I am actor / writer / comedian Jim Rash (Dean Pelton from "Community" and host of "The Writers' Room) - AMA

How does it feel to have Jeff Winger inside of you?

It's very complicated.

When will you contact Doc Hammer about making a live action Venture Bros so you can play Rusty Venture?

I get told this a LOT. It feels like if enough people put this out into the universe, it will happen.

If they decide to make a Full House movie, can you and Nat Faxon write it, with Steve Carell as Danny, Sam Rockwell as Jesse, Nat as Joey, and yourself as all three daughters?

Done, and done.

I have been told by a fellow Community fan that I resemble you. Since there's already a Deanelganger (or DoppelDeaner), can I play the doppelganger of the Deanelganger? (The DoubleDoppelDeaner?)

Absolutely. Simply so that we can say that phrase over and over again.

I will never get tired of seeing you and Joel singing "Kiss from a rose" in that karaoke booth. Thank you for that. As for questions, what do you like to do for down time? (besides wearing outrageous costumes, that was clearly taken right from your daily life)

I'm glad you're not getting tired of it, because I wouldn't be surprised if Seal reaches out to Joel & I to do a re-master of it. My downtime is hiking. And if I'm not hiking, I'm always loving doing improv shows at the Groundlings.

I wanted to first say that the episode you wrote of Community last season was miles away the best of the season, and cannot wait for more The Writer's Room. Has Dan invited you into the writing fold for this season?

Also, I once misread a description of you as "oscar winning gym rash," which was… a unique visual.

First of all, thank you. It was a huge honor to get to be a part of "Community" on the writing side of things. No plans to do that this year, just excited that Dan is back and that Chris is back.

And I've long known that my name was an ill-conceived idea from the beginning. By the way, thanks for checking out "The Writers' Room."

i just want to say that the dean is my favorite character on community in no small part because he's the first flamboyant, over-the-top, pansexual imp on television with any depth. i love that you bring humanity to such a character, and i love that he has created/is part of/been accepted by a place that takes his outward oddity in stride.

the show doesn't have a perfect record, but it certainly has the best record on television of treating a character like the dean not as the butt of the joke, but as real person. the fact that the show seems to go out of its way to do that has always impressed me. i made a similar comment to dan harmon when he did an AMA, but i thought you deserved to hear it, too.

as someone whose gender is somewhat fluid, whose sexuality doesn't fit into a box, and who yearns to be accepted, i just wanted to thank you.

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad that you let both Dan and I know. It's been an honor to play a character who is very confident in who he is, and who is safe in a world that accepts him for who he is.

What was it like being on the last episode of Friends?

It was exciting, but it was a very interesting time to be there because it was a closing of their chapter. So it was a highly emotional week for them. I felt privileged to get on the show, but you couldn't help but feel for this moment in their lives that was coming to an end.

Hey Jim! Massive fan of you in community, thanks so much for doing an AMA! Which one of the deans costumes did you like the most? And which episode has been your favorite to film?

My favorite costume is Lady Gaga, only because they literally made that from scratch. Very impressive. As far as favorite episode to film, I'd have to say it was both the paintball episodes. It's probably the closest I'll get to an action star right now.

Jim Rash! I’m a huge fan, and I’ve been waiting for today ever since I saw your Reddit announcement.

You’re an Academy-Award winning screenwriter, but you also often act in your own films and on television. When all's said and done, though, would you consider yourself more of a writer or an actor? Why?

Also, I know you’ve expressed a love for the Remedial Chaos Theory episode of "Community"…but what is your least favorite episode?

That's tough, I'd say that I from the very beginning I was an actor / writer. I began my training at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, so in a way I was already performing and writing at the same time. I've always wanted these 2 things to converge. One of the reasons that I got involved with "The Writers' Room" was very much that I enjoy the conversation and the process of writing. I enjoy both equally.

I've enjoyed filming all the episodes.

Are you concerned that by the time Community has finished you will have developed a Dalmatian fetish? (if you haven't already.)

Too late! It's done. My whole bed is a pile of Dalmatian puppies.

What's your favorite Dean phrase? What's it like being bald?

I don't think you can ever go wrong with "dean-a-ling-a-ling." And as far as being bald: it's magical.

Hi Jim Rash loved your work on the Deanscendents and on Community. My question to you is what shall we expect from the Dean on the upcoming season of Community?

