But most viewers probably know Messina best for The Mindy Project, where he played the sometimes grumpy, sometimes charismatic Danny Castellano facing series creator Mindy Kaling. . When casting began in 2011, Kaling specifically looked for actors who “haven’t seen a lot of comedy done” or who, if experienced, “aren’t the kind of suspects they’re always sent”. In a recent interview, he said he wanted it.
She knew right away that he was perfect. She called Messina one of the most comical actors she’s ever played, saying, “It’s so rooted in the character’s truth that it can’t be funny.”
She clarifies that it’s because of the fact that he’s not a traditional comedian. “Average sitcom actors want to finish their moment and finish their day and go home. Chris is not that kind of person,” she said. “The level of sincerity and truthfulness he brings to every scene is almost exhausting. He listens to my characters seriously, and if that character does something funny or absurd, it’s almost exhausting.” He responded, he made me a better actor, and when I was with Chris, I was able to hear better because he set the bar so high. I did.”
Messina turned out to be a perfect fit for the role, but apparently didn’t want to take the role at first, and after repeatedly turning down the role, gave up. (“Mindy doesn’t accept no answers,” he explained.) He said he was “very concerned about every aspect,” including tackling a network comedy with more than 20 episodes per season. Stated. Perhaps it’s making it even more difficult for him to do the kind of serious work he dreamed of as a performer.
“I wanted to do ‘Dog Day Afternoon.’ I wanted to do ‘Midnight Cowboy,'” he said. Although he liked the role and Kaling, he “was afraid it would last forever.” And, of course, he was afraid of something else – the genre. “I was afraid I couldn’t keep up with them comedy-wise,” he said. “I’m afraid of jokes.”
On the one hand, Messina wants to be afraid. She said, “I’m intimidated by roles, opportunities and challenges, that’s what I’m looking for. It may be corny, it may be too theatrical, but I’m open to a closed door within me.” I like to find out.”
