As I previously reported, Courteney Cox’s Cougar Town boy toy, Nick Zano, is relocating to Melrose Place in early January to play an irreverent doctor who prescribes some extra strength chill pills to reluctant prostitute Lauren (Stephanie Jacobsen). In his first interview since being cast, the actor sounds off on his character’s big secret, Melrose‘s sexy, fun makeover, and the downside to having an eight-pack.
Congrats on landing the role.
NICK ZANO: Thank you. I appreciate that.
Tell me a little bit about this guy.
ZANO: He’s a person who enjoys life. He lives every day to [its fullest]… I just literally walked out of a meeting with [exec producers] Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin. They were very specific about how they’re going to change the direction of the show. In TV, you usually don’t get a chance to fix anything. It’s always easier to cancel something than fix it. And The CW clearly has a passion for the show, because it’s still on the air. And all of these people are making a very concentrated effort to improve the show and I’m happy to be a part of it.
How are we introduced to him?
ZANO: He moves into the building and works at the local hospital.
Do we first meet him in the building or at the hospital?
ZANO: The building. You’re spoiling!
Um, that’s what I do.
ZANO: By the way, good job on calling out my casting days in advance. You’re like the FBI of show business. You’re a regular gumshoe.
Thanks. I think. Are you allowed to say who your roommate is in the building?
ZANO: No.
Are you allowed to say who your love interest is?
ZANO: Nope. But without question, I’m sure you’ll find out.
The producers already teased that you’ll befriend Lauren at the hospital.
ZANO: Lauren takes a very serious look at life. [But], in my character’s eyes, she is missing life.
Are you a series regular?
ZANO: I’m recurring right now.
Is it safe to say that your character is hiding something?
ZANO: It’s Melrose Place. Everybody has a secret. That’s all you’re getting out of me, man.
Did the producers coach you before this interview?
ZANO: [Laughs] No.
Are you prepared for all the gratuitous nudity?
ZANO: Have you seen Cougar Town? I have no choice, man.
Are you uncomfortable with it?
ZANO: It’s not something I look forward to. I don’t dread it. It’s definitely something I’d like to be known less for in the future.
So we shouldn’t accompany this story with a shot of you shirtless?
ZANO: I would love it if you could find one of me in a scarf.
This character sounds so incredibly dull. I want characters DESTROYING lives on Melrose Place, not living life to the fullest!
Amen, bro. When are the producers and network execs gonna “get” what we expect and want from MP? Happy, happy, joy, joy….sure ain’t it, folks.
I’m so happy that Nick is on T.V. again! I didn’t catch him on “Cougar Town”, but I heard great things. He’s very talented and after “What I Like About You” ended, I feared that would be it. ‘Cause for a while he was no where to be found! Finally, he’s back! I might actually start watching Melrose now!
Nick Zano is so hot. I loved him on What I Like About You and I am so glad he is back on TV.
He was already back on tv in Cougar Town.
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LOL I love how Nick wants to be known “less” for his shirtlessness.
Errr…earth to Nick….the ONLY reason you even get gigs is because of your looks – not your talent.
Regardless, considering the poor ratings (even by CW standards) I don’t think this show will be sticking around for too much longer.
ya I agree on both points
*sigh* I feel sorry for young Hollywood studs who think they’re hired for their “acting” skills…………how cute!
(not)
HAHA! Right on the mark, Laura!
Honestly, people don’t watch ANYTHING on the CW because of the fine acting on those programs.
If he REEEEALLLY wants to be taken seriously, he needs to keep his clothes on and start doing some REAL acting on well-respected shows or movies. Being in movies like “My Sexiest Year”, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Joy Ride 2″ will NOT get you any cred in Hollywood.
Considering he’s in his 30s now, he better start taking his career seriously because those good looks are gonna expire soon.
With all due respect, that’s BULL. Ever heard of Supernatural? One of the CW’s best shows in YEARS, and yes the boys there may be goodlooking, but their looks is not what got this show still running. Ever wondered why people are always pissed that Jensen Ackles never gets nominated for an Emmy? Oh yeah, because of his ACTING TALENT.
I definitely agree. Supernatural is one of the best shows on tv, let alone the best on the CW. And yes, Jensen Ackles DOES deserve an emmy nod for his work on the show. A nod that he’ll, unfortunately, never get.
Can’t wait to see Nick on the show (although I’m still disappointed by Colin’s dismissal). It sounds like they’re taking the retool very seriously. Although I’m happy with ‘Melrose ’09′ as is, I can imagine the show being a lot more fun. Plus, I love Heather Locklear. I just hope they don’t ruin it, like ABC and that ‘Big Shots’ guy completely ruined ‘Dirty Sexy Money’ last season.
Hell is other people. All abuse and wgorns are caused by other people. Other people are natural object. Stress is the natural response to natural events, not un-natural events. Best not to say that these are unnatural events, saying this in itself will will increase stress.
i liked Nick Zano he is not that bad of a actor i liked him in what i like about you and cougar town so congrats to him on getting the role
See, I actually DO like NZ for his acting (ok, in addition to the shirtlessness). On both “What I Like About You” and “Cougartown”, he had a sweet goofiness and good comic timing that I really found endearing. Not sure how much those qualities are going to work into Melrose, though…
I don’t see why they want to “improve” Melrose Place when there’s nothing wrong with it. The dark tone is a nice change of pace.
“It’s not something I look forward to” – says the man with the tanned, shaved V torso …
That is a really weird picture. Who just lays in a field of grass? Is he trying to be a sexy farmer? I don’t find him sexy, but it looks like that’s going for.
I can’t wait for the nudity! lol
where’s the scarf?!! haha
I want AUGGIE back!
ha funny. im glad they got rid of ashlee but i like the show as it is. get rid of riley too though.
I like the format of the show too, but I guess some people think its not fun enough so they are going to dumb it down a bit.
Damn that boy is fine