Well, with Dan back this year, we're quite (and in a glorious way) completely in the dark about what is to come. From what I understand from Dan, it's going to be a nice reset of all the characters, so I think it's going to be a very fun season.

What happened between Fenton and Fez? Come on now, give us details.

From my recollection, we fought intensely over a pair of pants that featured both of our behinds in such a way that we had to have them.

Convince me in three words to see "The Way, Way Back"...again.

My. Handlebar. Mustache.

What is your favorite Christmas movie and why is it Die Hard?

And a serious question: What was your favorite role you've ever worked in? Not necessarily just acting (Dean Pelton looks like a lot of fun to be), but I'm sure it must have been interesting to be a writer for "The Descendants" or hosing "The Writers Room".

Also, thank you for your work on Community. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Well, my favorite Christmas movie would probably be "A Christmas Story," but I wouldn't kick "Die Hard" out of bed.

For the serious question: that's tough. I'd have to say I think my absolute favorite role that I've ever worked in is as the co-writer / co-director of "The Way, Way Back" simply because it was a script we wrote 8 years ago, and it took forever to get this movie made. Which makes it all the more rewarding, because at the end of the day, it was our baby.

Jim, you've won an oscar for screenwriting, just co-written and co-directed an amazing film, acted in a critically acclaimed TV series, written an episode for the same show, and made me laugh once or twice.

What the heck are your other aspirations?

To invent a time machine. And create my own cologne.

Hey Jim! You're my absolute favorite on Community and I can't wait for next season. I was lucky enough to visit the set last year after making a donation to Ken's Mulligan charity (they were filming Abed's flashback episode where he connect's everyone's story), but you had already wrapped for the day :( I was the girl who was super excited to meet everyone. Is there any chance I can come back and see the dean machine on set some day? I'll donate to Chang's causes again! Or yours :)

Absolutely come back! In a perfect world, you would have waited for me to return, but I'll have to wait for you to come back.

Deanaling I just saw The Way Way Back which I really enjoyed but I remember reading somewhere that some of Duncan's experiences were things that had happened to you. So I was wondering what personal experiences of yours did you write in?

The very first scene of the movie, where Steve Carrell's character asks Liam James' character what he is on a scale from 1-10 and he ends up calling the kid a "3" - that actually happened to me when I was 14 years old.

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My best piece of life advice would be to always be proactive. As soon as someone tells you you can't do something the way you intended to do it, prove them wrong by finding another way. Each hurdle is just another challenge.

And thank you!

No question, just wanted to thank you for your work on Community.

Thank you!

What is it like winning the academy award as a writer?

Does it open more doors etc?

It was an out-of-body experience just being at the Oscars. Winning an Academy Award for anything is an out-of-body experience. But it was an honor and a privilege to be a part of "The Descendants." I think getting movies made is difficult, regardless of accolades and how many movies you've done it is always going to be a challenge, but I would be lying if I said that it does not allow people to listen for at least one minute to what you have to say.

HI JIM!

It's my birthday and I wanted to make sure I was here to catch you. You deserve all the love possible.

Can you wish me HBD like you were The Dean and I was Winger riding a dalma-corn (half unicorn and half dalmatian)?

Happy Birth-dean!

Winger, pull me up onto that and let's ride off into the sunset!

Hey Jim, this past Easter you came to my family's beach house for an oyster roast. Just wanted to say thanks and that was a really cool thing to do!

Oh! I remember those oysters. Thank YOU, they were fantastic.

Have you ever met, or even better, taken a picture with Moby? I need this in my life.

I've never met Moby, but I hope to one day so we can sort of commiserate possibly about being mistaken for each other.

Hey Jim! Huge fan, which actor on Community is most like their character? And why?

Tough one... I would say that I feel everyone is playing somewhat of a departure from themselves. I think there's a little bit of each of them in all of the characters, but I wouldn't say that any of them are exactly like who they play.

Do you ever worry that J.P. Manoux will steal your identity?

No, but we probably will do our own personal body-switching episode in real life.

Hi Jim! I'm a really big fan. Basically from the line, "I hope this doesn't awaken anything in me," from Community, I decided to support you in all endeavors.

