feel.

TDW: Are you still recognized for the role?

Fickes: I am.

TDW: Do you keep in touch with any of the cast?

Fickes: I don’t really.  Not as much as I’d like to anyway.  Had dinner with Hilarie [Burton, Peyton] and some mutual friends a year or so ago, and talk to Lee [Norris, Mouth] every now and then, but that’s about it.

TDW: What projects are you currently working on?

Fickes: At the moment I’m developing a screenplay and a short film with a friend of mine.  Had an independent film called “The New Twenty” come out on DVD and VOD not too long ago.  Trying to keep the dream alive.

For more on One Tree Hill’s school shooting storyline,

check out my interviews with Lee Norris and Allison Scagliotti.

Come back next Sunday for another exclusive interview!


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Categories : Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill

Exclusive: Lee Norris Looks Back on One Tree Hill’s Six Seasons

9 08 2009

Lee Norris first worked his way into the hearts of young viewers as Stewart Minkus on the ABC hit Boy Meets World.  Exactly 10 years after BMW’s debut, Norris took on the role of Marvin “Mouth” McFadden on One Tree Hill.  Nearly six years later, Norris is still going strong as OTH goes into its seventh season.

In an exclusive interview for TDW, Norris reflected on his favorite storylines,  traveling for the show and who he wants to be Mrs. McFadden…

TeenDramaWhore: I recently rewatched the early season 1 episodes of One Tree Hill and it was amazing to see Mouth’s origins compared to where he is now.  He had such a small role in the beginning.  Did you have any idea how the role and character would evolve?

Lee Norris: I really had no idea.  During the pilot and Season 1, I was still a full-time college student at Wake Forest University.  I would get these scripts Fed-Ex’d to my dorm room and each time I got one delivered, it was a surprise.  I wasn’t under any sort of contract at that point, so I never knew how many episodes I’d be involved in.

I had a few conversations with Mark Schwahn, our creator, and he told me that he really believed in the character and thought it added an interesting element to the show.  I think the big turning point was when Mouth did the cheerleading routine in the first season [ed. note: Episode 1.17, Spirit in the Night].  It was so quirky and different and it got a great response from the fans… and then Mark started building the character from there.  I was so grateful that there were fans out there who identified with Mouth — girls and guys — that were the kids in high school who floated between all the different social cliques.  To be made a series regular was really rewarding for me, but also felt very natural since my character had been there since the Pilot episode.  So no, I had no idea what was in store for me, but I’ve been extremely grateful.

TDW: Do you and Mouth share any similarities?  Do you have any interest in sports or journalism?

Norris: Sure, we have some similarities.  He’s kind of spontaneous in that “Baby Got Back”-at-karaoke-night kind of way, haha, [ed. note: Episode 2.5, I Will Dare] and I like to have fun like that.  Don’t be looking for me at karaoke joints, but I do like to have fun.  I think he is a fiercely loyal friend, and that’s something I try to mirror in my life.  But he’s also done some really dumb things relationship wise, haha, so I’d like to think we’re not similar in that respect.

I love sports… when I auditioned for the role, I wore my Wake Forest basketball t-shirt to the audition, and Mark gave me a little grief because he went to Maryland (an ACC rival).  And in terms of journalism, I was an English major in school and I wrote for the school newspaper in high-school, so that’s sort of a natural fit as well.

TDW: Do you have a favorite episode, storyline or scene?

Norris: My favorite episode is still the school shooting episode [ed. note: Episode 3.16, With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept] .  But I also love any of the scenes where it’s basically the whole cast together.  When you get all of us in the same scene, it’s crazy!  Usually it involves a late night of shooting and everyone gets kind of loopy, and those are the most fun.  I also liked the storyline dealing with Mouth’s grandpa [ed. note: Episode 3.7, Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends].  It was nice to see someone in his family, and I also got to interact with Hilarie [Burton, Peyton] in that storyline and we had never gotten to do much together before.

