Joher Speaks! (http://www.joher365.com/joherspeaks.html)

Joher answered a lot more questions from you guys, and he has some interesting stuff to say...

Thats SO cool & exciting that he answered alot more questions again! I went to the site and saw it! Aww he's so sweet and gives great advice lol! :D Its a great interview and I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait for more lol! Thanks so much for posting it Dee!

November 03:
Are you and Jawaharlal alike or different?
In treating Jawaharlal as a character, I had to magnify and minify
aspects of my personality. His main challenge was to fit in – to feel
a part of the class. Even in the class of geniuses – a group of
misfits – he was a misfit. Jawaharlal had a scholastic intelligence.
I graduated at 16. My forte was more about theater, music, and
debate. Jawaharlal is more literate, more knowledgeable of facts and
figures – I'm more creative. Jawaharlal is more outwardly awkward
than I am. Jawaharlal is Indian – I just have Indian blood. Also,
Jawaharlal's native language is Urdu (Hindi). I didn't learn that
language until I spent time in India myself.
Do you feel that your race may have been a factor as to why you
didn't get a full chance to shine on "HOTC"?
I asked one of the executive producers that question years after the
HOTC experience, and he was taken aback that I felt that way. He said
that race was irrelevant. Race is only consequential in TV when
people insist on making their races known. As a whole, Indians and
Pakistanis are more satisfied with how they're portrayed on TV now,
but they're still being stereotyped. I feel that the producers viewed
my character as inconsequential, as if, by virtue of his ethnicity,
he did not speak to an American audience. He wasn't supposed to be a
teen idol. But our audience resonated with the character not in spite
of his uniqueness, but because of his uniqueness.
In the article I have, it says that you're part Persian and part
American. Technically speaking, one who is born in the States is
American, so more specifically, what's your other half?
First of all, I am an American. More specifically, I am German,
English, and Irish on my mother's side; Indian, Arabian, and Afghan
on my father's.
(Carrie, SitcomsOnline) Hmm I'm not sure if this is too personal to
ask but I'm curious as to reason for the name change?
That question is not too personal at all. My name of birth is Johar
(pronounced Jaw-her), a Persian version of my father's Arabic name,
Goher. My mother nicknamed me "Jory." At the end of my teens, "Jory"
was no longer a name I was comfortable with as a young man. Instead,
I started using my name of birth. I changed my last name because I
wanted to celebrate both my Eastern and European heritage. As such, I
chose my mother's maiden name as my last name. Another reason I
changed my name is for strategic purposes. A casting agent could look
at the name "Johar Husain" and conclude that I was born abroad; I was
born in Milwaukee. He might also assume that I am best suited to
stereotypically Arab roles. On the other hand, I consider it my job
to insure that casting directors have the most accurate and broad
perspective possible of my range and type as an actor. Also, our
parents name us, and through time, we may come to realize that that
name doesn't represent who we are, so we have the opportunity to
change it to something that does. Altogether, that's what I did.
As the show progressed, many of the characters became less one-
dimensional and more developed; however, yours was horribly shafted.
Did you ever try to talk to the producers about this? Did any of the
cast try to help you out? How did you deal?
Since I had few scripted lines to work with, I had to find ways to be
engaged in what was happening, regardless of whether I had anything
to say or not. As a creative person, this was difficult and
potentially boring. One thing I did which invested me more deeply in
the events of an episode was to define and write down my
relationships with each character early on. It informed everything I
said. For example, my response to Eric -who Jawaharlal would view as
a disrespectful rebel - would be very different to the way I would
interact with young Janice as a "big brother". And again, this would
be different than the way I would interact with Maria; someone
Jawaharlal would idealize as the beautiful and elusive American girl.
To try to get my character more developed, I had specific ideas to
comic material that could've been used. For instance, I wrote a
script where Jawaharlal has a crush on Maria (Leslie Bega's
character). It was not used. Understand, if you're going to work on a
series for several years and the script is not defining your
relationships, it is the actor's responsibility to create a
compelling universe for himself.
As a character it seemed as if Jawaharlal didn't have any close
friendships with particular individuals in the IHP. How did you view
his relationship with the IHP – and how was yours with the cast in
particular?
There were certain characters that were allies, but for myself, my
character was not bonded to another one. When it comes to my
relationship with the cast, it varied from actor to actor. Most were
cordial and professional. Despite being an actor, I'm an introvert. I
love reading, and listening to and writing music. I was never fully
comfortable at the industry events and parties – my comfort level is
greater now. I was 17 when I started – one of the youngest. The rest
of the cast were at least 5 years my senior. Their priorities were
different than mine.
As to my relationships, here are a few I fondly recall:
Bill Schilling (Dr. Samuels) – funniest person I know. Has a
wonderful sense of mischievousness.
Jeannetta Arnette (Miss Meara) – big-hearted, kind and sweet. Such an
egoless performer.
Tannis Vallely (Janice) – It was difficult for her being the very
youngest. I had to make amends for all the times I unjustly teased
her. I heard she graduated from Stanford. She's grown to become a
terrific and empowered young woman. I'm glad for her.
Leslie Bega (Maria) – I understand she was on "The Sopranos". I'm
very glad for her. She's talented. I always thought she was
attractive, eccentric, and sweet.
(Carrie, SitcomsOnline) Are you still recognized as Jawaharlal when
you're out in public? If so, how do you feel about it?
It depends on how I'm dressed. When I'm clean shaven, with my hair
parted and a tie on, yes, I do. When I'm casual – "grubby," with a 5
o'clock shadow, I'm not. I'm not fully comfortable with it, but the
people who do approach me are kind and respectful. It's gratifying.
HOTC is a part of people's lives in some way. They could relate to
the characters – being a "nerd."
Do you have any siblings?
I'm the oldest of three children. My brother is 31, and my sister is
29.
How tall are you? (Watching the show, I cannot tell…your height seems
to "fluctuate.")
In regards to my height – I tend to film taller than what I actually
am. I'm an ectomorph (long and lean), but in actuality, I stand only
about 5'9''-5'10''.
How did you manage to keep your teeth so white on the show? I rarely
see people with teeth that white!
GENETICS, BABY!! It's all in the genes.