I've really enjoyed The Writers' Room so far, it's so interesting to watch. Two semi-related question:

1. What is your writing style with someone like Nat Faxon when you have collaborated on movies?

2. Do you get to pick all the shows for The Writers' Room?

1. Nat and I both came from the Groundlings Theater, so our training is rooted in improv and character development. So as improvisers, our style of writing is collaborative. Sitting in the same room and working out story and dialogue, mostly together.

2. No, I did not. Sundance Channel selected all the shows. But they were all shows I was a big fan of.

Writers' Room is rad! Did you get any new perspectives from any of the shows you talked to?

I've had limited experience working on a writing staff, so pretty much the whole process of a collective writing staff was very interesting to me. It was fascinating to find out how each show had a slightly different process on how they broke a story, resolved issues, and so I was genuinely (as a fan of all these shows) curious to find out why they made the decisions they made. So really, overall, it's been sort of a dream job for a fellow writer.

Hi Jim! I love your Dean Pelton. I truly hope you have a lot of fun playing him, at least that's the impression we get.

Where there any good or bad consecuences to the gag you made at the Oscars regarding Angelina's leg?

Keep up the good work!

No, because that was more me trying to find a way to celebrate that moment without words. So I stole that idea of owning that dress and made it about owning that moment. I can't imagine that anyone took me very seriously.

How do you feel about having Dan back?

And how do you feel about the evolution of the Dean going from side character to cast member

First, love having Dan back. He's the genius behind this show, and he single-handedly probably has given me one of my favorite jobs of my career thus far.

Well regardless of whether it was as a side character or a series member, the evolution of the Dean alone has been a blast. Whether it was being obsessed with Dalmatians or locomotives or making bad choices, I'm on board.

What is it about your relationship with Nat Faxon that makes you guys such good writing/directing partners?

ps. The scene in S3 of community where you see Jeff in aviators is one of my favorite things ever, thank you for "even his shadow!"

Nat and I are, at our core, opposites, so there are parts of us that feed each other. Sometimes that makes for the best relationships.

Thank you. I don't know how many times we did that, but eerily probably brought me as much joy as it did you.

Which group of writers was the most interesting for you to interview?

I think they were all interesting for different reasons. One of the great things about "The Writers' Room" is that each episode takes on a different tone based on both the show that we're talking about, but also the collective staff. That said, I had a lot of fun chatting with "Parks & Rec" peeps, mainly because I need to live 24/7 with Amy Poehler.

Hey Jim, I absolutely loved the way, way back. What's your next project? More directing?

Right now, we're back to writing - Nat and I are writing an action-comedy for Kristen Wiig, as well as another movie for Fox Searchlight, but the immediate future is back to "Community" in 2 weeks.

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I don't know if there will be more Dalmatian references. The Dean is always evolving in what gets his full attention. He's already shifted away from locomotives at some point. I would be excited for us to find him a whole new passion to occupy his time.

What was the greatest challenge about The descendants? what was it like directing for the first time?

The greatest challenge of "The Descendants" was an adaptation in general. This was our first time ever tackling a novel, so really it was a learn-by-doing experience. As far as directing, we were warned that it would be a stressful experience and the people who told us that were not lying. That said, it was a good, rewarding stress.

Seeing as the dean has developed from being just incompetent to fabulously incompetent, do you think the dean's character has settled there or are you looking for some further development of his character?

What I love about the Dean is that he tries his best, because this is the place he loves. So while he runs into issues often for his choices, at his core he believes in what he does. And so I think that's a very admirable trait to have, so I'm very happy to be in that place.

Love you on Community, congrats on all the accolades too. My question is what is your favourite animal?

An otter. Sea and river otters.

Did you have an idea on how to portray the Dean from the start or was it, just like the other characters, something that it evolved into?

I think that naturally, characters tend to evolve from their beginning as the writers and the actors start to play around and find new things and new aspects about each character.

What was it like working with the great Sam Rockwell?

PS love The Writers Room. Can't wait for the episode tonight.

For lack of a better word, awesome. He's the sweetest, most approachable guy you will ever meet. Not to mention an immense talent.

Thanks for checking out The Writers' Room! Tonight's episode is awesome. It was great to sit down with "Parks & Rec," and since now is a good time for me to plug it - next week is "Dexter."

What inspires you? Is there a daily ritual you have to become more creative? Thanks!

