EDINBURGH 2015 - BWW Interviews: STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY

BWW:UK speaks to Tony-nominated actor Stephen Tobolowsky ahead of his debut at the Edinburgh Fringe.

What can audiences expect from The Tobolowsky Files?

My philosophy is that "true always trumps clever." I think there is nothing funnier, more heartbreaking, more startling than a true story. I have seven different shows that I will present: one each night. I will do the entire series twice in case people miss a show or want to hear a story twice. Hopefully, along the way, they will hear something that reminds them of their story - and be delighted....or terrified.

In your podcasts you seem to have a never-ending supply of stories - is it hard to narrow them down to just one hour for the festival?

Yes. The good part is that it means I really want to start on time!

Having toured quite extensively outside the UK do you think you know what to expect from an Edinburgh audience?

I have had several friends who have performed at The Fringe. They ALL have loved it. I have high hopes for a great couple of weeks.

You have an incredible filmography- which role do you find yourself being recognised for most often?

Ned Ryerson from Groundhog Day has to be #1. For a while, I was big with teenagers because of Glee and Freaky Friday. Recently, I get a lot of Californication. People seem happy to have seen my ass. One of the strangest encounters was when someone stopped me on the street and said, "My God, you're Stephen Tobolowsky. You played the Calculator in Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars!" They were correct.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch while you are in Edinburgh?

I am going to try to see everything! I know that is impossible. I feel like a kid in a bakery and the blueberry muffins just came out of the oven. I am so lucky to be in Edinburgh during the Fringe. I saw a couple dozen plays at the Montreal Fringe. It becomes an organic thing. You just go out and DO! So I will!

The Tobolowsky Files runs at the Edinburgh Fringe from 18th August.

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