Southland - Michael Cudlitz Interview
Michael Cudlitz is one of those familiar actors who’s been a guest star on shows ranging from the original 90210 (he played Tony Miller aka Brenda’s prom date for 11 episodes) to NYPD Blue, Six Feet Under, 24, Prison Break and the entire CSI franchise. Now he’s part of the ensemble on the new hit cop show Southland, playing Officer John Cooper, who’s partnered with and newbie Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie).
What’s John Cooper’s deal?
He’s a P3 plus one training officer, which means he’s a senior lead officer. The SLO usually deals with community relations. He’s the go-between your Neighborhood Watches and your PTA and the police department. He’s been a cop for 20 years.
With all that time in, he’s not looking to make at least sergeant?
He’s at the highest pay grade he can be at and still be on the streets. That’s what he chooses. He’s very happy with what he’s doing.
What’s his rap sheet?
He was in the military. And as you’ve seen he’s got some big issues with abuse from his father, who’s in prison.
What’s Cooper’s distinguishing characteristics?
He’s a wonderfully complex character. He’s very aggressive with his training. He takes his work very, very seriously. And because of that, he’s very misunderstood in his personal life, which is also very complex. The character is gay.
Is he closeted on the force?
We’ll find out who knows and why and when he talks about it and when he doesn’t. It’s a non-issue for most of the people he works with, though he may come in contact with someone who has a problem.
Has he told Ben?
No. It hasn’t come up in the show yet.
Is he in a relationship?
That will be revealed as the show goes on. He wants to be happy. He wants to be in love. We’ve met his ex-wife. They’re very, very close. There are no children—not that I’m aware of.
Yeah, that’s what guys always say.
No, but in this case I really mean it!
She’s also kind of your drug dealer, isn’t she?
There is a current drug issue and his ex wife, who works in a hospital is involved with helping him get the drugs.
It sounds as if he’s taking some drugs that help mask a condition that might cause him to lose his job. True?
Yeah. It’s not an AIDS or HIV thing. Absolutely not.
Isn’t he pretty tough on young Ben?
Reportedly the way I train him is very light compared to what actually goes on. Everyone’s like ‘You’re being so mean to him.’ But I’m just making sure he’s not going to crack under pressure, and making sure he’s not going to get somebody killed or himself. There are some work issues that start to affect the way he trains Ben and that starts to affect his ability to do his job.
Your character doesn’t fall in love with him, does he?
Well, he’s kind of cute….[laughs].
You and every teenage girl thinks that about Ben McKenzie.
I know, trust me. I’m aware, I’m aware! It’s ‘here, hold my bag while I take a picture with your partner.’ But the girls run up to me and go, ‘Hey, my mom wants to meet you.’
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