I don't have a daily ritual other than trying to start as early as possible, when I am at my freshest. To be truly creative, I chop off a block where I make myself unavailable to anyone (including email and phone) so I get 2-3 hours of uninterrupted time.

Hi Jim, you're awesome!

What character from Reno 911 do you think would fit in the best at Greendale?

I think Lieutenant Dangle would have an easy time working as a security guard, although Jeff Winger would give him a lot of shit.

Hey Jim! First of all, thank you for being awesome in everything you do; from Community to writing to interviews, everything you do seems to be with the utmost sincerity, whit, and perfect facetiousness.

Will we ever see you host Dan, Bobrow, McKenna, the Russos, Joel, etc. on "The Writers' Room"?

I would love to do an episode of "The Writers' Room" with Dan & the writers of "Community." I think it would be an honor to get to pick Dan's brain more on the subject of writing. And I would make Joel serve us coffee while we chat.

Liquid preferences? Coffee? Alcohol? ...soup? Any etcs?

Iced tea. Unsweetened.

How did you get started with your acting career?

As far as acting career in LA, my first thing was to start taking classes at The Groundlings theater. I ended up becoming a member of the company and have taught and performed there for well over 15 years. It's a good place to start.

It's unDeaniable how excited I am to see you doing this reddit. When are you going to write an episode of Community. Also which character do you identify with more: Fenton or Dean Pelton?

Well, I did have the chance to write an episode last year. It was the body-switching episode. And it's hard to decide between Fenton and the Dean, I just seem to be nailing sexual deviants.

Hi Jim! My brother and I met you at the Huntington beach premiere of The Way, Way Back. I'm sure you met a lot of people at these events, but in case you possibly remember, my brother was the one who told you about his friend that goes by the name "screw you".

I just wanted to say again that The Way, Way Back was a really great movie. Really streets ahead.

I hope you and your brother and your friend "Screw You" are doing well.

Just saw The Way Way Back yesterday, and I gotta say, once I put two and two together about who you were ("That's the dean!") the already good movie just got that much better.

Was the mustache your idea?

Sort of. I grew as much of a beard as I could, and then slowly shaved it to a goatee, and then to a long handlebar mustache, and then a little bit more, halfway up, until we settled on the look you saw.

If you could own a mythical creature, what would it be? And why?

I guess a Pegasus, just so I can get around easily.

I am a huge fan of your work, I think you are absolutely hilarious! Your characters are always a priceless addition to whatever you appear in. What was it that made you want to get into acting, it's just you are so excellent in your fields that it makes me wonder what inspired you to go into them? Thanks so much for doing this.

I think I loved acting from certainly high school (although the theater we performed in might be questionable, it got me excited). But my love for everything in the entertainment / creative world started in college, when I worked at a student television station. It was very hands on writing, directing and acting. Again, questionable shows, but it was fun to do.

Since you are an actor and a writer, does that affect how you watch TV and movies? Have you ever seen something and thought either the acting or writing was excellent while the other was terrible? If you could recommend one film or show everyone should see, what would it be?

Also, would you rather visit San Deaneigo or Changcago?

Well, I think I would be remiss to say that there are things where one thing is stronger than the other. Whether the acting was stronger than the writing, or vice-versa. But I try to just watch movies for movies. As far as a must see, I'm having a hard time thinking of just one show or one movie for people to see.

I would go with Changcago, only because it seems more humble.

What are you dressed up as right now?

I am dressed up in "Casual Jim Rash mode" - sensible pants and a top. No shoes.

Hello Mr.Rash, I have a question that I would appreciate your answer to. Do you ever wake up and realize that "holy shit, I'm a star" moment?

I wouldn't say I had a "wake up, I'm a star moment." I've had the "wake up and feel very lucky that a number of dreams have started to come to fruition" moments. I think I always want to keep level headed that there is more for me to do and to say, and that my growth as an actor and writer and director has just begun.

Hey Jim, big fan. I was wondering what you thought of more established directors using Kickstarter,

1) Do you think it is fair to would-be filmmakers and would you consider using it in the future? 2) Do you think this is where the future of the industry lies, in smaller VOD films? 3) Lucas and Spielberg are predicting a sort of Hollywood implosion in the next few years, do you subscribe to this theory?

Honk-Honk-Deanily-Doo!

