Barry Sigismondi aka W.B. Jones from the episode ‘The Chair Model’ recently joined MySpace. I got a chance to talk with him and I asked him a few questions about his role on The Office and much more.
Click here to add him on MySpace.
First off thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us fans!
Tell us a little about yourself, how did you get into acting?
Acting has become my third career. I started out in business
in management with Xerox Corporation and then went on to start an Air Freight business which I eventually sold. In the process of looking for the next venture, a kind of serendipitous thing happened to get me involved in acting.
I started out doing plays and non union commercials. Once I decided to try to pursue a career full time, I moved to NYC and studied with 3 great teachers, did some soaps, tv and plays. Then ten years ago on a whim, I came to LA to see what it was like, booked a play that kept me here for 6mos and I’ve been here ever since…… you know – “Hotel California” – You can check out but you can never leave !!!
How were you cast for the role of W.B. Jones, Grade A Bad Ass?
When I read for the show and Allison Jones the casting director, I originally read for another role but wasn’t able to do it because of a scheduling conflict with a film I was doing at the time. Fortunately, they brought me back in to read for WB Jones and I absolutely loved the character and was lucky enough to be offered the role.
Have you always been a fan of The Office?
I’m not only a fan of The Office I’m NUTS about it! Having had a career in a major corporation I’m intimately familiar with all of the crazy things that can happen day to day and the trials and tribulations that go on. It’s a great way for us all to laugh at ourselves and take a humorous poke at the dumb things management does sometimes. I constantly have a smile on my face when I just think about the show and feel really grateful to have had the chance to be on it.
What was it like working on the hit tv show The Office and were there any funny moments that stick out?
I can’t say enough good things about all of the writers, producers, crew, and cast of the show. Even though I was only on for one day, everyone made me feel like I was a part of the family. Trying to shoot the first few takes of the conference room scene was really difficult. Watching Ed Helms as Andy and Brian Bumgartner as Kevin, do their work is side-splitting! They are impossible to watch without laughing! The biggest challenge is to try to get through it all without laughing and messing up the take.
Will we be seeing you in anything in the future?
The Writer’s strike put a real crimp in TV production over the past 6 mos and now we are hoping for the best regarding the SAG contract that technically expires this Monday. We’re all eager to get back to a normal work environment asap. Fortunately I’ve been able to keep busy with some film work. I recently finished working on three indies one of which is a pretty neat horror film produced by Screen Gems titled “Quarantine”. My real name is Barry Sigismondi and you can check out some of my credits and upcoming broadcasts click here.
Thanks again, and I know I speak for all the fans when I say that I hope we see you again on The Office!
Nette, it’s been my pleasure and thanks so much for the opportunity to speak with you !
Barry
