In the fast-paced TV world, Foley has stayed a step ahead since 1998, appearing in hit shows like “Dawson’s Creek,” “Scrubs,” “The Unit” and—perhaps most famously—”Felicity,” where he starred for four seasons as love interest Noel Crane. When his “Grey’s Anatomy” character was killed off last season, the 39-year-old actor didn’t miss a beat. Although he’s been asked to direct an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” among other projects, he’s focusing most of his attention on “True Blood” and a sitcom pilot for FOX called “The Goodwin Games,” with co-star Becki Newton from “Ugly Betty.” Another good omen for the new sitcom’s success? Its creators already have “How I Met Your Mother” under their belts.
When the fifth season of “True Blood” premieres on June 10, chances are good it will top last season’s 5.42 million viewers. And, with Foley in the mix of the show’s signature chaos and suspense, we’re willing to bet this season will be more shockingly addictive than ever.
ALIVE: You’re working on two very different projects right now with the start of “True Blood’s” fifth season and your new sitcom pilot, “The Goodwin Games.”
Scott Foley: They could not be more opposite! I mean, “True Blood,” even though it can be a little campy at times, is so far from a comedy. [Laughs.] Especially my story line—I’m an Iraq war veteran (Patrick Devins) with post-traumatic stress syndrome. “The Goodwin Games” is a laugh-line comedy. I play a young doctor—well, not as young as I once was!
ALIVE: Why did you decide to do “True Blood?”
SF: The way they film the show is really unique to me. I had only done network television before, and I always wanted to do a cable show. It’s such a huge cast, and it’s like shooting a big movie. [Foley's big screen credits include "Scream 3."] Most television shows are shot in seven or eight days, but “True Blood” has the luxury and the budget to shoot each episode in about 20 days. They take their time and really focus on the characters and story, and that was important to me. Plus, I have a Southern accent in this role, which I’ve never done on-screen before, so it was a great chance for me to stretch my wings that way. It was the right part at the right time.
ALIVE: Do you think you’ll get more fan attention because of “True Blood’s” devoted following?
SF: When I booked the part, there was some news on it, and the girls at my local Starbucks—who hadn’t cared less that I was in every day before—freaked out. That hadn’t happened to me since “Felicity”—we’re talking 12 or 13 years now.
To read the rest of this interview go to: alivemag.com