1. I know that the Kickstarter debate is a big one, but I feel like it's up to each individual who they want to donate their money to. So I'd say that it's really up to them.

2. I don't necessarily know if that is the future. I think that the entertainment business is constantly evolving. The good news is that there are outlets for young and old filmmakers to make movies.

3. I don't know. I would say they probably have more insight than I probably do, having been in this area of the business far longer. I guess I am also more of an optimist, since for me, everything is cyclical so hopefully Hollywood will be open to movies of all levels.

Hi Jim!

So I remember hearing that part of The Way, Way Back was based off of events in your life. Way are some of those moments? Also with the whole water parks theme ... If you could name a water park and or a ride in a water park what would it be? And what would be its theme/design?

Well I sort of answered the first part of your question. But if I could name a water park or a ride in one, I'd keep it simple. What if we just call the ride "The Rollercoaster" and just mess with peoples' minds?

What is the most tedious part of being an actor?

It would be hard for me to say that anything about being an actor is tedious, when you love what you do. Like with anything, hours can get long, but I can't imagine anything I could complain about with that aspect of my career.

What are some of the "donts" you habe found in being a writer.

Don't judge your work too fast. If you're beating your head about it, maybe take a little break from it and give it a fresh read a few days after the fact. Often we become overcritical of our own work when we can really see that it's not that bad, or maybe there's something in there that we really love that we can bring out more.

Hi Jim. I am a huge Groundlings fan and have been one of your biggest supporters since I first saw you perform there in 2006. Every time a new featured show is announced, I hope that you are a part of it... either as an actor or director. As a big Groundlings fan, my questions are Groundlings-related.

1. How much of your current success can be attributed to the Groundlings?
2. As you continue to "blow-up", will you still be involved with the Groundlings?
3. Any chance you will be in one of the main shows coming up? At least maybe the holiday show? That is always a favorite.

Hope to see you soon! And keep up the fantastic work! Excited for season 5 of Community.

1. My time at the Groundlings was like graduate school for acting, writing and directing, so it was quite influential with at least the beginning of my career.

2. I continue to teach at the Groundlings as well as be involved with the improv shows; I can't ever see myself letting that go.

3. I definitely have plans to be performing in the Gas show there as often as possible and I definitely would think about doing a holiday show, if at all possible, because it's my favorite as well.

Do you have any certain mental obstacles when beginning to write something new? And if so, how do you overcome them and could you describe your processes for writing?

To be honest, one of the reasons that I wanted to be a part of "The Writers' Room" was to get nuggets of gold on how to make writing easier. But the truth is, we're all in the same boat - it can be a love / hate relationship. I love writing implicitly, but sometimes it's a tricky bitch. The best advice I ever got from a writer was simple: when you get writer's block and you don't know what to do, step away from your computer and run one errand. Make it simple and easy. Go to the bank, pick up your dry cleaning. And more often than not, the solution will have hit you while you've stopped thinking about it.

Hello Mr Rash, How was working with John Goodman?

Working with him was great. It was intimidating only in that I've long been a fan of his, but genuinely had a wonderful one-on-one time with him as we shot the episode.

No questions, I just want to tell you that the only reason I watched The Descendents was because you wrote it and you're awesome. Can't stand that Clooney guy.

Well, thank you.

How often do you get mistaken for Moby on a daily basis?

Quite frequently. I'm curious if he gets mistaken for me.

what is your favorite thing about winning the Oscar? do you think comedians can do amazingly serious pieces? if that makes sense. :~)

At least for one night, everyone seems to want to talk to you. And absolutely - I've long believed that the first thing you do doesn't necessarily define who you are. We're all multilayered and we're all looking to evolve. The first thing out of the gate is not necessarily the only thing we can do.

Are you ever gonna grow a full beard or just keep the sensible stubble?

Due to "Community," I never have the time to get into full beard mode before I have to shave again. So my ZZ Top beard will have to wait.

Thank you for deaning this first off. My question is, was the cross dressing something you brought to the character or part of the initial conception?

The cross-dressing started in season 1 when the Dean saw the Dalmatian YouTube video, and he commented something along the lines of hoping that it didn't awaken something in him. From that moment on, I think the writers started having fun with the idea that it, in fact, did awaken something within the Dean.