TDW: I recently interviewed Allison Scagliotti (Abby) about the school shooting storyline, which is a fan favorite.  What do you remember from the filming of those episodes?  How did you initially react when you found out about the storyline?

Norris: As I said, that is my favorite episode.  When I heard about it, I just thought it was really smart.  Mark took this old character in Jimmy Edwards [Colin Fickes], who hadn’t been around in seasons, and used his re-emergence to tell this amazingly powerful story about life in high-school as an outsider.  It was really controversial and he had to fight really hard to get the episode made, but it was definitely worth it.  All of the actors and crew put in the longest hours on that episode and everyone really stepped up their game.

Those of us who were locked in the tutor center would file into this little room day after day and film these emotionally draining scenes, and I remember doing this part where Mouth sort of breaks down.  And I was really drained afterwards and [Bethany Joy Galeotti, Haley] looked at me and gave me some really encouraging words.  Little things like that stick in my memory.  This is random, but I remember listening to “Fix You,” by Coldplay the whole time I filmed that episode.  I’m really proud of the work we did, and I think it really set us apart from some other teen shows in that it had a lot of heart.

TDW: Do you have a favorite memory from the set?

Norris: It’s tough to pick just one after 6 1/2 years.  Two of my favorite memories involve episodes where the entire company traveled.  Early on we went to Myrtle Beach to film, and more recently we went to Honey Grove, Texas.  On the Myrtle Beach trip, we were all staying in the same hotel and it was like summer camp.  We all snuck down to the pool after hours and went swimming, so that was pretty fun.

And then in Texas, we got to watch an episode of the show with the kids who won the contest to bring our show to their town.  We literally sat in one of their living rooms and watched an episode with them, and it was so surreal to see them look at the TV screen and then look at us sitting in the room with them.  During certain parts of the episode, they would cry, laugh, etc., and it was just awesome to see our little show affect people that we had never even met before.

TDW: Mouth has had several relationships on the show but also very strong friendships with Brooke (Sophia Bush) and Rachel (Danneel Harris).  Why do you think that is?

Norris: I honestly don’t know why he’s had so many relationships.  As an actor, it’s not really my place to question the storylines, though.  Our writers have gotten us to 7 seasons, so I trust them even if I don’t always understand something.  Mouth was never a jock or a pretty-boy, so-to-speak, so it’s not surprising that his romantic aspirations with Brooke and Rachel didn’t really pan out.  But I think he had good friendships with them because he truly liked them as people, and not just because of how ‘hot’ they were.

TDW: Mouth and Millicent have hit several bumps in their relationship, whether it be Gigi, Owen or job opportunities.  Do you think they’ll last?  Do you want them to?

Norris: I think they will last, and I’d be happy to see that.  Lisa Goldstein, who plays Millie, is so awesome and we have the best time working together.  We both went to school in North Carolina and we have a lot of similar interests, so it’s very easy chemistry with her.  Gigi and Owen are just two obstacles that they had to overcome.  I think any great relationship that is worthwhile will always be tested.

TDW: What was your reaction when you found out they were bringing Gigi back?

Norris: On a personal level, Kelsey Chow who plays Gigi is the sweetest girl, so I was happy to work with her again.  On the storyline side, again, it’s not really important what I think.  No matter what I’m given to do, I just try and commit to it and make the most out of it.  There are people out there who passionately love my character and those who can’t stand him.  You’re never going to make everyone happy, but for those out there who watch our show with an open mind, and for those who identify with my character, they are the reasons that I work so hard.  I’m so grateful for my job and my fans, and they deserve nothing but the absolute best from me, no matter how I might feel about a particular storyline.

TDW: In season 5, the show jumped ahead four years and now there will be another jump.  Where do you think Mouth will be in another 5 years?

Norris: At the end of last season, Mouth made it pretty clear that he was happy with his job and with his girl, so hopefully he’ll still be involved with both in 5 years, although it might be nice if Millie was Mrs. McFadden at that point!

