Writing is the draw for ‘Bridge’ star Michael Murphy
Interviewee: Michael Murphy
By: Tyrone Warner
Date: April 16, 2010
Source: CTV
Note: This is an interview with MICHAEL MURPHY who plays Ed Wycoff, the chief of police on THE BRIDGE.
With over 100 productions to his credit, this actor is no stranger to TV.
Michael Murphy, who played the title role in the Robert Altman directed series “Tanner ’88,” is Chief Ed Wycoff on the new CTV drama “The Bridge.”
The actor has also appeared in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Away from Her,” “Child Star” and “Manhattan.”
Following his move to Canada, in 2004 and 2005 Murphy won two Best Supporting Actor Gemini awards for his work on “This is Wonderland.”
Born in Los Angeles, Murphy says he’s long enjoyed working up north, particularly in Toronto on production of “The Bridge.”
“I love working up here. We move around, there doesn’t seem to be any problems. The city is one of the stars,” Murphy tells CTV.ca.
“I’ve always liked the idea of a police thing; I’ve always wanted to do one like this, which is on the street and there’s a lot of action. Even though I wasn’t going to be on the street, I could still see that this was going to be an interesting character. I’ve been very lucky since I’ve come to Canada, I’ve dealt with the very best writers I’ve ever dealt with.”
“The Bridge” is a new CTV series which goes deep into the world of law enforcement, and the charismatic union boss, Frank Leo, played by Aaron Douglas. The controversial former Toronto police union leader Craig Bromell serves as Executive Producer on the series.
Speaking about Bromell, Murphy says “He has the experience, and he knows what he’s talking about, and ensure that this show has a real feel and look.”
Ed is continually working out deals with Frank, in locations like parking garages and lakeside lots, sometimes coming out on top, sometimes getting a raw deal from Frank. In a sense, Ed is more of a political animal, cowing to pressures from city hall instead of supporting cops on the street.
“It’s a very interesting relationship between Ed and Frank. I don’t know what the writers are going to do with my character,” says Murphy.
“We meet constantly in this out of the way places and cut deals. I don’t know how long that can go on.”
“The Bridge” stars Ona Grauer, Paul Popowich, Theresa Joy, Frank Cassini, Inga Cadranel and Stuart Margolin. Adam J. Shully, Laszlo Barna and Alan Di Fiore also serve as Executive Producers.
“The Bridge” airs Friday nights on CTV, with full episodes available online at CTV.ca.