Victor Garber on Ugly Betty?
Alias star Victor Garber turned down role on Golden Globe winner Ugly Betty that went to Alan Dale
Victor Garber must regret his choice after Ugly Betty was feted at the Golden Globes
Victor Garber could read a grocery receipt on-screen and we’d be riveted. From playing Sydney Bristow’s dad on Alias to the boat architect in Titanic, the London, Ont.-born actor brings elegance to every role. Even when he starred on Justice as Ron Trott, a conniving lawyer who loves courting the media, Garber was magic.
The courtroom drama series starring British actor, Eamonn Walker (Lord of War) and teen heartthrob, Kerr Smith (Dawson’s Creek), was cancelled late last year. Last fall, on-set in downtown L.A., Garber talked about everything from Jesus to Bennifer. And about Ugly Betty…. For which America Ferrera won a Golden Globe this week.
Q. You’ve played Jesus in Godspell and the devil in Damn Yankees! Which one is closer to Ron’s character in Justice?
A. Oh, Jesus. [Smiles broadly.] He sees himself as closer to Jesus. I love somebody who is good at what they do and doesn’t really understand that what they’re doing can sometimes be offensive. I don’t want to have dinner with them but I love playing that because it’s so much fun.
Q. Producers Jonathan Shapiro and Jonathan Littman say you were their first choice to play Ron. How’d the role come to you?
A. They lied! Alias was coming to an end and I knew it. I didn’t know what to do. Then I met this writer from Ugly Betty who was so smart and funny and [he had] a small part in a pilot that was really well written. It was for the part of the father. Should I talk about this? [He clamps his hands over his mouth in mock horror.] Too late now! Hopefully, he’ll [Alan Dale] never read this.
One night, I went to a concert at Disney Hall and, at the reception afterwards, a man came up to me and said “Hi, I’m from Warner Bros. We’re so looking forward to working with you.” And I said, “Really? I’m so looking forward to working with you. And what would this be about?”
Literally, the next morning was the last day I had to decide [about Ugly Betty]. They [WB] emailed me the script of Justice…and here I am.
Q. You performed the wedding ceremony for Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck. Are you the go-to-guy for celebrities?
A. Yes, I’m thinking of becoming a minister! I was asked by them because we’re very close. Her business manager got me ordained online for one ceremony. It was one of the most beautiful and meaningful and honorable experiences. I was very, very touched and I don’t have the words to say how special it was.
