Glee’s Josh Sussman is impossible to miss with his unique look which oft likens him to a possible Art Garfunkel son or a very young, much hipper, Larry Fine, in hair only. A Gleek, I recognized him immediately at a social soirée, bumping into him a couple more times over the past few years. Our interactions were brief, friendly, and perhaps a tad awkward. I didn’t anticipate this… one of the most enjoyable, easy, refreshing, inspiring, thought-provoking and fun conversations I’ve had. I knew there had to be a lot to him to garner the success he’s achieved, working consistently since starting, racking up an impressive list of credits, for a young man. Josh appeared in a number of shows my kids were addicted to, from the Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Drake and Josh (different Josh), Wizards of Waverly Place, Warren the Ape, to award-winning, mega-hit, Glee, which we watched together all through its run. From his beginnings as a Yeshiva student in Teaneck, NJ, Josh, obsessed with The Muppets, decided that he wanted to get into the TV screen to inhabit their world. I have no doubt his determination coupled with his hard work and impeccable work ethic manifested that dream. He still hasn’t met the actual Muppets, although he has met their masters. It’s only a matter of time. Josh appreciates the process––meticulous preparedness, from what seems simple, like knowing his lines (interning in a casting directors office early on, he learned that many, don’t), mapping out the location in advance to eliminate added stress, being on time and ready to roll, knowing when to speak and when to get out, being nice, not gossiping, be willing to go to any lengths, “Pain is temporary, film is forever.” He tells great stories to illustrate the point, like getting ridiculously drunk so he could throw up on actor/filmmaker, Chris Bergoch, in Tangerine. Josh didn’t add, but I will, being crazy talented has sure helped. He walked into Glee to do a small part in one episode, the second of the first season… he lasted five.

He speaks with great admiration of Selena Gomez, the late Cory Monteith, Darren Criss, and Ryan Murphy. Lea Michele, well, she thought he was hot for her, so…

Josh talked about rejection, in work and in life, about parts and girls he didn’t get… Bumble––dating, not dating, and being in the friend zone. He shared his mantra learned from Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa, “It’s not how hard you hit, but how hard you can hit and keep getting up.” It’s clearly serving him. He sure knows how to book, I have no doubt the right girl will appreciate and beckon.

There’s pearls of wisdom sprinkled throughout. Josh Sussman is one impressive fellow, available for film. TV, and dates. And, I trust, one day soon he’ll score the coveted gig, appearing with his beloved Muppets.

Josh Sussman Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, 3/27/19, 7 pm PT/ 10 pm ET

With Pete George

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