Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Interview with Major Crimes' Kathe Mazur



We have a special treat today to celebrate the return of Major Crimes tonight at 9pmET/8pmST on TNT. Kathe Mazur, who plays DDA Hobbs on the show, took time away from filming to answer our questions about playing Hobbs, recording audio books and her guest role on Castle. 

Q: What has been the best thing that has happened to you as a result of playing DDA Hobbs on TNT's Major Crimes?

That's easy. It has been incredible to play the same character for eight years now. I know her so well, and yet there's always new things popping up, new ways she handles situations and relationships. I have also learned so much about the law. And we have a great consulting producer, former Los Angeles DA, Gil Garcetti. To get to talk with him about the nuances of the law, and of the DA's role in it has been very exciting. Now as for what has happened TO me? I think having a character you're known for is a very very sweet thing for an actor. The fans are incredible, and I love meeting people that watch the show. There's just been nothing NOT great about it. 





Q: What is the hardest part about playing a recurring character? How do you prepare for the role?

I don't think it's hard if you love the character and the company, and the writing. So I'm lucky. If you don't, oh boy that can be really hard. To work in a bad atmosphere...I've seen that on sets I've guested on. But if I had to say what's the hardest...the regulars know that they are there every week. I never know what they have in store for Hobbs. 

I prepare by reading the script, and knowing the situation, knowing how Hobbs feels about the case and the characters. Her point of view in any situation is key. And then I try to be as present as I can be on set, and see what happens. I do not plan out how it's going to look or be, but I want to know everything I can about how Hobbs feels about it. 

Q: Last year you guest starred on Castle. How was the Castle set different than the Major Crimes set? How did your role as DDA Hobbs prepare you for you role as Anya Mishkin? 

Well, the lot was the same -- so that was very funny and strange. My trailer was a few yards from my Major Crimes trailer. Phillip Keene and our producer, Andy Sacks, came and visited me since it was about 30 seconds away. But the set was very different for me because I didn't know anyone. So it was very much about the scene, and working with the lead actress, Stana Katic, who was just a dream to work with. Playing Hobbs for such a long time made it a blast to rip out that Russian accent and sit on the other side of the interview table. 




Q: What do you wish the fans knew about your character DDA Hobbs? 

I'm sure we would all get a kick from knowing more of Hobbs' story...but let's see...I think the fans know her pretty well!



Q: You've narrated 83 (Is this the right number) audio books, including The Murderer's Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman, The Mephisto Club by Tess Garritsen, and The Last Witness by Juliane Hoffman. How do you prepare for an audio book reading? Do you ever meet the authors? 

It's more than that, but at that point, who's counting! Preparing for an audio book is about understanding the point of view of the book, the author, and then it's about figuring out voices for the characters ahead of time so that when they arrive in the story you can just slip right into their characters. 
It's about telling the whole story, playing it out. It's an incredible experience. And also labor intensive. 




Q: What is the biggest challenge about recording audio books? How many times do you read the book? 

I read it once. The biggest challenge for me...that's easy -- It's physical. When we have deadlines we just have to finish the book, and if that means recording for 8 hours a day, that's what we have to do. It's tiring, on the voice, for me. Some narrators say that their voice doesn't give out but their brain does. For me, it's physical. And you don't want to get sick. 
You have a deadline. No one can finish the book but you, and if you get sick your voice changes and you can't record. I mean, there are books that are more challenging than others, there are books that are a dream to do, but all of that is part of the world of narration, and I really love it. But the eight hours a day ain't my favorite. I like to enjoy the process as much as possible, and I'm happiest with six hours. 

I have rarely met the authors, but we do communication and it's one of the perks of the job. 



A big thank you to Kathe for taking the time to answer our questions. Don't forget to watch Major Crimes tonight! 








3 comments:

  1. Hooray! Hobbs is one of my favorite characters. She's a tough lady in a tough job and she does it with style. Thanks for the interview.

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  2. I love Hobbs and I can't wait to play the drinking game while watching tonight. Loved her guest role on Castle too, she's really a great actress!

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  3. Kathe brings so much to the role. Her expressions are priceless. She doesn't even need words. I love her Sass. I also personally love the Hobbs drinking game. Thanks for sharing this great interview.

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