Will Sasso is funny from the
get-go. The British Columbia-born actor takes a moment to reflect on when he first discovered he had a
gift for making others laugh during a mid-afternoon phone call from his home.
“Oh, it was probably two or three weeks ago,” says Sasso, about his career epiphany. “I bent over to pick up
a pen at the bank and I farted and a couple of people laughed… That didn’t really happen, by the way.”
While his truthful call to acting may remain a bit fuzzy, Sasso’s fans got to know him more prominently
during his five seasons as a recurring cast member on the comedy sketch series MADtv. In that
role, he gave many viewers an excuse to stay up late and watch his various offbeat impressions, which include
Bill Clinton, Kenny Rogers, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Randy Newman.
But most recently, Sasso says he is humbled to have the opportunity to co-star alongside William Shatner in
the newly premiered television series Sh*t My Dad Says.
Sasso plays the role of Vince Halpern, the older son of the hilarious, potty-mouthed dad Sam Halpern.
The sitcom is based on the popular Twitter feed created by Sam’s youngest son. Justin Halpern was 28-years
old when he had to move back home with his elderly father after breaking up with a girlfriend. Not long
after, he parlayed the experiences into a Twitter feed-turned-book-now-turned-television show.
It is this comical, yet unique family dynamic that most excited Sasso about his role on the sitcom, he
says.
“There’s a lot of
comedy, but the show also offered many ways to go,” says Sasso, about playing his character. “ It’s really
exciting, for it to have come from a feed to a TV show and how he (Vince) related to his young half brother
who’s just moved back in with his dad and the relationship with his wife. I’m really excited.”
Sasso says he is
equally thrilled about his time working with the show’s leading star, William Shatner.
“It’s been equal parts entertaining and education,” says Sasso. “The guy’s been in the business for over 50
years — he is literally a breathing, walking, living legend. He’s the role and the role is him.”
Having already mentioned
this, it is difficult for Sasso to pinpoint a few favourite moments while working on the project.
“There was an episode
we had just shot about three or four weeks ago; I don’t really remember, but our faces (mine and Shatner’s)
were very close together and I thought this is my job,” says Sasso. “I’m on the scene with William Shatner. I
couldn’t believe it.” •
CUTLINE
Will Sasso (left) with co-stars William Shatner (centre) and Nicole Sullivan (right)
Photo courtesy of CTV
