Jermaine Fowler is a fantastic performer, one who has really been given the chance to shine on the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.” We sent along some questions for Jermaine and he was nice enough to take a few minutes off from promoting the new season to send back some answers.
Jermaine, thank you for the taking the time. What would you say drew you to TV?
When I was younger, hearing the voice of Daffy Duck drew me. Then as I got a little older the half-naked women on Telemundo drew me in closer. But, I want to make something perfectly clear before we get started. I am not a cast member of "Orange Is The New Black."
Your character has really come into its own this season and been given more screen time. Was that something the writers intended from the beginning, or were they responding to how well you brought the character to life?
Oh! I think you're confusing me for the actress that plays "Crazy Eyes" on that show, Uzo Aduba. I haven't seen the show, but I hear she's amazing! Glad we cleared that up dude. So I have a sketch show premiering this Fall called "Friends of the People," let's chat about that!
Your relationship with Piper has had some ups and downs. You're together, you're not. Is that hard to manage as an actor?
I actually don't have a girlfriend named Piper. In fact, I've never known anybody with that name. Except for Rowdy Roddy Piper — he did a sketch for that show I just mentioned. Is that what you're talking about?
Do you really have “crazy eyes”?
YOU FUCK! ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS! I JUST TOLD YOU I'M NOT HER! MY EYES ARE FINE!
The new season of OINTB has really focused on the factions within the prison. Can you speak to how the cast gets along when the cameras are not rolling?
Whatever, dude. I'm assuming they get along. They seem nice. Do they seem nice? Haven't seen such chemistry since the cast of "Homeward Bound." Cool?
If you could design your own prison uniform, what would it look like?
Seriously? This is a question you prepared for an Emmy nominated show? Wow. Fine. My prison uniform would be a hybrid of the magnetic boots from the movie "Face/Off," the mask Hannibal Lecter wore in "Silence of the Lambs," and whatever pants Gucci Mane is wearing right now in jail.
Have you thought about pitching that to the showrunners of OINTB?
NO! Why would I pitch that?! Why would I pitch an idea with the phrase, "Magnetic boots from 'Face/Off'" in it!
What’s next for your character and the show? Feels like things are just heating up on Orange is the New Black.
May I speak to somebody else?
What other projects are you working on?
Are you talking about me or Uzo Aduba. Because JERMAINE is working on a stand-up comedy special. And I'm sure Uzo is just busy with a show I'm not a part of. Ass.
Will they conflict with the OINTB schedule? We hope not.
I don't like you and I don't think I ever will.
Thanks again. Come see us again. Let us know when you're "out on bail.”
Racist
Catch Jermaine on “Orange is the New Black,” currently streaming on Netflix.
And look forward to Uzo Aduba’s sketch show, "Friends of the People,” premiering this fall.