Gellar and Gruffudd star in new TV series

(Published April 1, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“The script I read was fantastic,” said Welsh actor Ioan (yo-wan) Gruffudd, who appears as businessman Andrew Martin on “Ringer.” Andrew is the clueless husband to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s enigmatic character Siobhan.

“It’s not the lead part, but something on the page got me excited,” he told Inquirer in a phone interview. “I had a meeting with Sarah Michelle and the creators (Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder), and they told me the idea they had for Andrew and the entire series. It was a very attractive proposition.”

Gruffudd, 38, played the iconic stretchable hero Mr. Fantastic in two “Fantastic Four” films, and had a small role in the comedy “Horrible Bosses.” He savors portraying an entirely different character and staying put in Los Angeles so he can see his 2-and-a-half year old daughter on a regular basis.

“I’ve played very earnest, heroic kind of characters; it’s a chance to play somebody ambiguous in a very contemporary context as well,” he said.

Gruffudd’s character Andrew is unaware that his wife Siobhan was replaced by her twin Bridget, a former alcoholic and stripper who relates to his substance-abusing teen daughter Juliet (Zoey Deutch).

“Certainly, I’m putting a lot into playing Andrew,” Gruffudd said. “It’s a lot of fun. He’s a character that deserves all my love and care.”

The actor initially thought the series would appeal predominantly to women, but he is surprised at the number of male fans who approach him to discuss the show. Gruffudd appreciates the various benefits of his current work environment.

“It’s a great family atmosphere that we’ve created—Sarah Michelle has a daughter as well,” he said, adding, “Working with her is just a dream. She’s incredibly experienced, talented, and world-renowned. We have great mutual respect for one another and a lot of intimate scenes together. I’m very proud of our relationship and what we do together on the show.”

Gruffudd acknowledges the difference between working on films and on TV. “We paint bigger tableaus on film, whereas with television you literally shoot a mini-movie every week, which is an incredible feat. It’s very fast. You have to trust your instincts and enjoy the ride!”

“Ringer” airs Thursdays, 10:55 p.m. on AXN Beyond.