So, when we last saw them, season one concluded with former CIA agent ‘Dan Chase’, played by Jeff Bridges, and FBI Assistant Director, ‘Harold Harper’, played by John Lithgow, living out their worst nightmare after the woman they both call daughter, ‘Emily Chase’, played by Alia Shawkat, is kidnapped.
Season two kicks off with ‘Chase’ and ‘Harper’ embarking on their most important mission to date: to recover ‘Emily Chase’ after she is kidnaped by ‘Faraz Hamzad’. who's played by Navid Negahban. He's a powerful Afghan tribal leader. With all three men claiming her as their daughter, ‘Emily’ finds herself in an identity crisis that has dire implications. In love with the city of Santa Barbara, where he has been living for three decades now, the actor recognizes the Spanish legacy of a place that he calls home.
QUESTION: Mr. Bridges, you're a veteran of so many feature films. I was wondering when you do a film, you approach a character and it's finite, and you go on to a different character. Is there a difference in how you approach a character that's ongoing?
A: Yeah, this is a first for me. You know, making a movie, you get a beginning, middle and an end. But, in a show like this, I don't know what's going to happen. Just like you guys. You know, it's an open-ended thing. And as far as preparation goes, I start with myself, aspects of myself that kind of parallel the character. But also, it's wonderful to have a CIA consultant like Christopher Huddleston who was a former CIA operative. So, to have him on board, that really was very helpful.
Q: In your films, you have always, you've documented them with your little plastic camera. Do you do that still with this show?
A: You know, I do it a little bit. But I notice, you know, how we have different seasons in our life. And I went through this illness, and since that time, I haven't really picked up my camera as much as I used to do. My wife and I are remaking that wide lens camera, though, so maybe hopefully I'll get back into it. I got some pictures of you guys.
Q: You live in Santa Barbara; do you like to take pictures of your own town?
A: I love Santa Barbara and taking pictures so yes, I do get around sometimes with my camera.
Q: Have you learned Spanish in Santa Barbara?
A: More or less, not much. I do understand some basic words, but I must say that I do love the Spanish culture, their food and architecture. I lived in a Spanish house for many, many years.
Q: Any favorite Spanish author?
A: I did love reading Don Quixote.
Q: Mr. Bridges, you've been an action hero with dark pasts. How much of a change is that from playing the roles the way that you used to?
A: Oh, yeah, the same thing about playing an old guy. Well, as I said in the first question there, when I prepare for any role, I start with myself. And I’m kind of reminded of The Fabulous Baker Boys that I got to play with my brother, Beau [Bridges]. And you know, if it was another actor, I’d say, how do we show that we’re brothers here? And we didn’t have to do anything in that instance, because we are brothers, we could just relax about it. And the same goes for this show. I’m an old man, I don’t have to play it. I mean, I bring that to the party without any trouble.
Q: How is it to work with John Lithgow?
A: Well, one of the things that we have so much fun talking about is our upbringing is similar. We’re both, you know, second generation actors from our fathers. And we approach it the same way. You know there are a lot of actors who, you know, “Please, only call me by my character’s name and let’s not have any contact.” (Laughter.) And we both work kind of 180 from that. We both really like to get to know each other since we’re, you know, we’re playing old friends in the show, so we let that -- you know, “Let’s be friends.” “Let’s get to know each other and let’s do it fast and kind of aggressively.” “Get to know -- what about this?” I remember we had this long scene in a car, and we were doing what we’re talking about here. By long, I mean like about a week or three or four days in there. And our mikes are on, and this happens, this is kind of a classic thing that happens in movies. You don’t realize that everybody in this crew is hearing everything you’re saying to each other, so, you know, that was kind of a unique experience.
Q: Aging is an interesting subject and I find as I age, I lose confidence but yet neither of you seem to have lost any confidence, and if you have, how do you deal with it?
A: We’re actors! It’s all a show. (Laughter.) Oh, I’m just -- well, yeah, old age. You know, one of the things I love about making movies or TV, whatever, they’re basically the same, I don’t realize any difference between the two, other than I don’t know where we’re going, guys. I don’t know what’s gonna happen, that’s gotta be exciting. But if a team, you know, Warren [Littlefield], casting is everything, not only with the actors but the crew, the cinematography is just brilliant in this. And the team that you put together is one where you can feel comfortable and we can talk about our insecurities. And I know my pal here was like “Yeah, I know what you mean” -- you know, that kind of thing. And I think, outside of making movies, if you’re fortunate you have a group of people that you can go to for support. I think of old age as sort of like a new adolescence in a funny sort of way, ’cause there’s all these new stuffs going on that I didn’t have to do 10 years ago and now, what, I’ve got this kind of weird old-age version of a pimple, you know.
Q: How are you, and second of all, did you come back for more punishment?
A: Yes. I’m feeling great now and I’m coming back for more punishment. What is so bizarre, to me anyway, in the first season when I was doing these fight scenes, I had a 9-inch by 12-inch tumor in my body, in my stomach, that didn’t hurt at all. So that’s surprising to me, but I’m feeling great now. Fortunately, we have some wonderful stunt coordinators, Tim Connolly and Thomas DuPont. They’re both wonderful to work with. There’s still kind of a kid quality in me I like, you know, like you were saying, on the horse and stuff and how you just tumble and have fun.
Q: Going through cancer after the pandemic changed your perspective in life?
A: Yes. This year and a half of fighting with my mortality awakened my interest in philosophy and spirituality. I felt tested. But now I don't feel any different, really. I have always had the same perspective on life and the illness made my beliefs clearer.
Q: What led you to film a television series at this point in your career?
A: The idea of working consciously that I faced my resistance as an actor. I am a man committed to acting, but acting is not my only priority. I like being with my family, dedicating myself to my hobbies, and when this series arrived on my table; It caught me. The other answer is my father, Lloyd Bridges, who did six television series and always threw himself into everything with joy. That is my attitude, look for jobs that make me enjoy it.
Q: Jeff, if I'm not mistaken, I believe your first television role was in 'Sea Hunt' alongside your father Lloyd Bridges. Does returning to television make you think of your father?
A: I am a product of nepotism. I started working with my father on 'Sea Hunt' when I was eight years old. He sat me down on his bed and taught me all the basics of acting. The most important thing I learned from him was the joy with which he approached his work. I worked with him twice as an adult, on 'Tucker' and 'Blown Away'. And it was great to see him arrive at the shoot and share with him. Of course, I remember my father working on a television series again.
Q: The series shows the fragility of age. Having to get up every five minutes to urinate, the fatigue. Why was it important to develop that aspect of aging?
A: Sometimes I wish I had a machine like the one in 'Men in Black' that makes you forget everything. I like how the series is written. At my age it is important to show the details of old age. I'm not going to play an isolated guy like him without showing his vulnerability.
María Estévez
Correspondent writer