TDW: What can you tell us about the upcoming season and your storylines?  Will you be a regular and on for the whole season?

Norris: Yes, I’m signed on for this season.  I mentioned in another interview that I had to do some naked scenes, and the interviewer incorrectly assumed that it meant love scenes between me and Millie [ed. note: I think he’s referring to this]. My naked stuff is actually funny stuff, not romantic.  I read a comment from a girl who is apparently horrified about seeing me partially naked; that made me laugh!  I love how passionate our fans are.  Don’t worry girls, if I’m not your cup of tea there will be plenty of nakedness from the other guys on the show.  But on a more serious note, I really like where Mouth is headed this year.  Nothing is drastically different, but he’s going to face some tough dilemmas where he has to choose between his career and personal life.  And Millie has a really interesting arc this season, so we’ll see how Mouth deals with that.

TDW: Which role are you recognized for more: Mouth or Stewart Minkus on Boy Meets World?

Norris: It used to be Minkus all the time, but now that OTH is re-running everyday on SoapNet, it’s kind of a toss up.  Older fans tend to know me as Minkus, or even Chuckie Lee from ‘The Torkelsons,’ but OTH is popular with all age groups… I’ve had grandmas come up to me.  One lady kept calling me “Mouse,” I didn’t have the heart to correct her, haha.

TDW: Are you still in touch with any of the BMW cast?

Norris: Not really, unfortunately.  Most of them live on the West coast and it’s been so many years.  I hope they’re all well, it would be fun to reconnect sometime.

TDW: What is your upcoming movie, Blood Done Sign My Name, about? Does it have a release date yet?

Norris: It’s a true story about a racial murder in North Carolina that happened in the Vietnam War era.  I played one of the accused murderers, so it was completely different for me.  It’s an independent film and it deals with such a controversial subject, so I believe they’re still trying to figure out the best way and time to release it.  It was a great experience and I hope people get to see it.

TDW: Lastly, there are a lot of people on Twitter claiming to be One Tree Hill actors but are actually impostors.  Have you thought about getting your own account?

Norris: There are people that pretend to be me on Twitter, Facebook, etc.  It’s flattering in one respect, but at the same time it’s kind of a drag because they’ll write things I’d never write, or deny friend requests, etc.  I don’t think I’ll be doing any of that.  I occasionally post messages on OTHForums.com and I like that medium for interacting with the fans.  Also, I have some amazingly talented fans that started lee-norris.net and leemichaelnorris.com, so if anyone wants to know what’s going on in my career, they can always check those out.

Click here to see a picture of Norris and me from last year!

Come back next Sunday for another exclusive interview!

TDW Interview Index


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Categories : One Tree Hill

Exclusive: Allison Scagliotti Recalls One Tree Hill’s School Shooting

2 08 2009

Allison Scagliotti may have had a small part on One Tree Hill but as Abby Brown, the only witness to Dan murdering Keith, it was one of the series’ most pivotal. The storyline is frequently named among fans as one of the best, and Scagliotti shared with me what it was like working on it.

TeenDramaWhore: Your first episode of One Tree Hill (episode 3.16, With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept–the school shooting) is considered by fans to be among the very best.  When you auditioned for the role of Abby, and saw the script, what did you think?  Did you know the impact the episode would have?

Allison Scagliotti: First off, I’m so glad the episode garnered the response that it did. I had no doubt, given the subject matter, that it might resonate with a lot of people, so I think I speak for all involved when I say we tried to handle it respectfully. The audition process was kind of a top-secret affair. I read sides for a character named Michelle in a scene with another character who was not Jimmy Edwards [Colin Fickes]. After I was cast, the script that production released didn’t have the last page attached! They kept the end of the episode under wraps until the very last second. I was extremely moved by what I read, mostly because the Jimmy character was someone that could be very real. Who knows how many Jimmys there have been and still are in schools everywhere? The tragedy of what becomes of him is enough to wake people up, I think.

