10 Questions: Tom Wilson

[AKA]

10 Questions: Tom Wilson

Ten answers from Freaks and Geeks' Coach Fredericks.

By Ken P.
IGN FilmForce

I've said it before and I'll say it again – Freaks and Geeks was one of the best shows ever produced for television.

Which is probably why it only lasted 18 episodes.

I think it's a television law that quality must be rewarded with swift cancellation, while abominations continue to roam the land, menacing viewers with inane writing (and even lamer metaphors, but you get the point).

Presenting the teenage tribulations of Sam and Lindsay Weir, and their assorted friends and enemies, Freaks and Geeks was the first (and so far only) show that presented the teenagers as they really are, and what high school is really like. Well-written, funny, and emotional, it was… Well, it was life. Not a comedy, not a drama, and nothing as hackneyed as a "dramedy," it merely existed as one of the most well-crafted shows ever to get slaughtered upon the network altar of quick returns and poor judgement.

Let it not be said that dark clouds don't have silver linings, because the complete run of Freaks and Geeks – plus a bevy of bonus materials – has been released in a spiffy 6-disc DVD set from Shout Factory.

If you're a fan you've probably already got the set on your shelf, but if you've not yet experienced the show, I urge you to do so.

Or go watch some more Relic Hunter. It's your call.

We recently got a chance to ask our patented (it's pending… really…) 10 Questions of the Freaks and Geeks cast, and we'll be presenting them over the next few weeks. We've also got a few surprises in store, so be sure to keep an eye out in the near future.

This week we've got Coach Fredricks himself, Tom Wilson (yes, yes – we know all about that movie where he played the bully). Tom's also an accomplished artist, and you can view some of his works at his official website, tomwilsonusa.com…

1. What is your favorite piece of music?
Though it's nearly impossible to narrow it down, my favorite piece of music is Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." Or, of course, anything from Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run album.

2. What is your favorite film?
Again, tough choice, but if Field of Dreams is on, starting at 12:30, I know I'm going to lose sleep. Or, of course, Ninja Turf, my first film, in which I'm pummeled by a host of Korean martial artists.

3. What is your favorite TV program, past or current?
My favorite TV show was Blossom.

4. What do you feel has been your most important professional accomplishment to date?
My most important professional accomplishment, like so many old, crotchety performers, is survival. There was lots of other fancy stuff, and wearing tuxedoes and stuff, but... yeah... survival.

5. Which project do you feel didn't live up to what you envisioned?
In show business, one must learn to adjust expectations quickly and easily, moving on to the next project, so I can't remember being surprised and saddened about anything. Oh, except my series of workout videos that tanked.

6. What is your favorite book?
Since I'm one of those "readers," I can't narrow down my favorite book. Oh, how about Lying Awake, or The Soloist, or The Laughing Sutra, by Mark Salzman, or Undaunted Courage, by Stephen Ambrose, or anything by Ethan Canin.

7. If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
I would just admit the obvious and have it literally run by chimps.

8. Who – or what – would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?
The advent of "Talkies" affected my career a great deal. Other than that, my parents were instrumental in helping me, as was my high school theatre teacher.

9. What is your next project?
My next project has centered around my paintings. I've been painting for a long time, and I've just been going public with them. So far I'm showing them at the MillaAngelina gallery, on Melrose Ave. in Hollywood, and I have a solo exhibition of them coming up at Nickelodeon Studios in Burbank, Ca. PLUG Check out PLUG my website PLUG at PLUG www.tomwilsonusa.com PLUG COMPLETE.

10. What is the one project that you've always wanted to do, but have yet to be able to?
I've always wanted to get up on a nice six– to eight-foot wave and hang five – not even ten – while singing "Surfin' U.S.A." If I were to be perfectly honest, I just don't think it's gonna happen.

That doesn't keep me from trying.

A conversation with Paul Feig, creator of Freaks And Geeks (includes current pictures of the Freaks And Geeks cast)
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10 Questions: Martin Starr
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10 Questions: Paul Feig
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