(Raye, SitcomsOnline)Did you watch "HOTC" after you left?
Thanks for the question, Raye. My recollection is that I saw one
whole episode and fragments of two others. As I was no longer a cast
member, I had little motivation to watch. I'll answer another
question that is closely related to this one. I have been asked what
the circumstances were surrounding my absence after the third season.
During hiatus, I was informed by my attorney that the producers had
chosen not to renew my contract. Publicly, I remained guarded about
these details because I felt this somehow reflected badly upon me as
an actor. I felt shame and embarrassment. In contrast, what was very
fortuitous about this situation was that I was genuinely unhappy and
creatively stifled to begin with. I wanted to do a fourth season and
leave. But the truth is that the circumstances of my employment were
determined by Warner Brothers; I was under a 5 1/2 year contract. So
the net effect was that I was released one year before my personal
preference. And I continue to learn that the value and scope of my
talent is in no way defined by the choices or opinions of others.
Indeed, to those reading this, I encourage you to celebrate what
makes you exceptional and realize that only you have the right to
define yourself.
(Sonny, SitcomsOnline)Are you still in contact with the cast?
Actually, Sonny, the last person I spoke to was Tannis and that was
10 years ago.
(Update: Since this was first published, Tannis did reconnect with
Joher. Good luck to them in the rekindling of their friendship.)
Is it true that you were on a TV game show?
Funny you should ask! As a matter of fact, I was a regular on "Win,
Lose, Or Draw" for a couple years. For those who didn't see it, the
game show was a lot like "Pictionary". I had a blast. I'm fiercely
competitive and love to think on my feet. It was some of the most fun
I've ever had!
(Kerry, SitcomsOnline)Joher and I are both from Milwaukee. I wanted
to know what part of town he is from and if he ever comes to visit.
Does this mean I can crash at your places? You know, my parents moved
shortly after I was born so I don't know what 'hood I'm from. I think
I was born at St. John's, though. Gotta tell you, I think my peers
from the Midwest are just wonderful people. Down to earth,
unpretentious, and warm. My brother and I were just talking about how
beautiful women from the Dakotas are. I speak from experience: I've
dated two myself.
(Danny, Yahoo!) You weren't mentioned in the big People "Where Are
They Now" Issue (October, 2001). Give a brief statement as to where
you are now: location, marital status, current occupation, and a
personal quote
Okay, Danny. I live in Silverlake, California and will be moving to
Beverly Hills, California shortly. I am single. Current occupation?
Loosely answered, it depends on the day. I generally rotate as voice-
over artist, music student, and actor. I already dispensed a little
advice in response to the first question. So let me offer a quote
from somebody a lot older than me: "You yourself, as much as anyone
in the entire Universe, deserve your affection and love." Buddha said
that. And let's face it: he was pretty smart.
What is the one thing you cannot live without?
Compassion.
Favorite song?
"I Wasn't Born Yesterday" by Daryl Hall. And anything by Five Star
kicks ass.
Favorite book?
1984 by George Orwell
Favorite actors?
Antonio Banderas, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller, David Morse, Denzel
Washington, the late Raul Julia, Laura Linney, Cate Blanchett, and of
course, everyone from "Saved By The Bell". That Slater guy is one
hell of a Method actor...


Oh, I posted these because I am deleting the group.