But Russell also possessed a sentimental side, never more apparent than when Talbot, his lover of 700 years, was killed. "Those were some of the toughest scenes of the season," O'Hare reveals. "The thing about 'True Blood' is that, yes, it's supernatural storytelling and crazy things happen, but everything is rooted in these very real emotions." Indeed, as evil as Russell can be, his scenes mourning Talbot are nothing short of heartbreaking.
Hilarious and terrifying—sometimes within the same scene—O'Hare was consistently terrific as Russell, yet he is aware that sci-fi and genre shows are often overlooked at Emmy time. "I've heard people say that shows like this don't get recognition," he admits. "All I can say is that the acting I've done on shows like 'The Good Wife' or 'Law & Order' is the same kind of acting I do on 'True Blood'—a show filled with outstanding actors and quality writing."
To prepare for the role, O'Hare worked with a dialect coach and read some of the Sookie Stackhouse novels upon which "True Blood" is based. However, O'Hare found the character of Russell in the books very different: He's described as a small man with red hair. Fortunately, O'Hare says he is an "avid reader" and was able to glean a lot about Russell's backstory from historical books the actor has read.
The popularity of the show and his character has earned O'Hare a whole new demographic of admirers, even though he's a Broadway star and has had memorable roles in films like "Milk" and "Michael Clayton," usually playing buttoned-down government types. "I don't know that I really had fans before," he says with a laugh. "I was always kind of 'that guy.' Russell has really given me a recognizable identity, in many ways."
Russell ended Season 3 being gruesomely buried, and O'Hare is cautious about discussing whether he will return to the show. "They were very specific about not killing him off and leaving the possibility open," he says. "But I'm wary of saying any more." In the meantime, O'Hare is revisiting supernatural territory in Ryan Murphy's FX pilot "American Horror Story," in which he plays a mysterious character known as "Larry the Burn Guy." But Russell still holds a special place in his heart. "Any recognition I receive is a reflection of the show," he says. "And I'm happy to represent such a fantastic program in any way I can."
Outtakes
- Was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama League Award in 2004 for his portrayal of Charles J. Guiteau in Stephen Sondheim's "Assassins"
- His performance as money manager Mason Marzac in "Take Me Out" won him a Tony Award, an Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, a Clarence Derwent Award, and an Outer Critics Circle Award
- Other memorable roles include a no-nonsense therapist on HBO's "Bored to Death" and turns in the films "A Mighty Heart," "The Proposal," and "Duplicity"