“The script I read was fantastic,” said Welsh actor Ioan (yo-wan) Gruffudd, who appears as businessman Andrew Martin on “Ringer.” Andrew is the clueless husband to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s enigmatic character Siobhan.
“It’s not the lead part, but something on the page got me excited,” he told Inquirer in a phone interview. “I had a meeting with Sarah Michelle and the creators (Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder), and they told me the idea they had for Andrew and the entire series. It was a very attractive proposition.”
Gruffudd, 38, played the iconic stretchable hero Mr. Fantastic in two “Fantastic Four” films, and had a small role in the comedy “Horrible Bosses.” He savors portraying an entirely different character and staying put in Los Angeles so he can see his 2-and-a-half year old daughter on a regular basis.
“I’ve played very earnest, heroic kind of characters; it’s a chance to play somebody ambiguous in a very contemporary context as well,” he said.
Clueless husband
Gruffudd’s character Andrew is unaware that his wife Siobhan was replaced by her twin Bridget, a former alcoholic and stripper who relates to his substance-abusing teen daughter Juliet (Zoey Deutch).
“Certainly, I’m putting a lot into playing Andrew,” Gruffudd said. “It’s a lot of fun. He’s a character that deserves all my love and care.”
The actor initially thought the series would appeal predominantly to women, but he is surprised at the number of male fans who approach him to discuss the show. Gruffudd appreciates the various benefits of his current work environment.
“It’s a great family atmosphere that we’ve created—Sarah Michelle has a daughter as well,” he said, adding, “Working with her is just a dream. She’s incredibly experienced, talented, and world-renowned. We have great mutual respect for one another and a lot of intimate scenes together. I’m very proud of our relationship and what we do together on the show.”
Gruffudd acknowledges the difference between working on films and on TV. “We paint bigger tableaus on film, whereas with television you literally shoot a mini-movie every week, which is an incredible feat. It’s very fast. You have to trust your instincts and enjoy the ride!”
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Smart fun
Games, trivia, and exciting adventures abound on Discovery Channel’s Discovery Kids programs starting tomorrow, with “Think Big” and “Wild Kratts.”
On “Think Big” (4 p.m. Fridays) creative sparks fly as kids set off on a young inventors challenge. Each episode features two inspirational journeys of young inventors. Whether it’s a new toy or the next way to fly to outer space, everything begins with an idea.
“Wild Kratts” is an animated cartoon series created by real-life zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt. The brothers travel around the world and learn about the habitats and life cycles of exotic animals. The program combines science education with fun and humor. It airs Mondays (starting tomorrow) through Fridays, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 8 p.m.
‘Thundercats’
Cartoon Network’s “Thundercats” presents the story of Prince Lion O’s ascension to the throne as the series starts tomorrow. The forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power. Lion O and his champions learn lessons on loyalty, honor, and mortality in every episode. The show airs Mondays through Sundays at 9 p.m.
‘Princess and I’
ABS-CBN’s newest and biggest prime time teleserye, “The Princess and I,” premieres on April 16. In the lead roles are Albert Martinez, Gretchen Barretto, Enrique Gil, Khalil Ramos, Daniel Padilla, and Kathryn Bernardo. Also in the cast are Dominic Ochoa, Yayo Aguila, Precious Lara Quigaman, Nina Dolino, and Sharmaine Suarez. Dado Lumibao directs.
‘Extreme Couponing’
TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” introduces viewers to America’s most extreme “super couponers” and follows them as they plan and plot their way to unbelievable savings. Tuesdays at 10 p.m. starting April 10, encores Sundays at 7 p.m.
Holy Week movies
For Holy Week, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Asia presents “Tanikala: Ang Ikaapat Na Yugto” (April 5-7, 5 p.m. on GMA 7.
“Ikaapat” consists of three films—“Unos,” “Gapos” and “Wasak.” Amy Austria-Ventura stars in “Unos,” airing April 5.
On April 6, indie actor Junjun Quintana headlines “Gapos” as the policeman-leader of the notorious syndicate, Bulate Gang, in the 1970s .
“Wasak,” airing April 7, stars Icko Gonzalez as gospel singer Jonaver Luklukan, who was abused as a child and became a sex and drug addict.