Hello! I'm a huge fan of yours so this is really special for me. Question: As a writer, what steps do you take to create good characters in your scripts? I'm working at becoming a screenwriter at university so your advice would inspire right now!

For me, the key to good characters is to tap into the people you know the best. So your family, friends, coworkers, they are always a wealth of material when inspiring characters. I always like to ask the question "Why is someone the way they are" and keep asking that question until I know everything about why they are the way they are.

What advice can you give a writer that will be moving to Los Angeles from Chicago within the next three years? Am I doomed?

First, you're not doomed. You're making that journey for a reason. Second, the best advice I can give to a writer is to never stop writing. No matter how bad it gets, try to write a little bit each day.

I know you're not supposed to play favourites, but if there was a fire would you let me know first? Before the study group even!?!

That's a tough one, because it would break every rule that the Dean had made to himself and to the study group privately. That said, maybe this one time, I'll save you first.

Do you improv a lot on Community?

There's not that much improv. The scripts are very tight. More often than not, we just do what's on the page.

I've never had such instant affinity to a person as when I discover they're also community fans and I know you're aware of how devoted we can be. From your perspective do you think makes the show mean so much to us?
Dean ya later!

We do have a rabid fanbase, and it's because of you guys that we are still around. It feels like it's our own precious secret, and we get to share it.

What's your real personality like? WHO IS THE REAL JIM RASH? thank you for your time.

In any interview that I've done, I'm pretty close to real life.

You are a huge inspiration. I occasionally see you working at a coffee shop in my neighborhood. Can I say hi next time? I never know how people feel about this...

Thanks for the AMA... Here's a different question: what's your technique for writing with a partner?

Thanks again!

Yes, I am not averse to a sweet hello. Our technique for writing as partners is rooted in improv, in that we proactively break story and work on things together in the same room. I know partners who separate and divide scenes and write individually, and then come back and work on it together, but on our end it's usually us working together.

I had no idea you hosted the Writers Room, I DVR'd one that had the Breaking Bad staff but haven't watched it yet. Will DVR the rest now!

What movie do you like to watch over and over?

You gotta watch it! I like to watch "Raising Arizona." Best. Movie. Ever.

Hi! Big fan! whenever you get on a plane do you always check to make sure the phalanges are working properly?

Absolutely. I always believe in art imitating life, and life imitating art, so as soon as I play a character or say a line, I make it truth.

Whats your favorite breakfast entree?

I go through phases where cereal seems to be my favorite thing.

Saw an early screening of the Way Way Back and it was awesome! I read that you guys were constantly fighting against the weather on the last few days/weeks of shooting. How terrible was that?

It was stressful. We had rain on the very beginning and very end of the movie, and since we were shooting in a water park, we didn't have anywhere else to go, we had to wait out the rain. When you are working on a very low budget, and you have your investors watching both your budget and your time, it's a challenging situation. We were able to make up the time, however.

What were your thoughts while being interviewed by Ronna & Beverly? Were you annoyed they would not let you talk? (I personally thought it was a hilarious interview)

I loved hanging with those two! Happy to be interrupted, and happy to be shepherded along through the conversation.

Jim, just wanted to say I am in awe if your writing. Your penmanship is remarkable. Content is good too.

First of all, thank you for complimenting the content. Secondly, how have you seen my penmanship? Do you love that it's all just capital letters and looks like a third grader wrote it?

I just wanted to say that I watch Community every week with my 14 year old son and he thinks that you are the greatest. Your character in Reno 911 deserves praise as well. Please keep entertaining us for years to come. Thanks.

Thank you so much!

What are you going to wear on Halloween?

Well, as far as what I am going to wear on the Halloween episode of "Community," I have no idea. In real life, I will dress as a couch and just write "Free" on me and sit by the curbstop. AKA I have no idea.

Life or death situation, you can only pick one, held at gunpoint, etc:

• Act in a movie by your favourite director.

OR

• Direct a movie with your favourite actor.

And no fair just picking yourself. We all know you're awesome and multitalented.

I would say act in a movie with my favorite director, simply because we just began this journey as directors and I'd love to continue to observe great directors.

Did your interpretation of Dean Pelton flow from the text you were given, or did you draw on something/someone as inspiration?

I'd say that the Dean's voice was very clear to me from Dan's pilot script. If anything, he evolved over the course of the show, but Dan's characters leapt off the page from the very beginning.