[IMG:L]When it comes to on screen chemistry, Anne Heche and James Tupper have it–and then some–on ABC’s dramedy Men in Trees. “Seems like love doesn’t it?” asks Tupper. “I adore her and I love her.”
While the costars, who coupled up while shooting the show’s first season in Vancouver, British Columbia, continue their romance off screen, their characters Marin and Jack were still on a down turn when the season wrapped last February. But that could all change when the show kicks off for a second season this week.
While Tupper remained tight-lipped about upcoming episodes, he did open up to Hollywood.com about working with Anne, playing Jack and more.
Hollywood.com: What is the best thing about working with Anne as your lead?
James Tupper: She’s a really super-talented, present actress that brings so much to every scene that she forces you to be there and things seem to come true.
HW: So being involved with someone makes things easier on and off screen?
JT: Wait a minute. We’re involved? Yes, I’ve heard those rumors. Is it easy? Anne is an interesting person because she is a beautiful woman and the same time she’s a really committed artist and so we switch back and forth. We go have fun together–and then when it comes to the work it is very serious. We both have very distinct ways of working and we found a way to kind of make it work. Like the night before we are going to do a scene, we work through stuff, which is hard and as complicated as having a relationship.
[IMG:R]HW: How would you describe your character?
JT: I have an uncle/buddy – he’s a fish and wildlife biologist. When I was a kid he would disappear for like two weeks at a time to go salmon fishing so I kind of modeled it (the character) on him, because he’s self sufficient and the feeling that he gets when he’s in nature it is so central to his sense of happiness and calmness or healthiness…So when it comes to relationships I think Jack is working that through and trying to figure that one out. He’ll retreat to a river to fish if needed.
HW: What has this character taught you about relationships?
JT: What have I learned about relationships? I never knew if a guy gets in trouble, he gets to go fishing. [Laughs] He has time to work it out. I thought he had to stick it out and argue with them, but now I fish.
HW: Are you an outdoorsy guy like Jack?
JT: Yeah, I’m like an amateur bird watcher. I like to go for walks and I enjoy spending time outside. I run in the woods.
HW: Is that your form of exercise or do you have to hit the gym at all for the show?
JT: You know what happened is, I had to do a scene where I had to take my shirt off and then the executive producer the next day said, “Hey, we got you a trainer.”
HW: I read that you are a carpenter. Is that true?
JT: I have a deal with all my friends that if they want something in their home I’ll build it, but that means anytime day or night I can call them and say, “Hey, can you come pick me up?” I have a deal with Emily [Bergl] to build her a stool. Tim Webber and I, the guy who plays Jerome, he’s great, we’re going to build a deck on his house.
[IMG:L]HW: What’s coming up this season for Jack, Lynn and the baby?
JT: I can’t say. But I can tell you this: There’s a big surprise coming up … I wish I could tell you. She gets eaten by a lion [laughs].
Men in Trees premieres Oct. 12, 2007 at 10/9 c on ABC.
