Andrew Rannells Answers BWW's TV 10: Chats HGTV, Mark Paul Gosselaar, TODDLERS & TIARAS, More

How does one go from voicing anthropomorphic hybrid man-sharks in a 90s cartoon, to being nominated for a Tony in one of the most successful musicals of all time, to starring on multiple shows from TV auteurs, to playing opposite Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro in a new big-budget movie? A whole lot of talent, years of hard work, and ridiculously impressive hair (no seriously, his hair has its own appreciation Tumblr page).

Andrew Rannells began his TV career in something called TAMA OF THIRD STREET: HAVE YOU SEEN MY TAMA??, from there he voiced characters on countless Japanese-animated shows for over a decade before joining the Broadway company of HAIRSPRAY in 2005. He went on to do JERSEY BOYS on tour and on Broadway, before originating the role of Elder Price in a little show called BOOK OF MORMON. Since, he has been a constant presence on TV (THE NEW NORMAL, GIRLS, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), and with the release of THE INTERN later this month, he is now setting out to conquer the world of motion pictures.

So, today, it is with great pride and pleasure that I get ask Andrew some silly questions about television in the BWW TV 10. As a refresher, the way it works is, I ask a Broadway star 10(-ish) questions about their TV obsessions and roles, and then ask them to suggest the next theatre fave to take the quiz. We started with Patti Murin, she suggested Brynn O'Malley, who in turn suggested Andrew Rannells (catch up Patti's TV 10 and Brynn's TV 10). Who's going to be next? Read the article and find out!

---

1) Everyone who follows you on social media (@AndrewRannells) knows that you love all things BACHELOR related, so outside of the BACHELOR Cinematic Universe, what are your Top-5 favorite TV shows of all-time?

Top five, that's tough. Let's say a select five, but not limited to: MAD MEN, GETTING ON, GOLDEN GIRLS, 30 ROCK, and SIX FEET UNDER.

2) Who are you more like in real-life, Bryan Collins or Elijah Krantz? Why?

I think I relate more to Elijah in the sense that I had a few years in my own life that I felt I was really at sea. I lost sight of goals I had set when I was younger. I feel like that is where Elijah lives. He's lacking focus. But, he is a great time at a party!

3) You've made some not-so-subtle overtures towards HGTV about them giving you your own show. If HGTV was to call and say that you could host any type of show you wanted on their network, would it be more FLIP OR FLOP, PROPERTY BROTHERS, or YARD CRASHERS? What would the show's pitch be?

In an alternate universe, I would have a show like FIXER UPPER. I would live in some small, quirky town with Patti Murin, Colin Donnell, Max Von Essen, Mike Doyle, Nikki M. James and Cameron Adams and we would fix houses together, most likely while kinda drunk. DESIGNING WITH WINE! That's my pitch. That's watchable, right?

4) Favorite animated show: STREET SHARKS, POKEMON, or SOUTH PARK?

GUMMY BEARS.

5) Are you doing ok after the season-ending flatline on NASHVILLE? Are you going to make it until the September 23rd premiere?

I'm not going to lie...it's been tough. Fingers crossed it's that horrible sister that is dead and not Deacon.

6) If you could take over any role on any TV show, current or cancelled, what would it be, and why?

When I was a kid I was obsessed with HART TO HART and MOONLIGHTING. They both had that unexpected crime-solver element. I would play any of those parts on either of those shows. Or MURDER SHE WROTE. I would be into that too.

7) Are you able to justify why a 30-something world-famous star of stage and screen is obsessed with TV shows about little girl beauty pageants?

I sense judgement in that question, Matt. TODDLERS AND TIARAS reminded me of WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. BUT IT WAS REAL! How amazing is that? Quick shout out to the good folks at BRANSON FAMOUS which is no longer with us. If you never saw that show, treat yourself and look it up. It's fantastic.

8) Other than yourself, who would play you in a TV movie of your life? Why?

That's a tough one. I would be honored if Mark Paul Gosselaar played me. Or I would be honored to play him in his life story. Either way I am happy.

9) You've worked with some pretty great people on TV shows in the last few years, so I'm not going to ask about them all, just my favorites. So give me one word about each of these co-stars:

Ellen Barkin: Classy
Lena Dunham: Inspiring
Neil Patrick Harris: Supportive
Cristin Milioti: Hilarious
Allison Williams: Generous

10) What theatre professional do you think should answer the next TV 10? Why?

Cameron Adams. 100%. I love her, she's hilarious, and she watches a lot of TV.

BONUS QUESTIONS (because how often do you get to talk to Andrew Rannells about TV?)

11) Was the "Canceled TV Show Medley" at the 2013 Tonys cathartic, or did it just open up old wounds? Honestly, that was one of the best moments in recent Tonys history, what was the experience, and the reaction it received, like for you?

I'm glad you liked it! We had such a great time with that number. I was so happy it came together the way that it did. I can only speak for myself, but it felt great to be on that stage having some fun at our own expense. I think as actors, particularly from the theater, you are prepared for shows to close, for jobs to end. I think we were just acknowledging the ups and downs of this business and having a laugh about.

12) Earlier this year, I asked Patti Murin this same question, so no peeking at her answer; in your opinion, what is the greatest Rose Ceremony moment in BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE history?

I have to say, that even though I certainly enjoy THE BACHELOR franchise, the second it ends, I completely forget everyone involved. There are too many seasons! Too many players! In general, I love a drunken rose ceremony. When you see people really white knuckling sobriety, that is a treat. It's horrible to say, but drunk, irrational crying is great to watch.

Does it make you feel better to know that even super talented Broadway stars like Andrew Rannells are as obsessed with TV as you are? Let me know in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. If you want to follow along with my "366 in 366" articles, you can check out #BWW366in366 on Twitter. Also, don't forget to follow @BWWTVWorld on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for all of the latest TV news, reviews, and recaps.

Also, don't miss Andrew in the new movie THE INTERN, starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro, out in theaters on September 25th.