TDW: Did you know at the time that Abby would return and be the key person in the Dan-Keith [Paul Johansson-Craig Sheffer] murder storyline?  What was your reaction when you found out?

Scagliotti: I had no idea! Almost a full year went by before I got the call, but I was so pumped to go back. I also loved the idea that this meek, shy character could have been the missing link to the town’s morbid mystery. It was exciting to be part of providing some closure to fans for that major chapter of Tree Hill history.

TDW: Dan was anonymously taunted in several episodes, presumably by Abby.  Do you think that actually happened or was it just a figment of his imagination?

Scagliotti: Oh, I like to think that little Abby was the one sneaking around to torment Dan. Perhaps her motive was to guilt him into coming clean so she wouldn’t have to carry the burden of what she saw any longer. Or maybe she just wanted to haunt him the way she had been haunted. A little payback.

TDW: Was it difficult filming such an emotional storyline and/or difficult to keep it all a secret?

Scagliotti: Emotionality in a scene is usually pretty tough, but the episode The Runaway Found was extra difficult. Having to sustain that pervading misery that plagued Abby was not something I’d say was particularly fun at the time, but I can look back and said I enjoyed the process and working with the OTH team. Keeping it a secret was easy! Abby seemed to be one of those under-the-radar characters, so I had no problem with fans asking for spoilers. It was an Abby Brown sneak attack! Funny story: one day, while filming in Abby’s house, a whole gaggle of fans was perched on the sidewalk across the street, and shouted my name as I arrived from base camp. It was so bizarre! I never would have expected to be recognized from just one episode, but these kids were superfans. They’d driven down from New England just to hang around set. It was adorable.

TDW: Do you think Abby has a future in Tree Hill?

Scagliotti: If I’ve learned anything, it’s to never say never. The last time we saw Abby, she’d run away from Tree Hill. She could be anywhere! I guess it’s up to [creator] Mark Schwahn what becomes of Abby Brown. Are you reading, Mark?

TDW: Are you still recognized for the role?

Scagliotti: Yes! It totally takes me off guard when people recognize me from One Tree Hill, partially because I was only in 3 episodes. I’m always flattered, though. I can only assume that the Abby storyline was memorable, and that’s all that matters to me.

TDW: Are you still in touch with any of the cast?

Scagliotti: For a while, I stayed in touch with Paul Johansson (ironic, I know) and Hilarie Burton [Peyton]. Everyone on the show was delightful to me, but I clicked with those two the most. Paul was a dream to work with. We were very vocal about what we needed from each other before a scene, and as terrifying as he can be on screen, he was an absolute teddy bear in real life. I was walking around downtown Wilmington one evening, when I heard my name called from across the street. It was Paul, and we decided to hang out at a local restaurant for a while. We wound up out until 2 am. He’s the coolest. Hilarie was a sweetheart, too; we bonded over our favorite book, Lolita, and love of music. Typing this out makes me miss those guys!

TDW: You’re currently starring in Warehouse 13.  For those that aren’t familiar with it, what is the show about and what role do you play?

Scagliotti: Warehouse 13 is a Syfy show about a top-secret government facility that houses unexplained, supernatural artifacts from around the globe that pose a threat to national security. At the center of the fold you have two Secret Service agents charged with tracking down and obtaining the artifacts, and then you have Artie, the warehouse curator and expert. I play Claudia Donovan, a hip young techno-wiz who hacks her way into the warehouse to kidnap Artie, whom she believes is responsible for her brother’s disappearance. The show is action-packed and very funny, and the intrigue builds every week. I got to mess with the coolest gadgets.

TDW: Are you working on any other projects?

Scagliotti: [I just went to] Comic Con in San Diego to promote W13, and after that I’ll be working on a play here in LA with my friends Alden Ehrenreich and Jesse Allis. Other than that, fingers crossed for season two!!

You can see Scagliotti on Warehouse 13, currently airing Tuesdays at 9pm on the SyFy network.

Come back next Sunday for another exclusive interview!


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Categories : One Tree Hill


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