Shawn Hatosy, a seasoned performer with a career spanning over three decades in both film and television, recently offered a comprehensive look into his professional journey. Known for his compelling portrayals in various TV dramas, Hatosy delved into the significant milestones of his career, including his impactful roles in "Southland" and "Animal Kingdom," and his current critically acclaimed work on HBO Max's "The Pitt." His reflections covered everything from early career decisions and long-standing creative partnerships to the evolution of the audition process and the emotional resonance of industry recognition.
Hatosy's career boasts a rich tapestry of characters, from an L.A. police officer in "Southland," which earned him a Critics Choice Award nomination, to a complex ex-convict in "Animal Kingdom." His most recent notable performance is as Dr. Jack Abbot in "The Pitt," where he portrays a former combat medic turned attending physician. For his role in the first season of "The Pitt," Hatosy received an Emmy for Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series and is currently nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the second season, during which he also took on directing duties for an episode of the highly praised show.
During an engaging conversation at The Hollywood Reporter's Los Angeles offices, the 50-year-old actor recounted his beginnings in Baltimore, his move to New York, and subsequently to Los Angeles, where he found himself in high demand for youth-oriented projects during his twenties. A recurring theme in his career has been his two-decade-long collaboration with TV creator John Wells, a partnership that has spanned five projects, from "ER" to "The Pitt." Hatosy also addressed the public's desire for a spin-off centered on the titular hospital's night shift, a prospect he seems open to.
Hatosy candidly discussed roles that slipped through his grasp in his earlier career. He recalled being considered for parts that eventually went to actors like Tobey Maguire in films such as "Wonder Boys" and "Cider House Rules," and the role played by Wes Bentley in "American Beauty." Interestingly, he also mentioned being asked to audition for "Breaking Bad" when AMC was not yet the powerhouse it became, indicating his perspective at a time before the show's massive success and prior to the debut of "Mad Men."
His professional relationship with John Wells began during a challenging personal period. Hatosy admitted he was struggling and hesitant to take on television roles, viewing himself primarily as a film actor. However, his manager urged him to consider an "ER" audition, emphasizing Wells's involvement. The role, a complex character with multiple personalities, allowed Hatosy to take significant creative risks, leaving him with a profound sense of accomplishment. This experience prompted him to send Wells a heartfelt thank-you, an gesture he believes was instrumental in their long-term collaboration.
Hatosy shared his shock and apprehension when NBC unexpectedly canceled "Southland" after its first season, despite a second season already being largely filmed. He described it as one of the most surprising events of his career, given the quality of the show. The series was later rescued by TNT, though this transition came with its own set of challenges, including a reduced cast and salary adjustments for some actors, leading to a period of uncertainty before production resumed.
Following his critically acclaimed performance in "Animal Kingdom," Hatosy experienced an unexpected dry spell in his career. He attributes this largely to the industry's shift from in-person auditions to self-taped submissions, a format he found challenging. He revealed that he submitted dozens, perhaps more than sixty, self-tapes without success, feeling that this method did not allow actors to fully showcase their capabilities compared to the dynamic environment of a live audition.
Regarding his character, Dr. Jack Abbot, in "The Pitt," Hatosy highlighted the profound dichotomy within the role. Abbot, a combat veteran who lost a leg, has witnessed unimaginable horrors, making him unflappable in the face of medical emergencies. However, despite his professional prowess, Abbot, along with his colleague Robby, struggles profoundly with their own mental health, a "beautiful, sad truth" that resonates deeply with the actor.
Winning his first Emmy for "The Pitt" was a deeply emotional moment for Hatosy. He expressed being overwhelmed and thrilled by the nomination itself. The experience of receiving the award from Ron Howard, an individual he admired since childhood through shows like "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Happy Days," made the win even more significant. He humorously noted his achievement predated his co-star Noah Wyle's Emmy win, adding a lighthearted touch to a momentous occasion.
Looking ahead, Hatosy remains enthusiastic about Dr. Abbot's future and the potential for a "The Pitt" night shift spin-off. While acknowledging that such decisions rest with the show's creators, he affirmed his commitment to the character in any capacity, whether through a spin-off or increased focus on the night shift within the main series. He recently began directing his fifth episode for the forthcoming third season of "The Pitt," further expanding his contributions to the show.
Beyond his current commitments, Hatosy continues to actively pursue new roles, maintaining that opportunities are never simply handed to him. He appreciates the continuous challenge of proving himself and noted that his success in "The Pitt" has opened doors to conversations with esteemed figures and projects, such as the upcoming limited series "Cry Wolf" alongside Olivia Colman and Brie Larson, suggesting a promising trajectory for his career.