Who didn't fall a little in love with James Mardsen when he was on "Ally McBeal'? It was just one season but I just remember feeling: "I want to see more of this guy!"
And we have. Thankfully. James has gone back and forth from major blockbusters like the "X-Men" franchise and "Superman Returns" to indie flicks - including a few ["Heights" "The 24th Day"] where he played gay parts. I talked to him the other day at The Advocate's anniversary party about his musical role in "Hairspray" and some upcoming projects:
Greg: Was 'Hairspray' a way for us to see you different from any way we've seen you before?
James: "I think so. Do you think so?"
Greg: [nods yes]
James: I'd been looking to do something like that for awhile and was excited when "Chicago" and "Moulin Rouge" re-opened the doors for movie musicals. It's something I've enjoyed doing so I pursued it and, luckily, they wanted me to be a part of the movie. The "X-Men" films and the "Superman" films have been very good for my career and I'm very proud of them. But it's also nice to have people see you in a different light, you know? And that happened times 10 in this movie. [laughs]."
Greg: And you have "Enchanted" coming out too.
James: Yeah, and I'm a puffy-sleeved prince in that movie. Not a very subtle year for me.
Greg: Sounds like a great year.
James: Yeah it is. The only problem with it is, 'How do you keep it going? How do you top it next year?' But you just keep working and hope that people keep coming out to see the movies. I'm proud of what I've been doing so I just gotta keep my eye on that and hopefully people will react the way they did to 'Hairspray.'
Greg: What have you done since "Enchanted"?
James: I did a movie called "27 Dresses" with Katherine Heigl, it's a romantic comedy.
Greg: Wow. You made a movie with the new golden girl.
James: I hope I don't take away that gold! [laughs]