On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) premiered Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots. Based on Perry’s 2011 play of the same name, the series follows the rich and powerful Cryer family in Savannah, Georgia. The show is, also, the first scripted series on the network. The Haves and the Have Nots set a new record for the network, scoring the highest ratings ever for a series premiere. While the second season awaits its early 2014 début, rising actor, Patrick Faucette, speaks candidly about his compelling role on the popular series.
Ashly: Greetings, Mr. Faucette!
Patrick: Hello, How are you?
Ashly: I’m well and yourself?
Patrick: I’m good, I can’t complain.
Ashly: Where are you originally from?
Patrick: I’m from Willingboro, New Jersey. I lived in San Francisco for a while before moving to L.A.
Ashly: In addition to film and television, you, also, have an extensive theater background. How are the three similar/or different?
Patrick: All 3 contain multiple auditions and rehearsals, but with theater, there are no retakes and you can’t mess up. It’s sort of like live television.
Ashly: You hold a BS in Physical Therapy and are currently a physical therapist. What made you want to pursue acting?
Patrick: I attended Boston University on a football scholarship and a few of my friends from there were into acting. They suggested that I do a few plays with them so I moved to San Francisco, and eventually L.A. I loved the weather in L.A., which is why I chose to stay. After that, I guess you can say that I was bit by the acting bug. I started doing more plays and, eventually, commercials. I still try to do at least one play here and there.
Ashly: As you stated before, your friends inspired your acting career from a personal standpoint. Who inspired you professionally?
Patrick: That would have to be Denzel Washington. His stamina, charisma, and ability are only a few reasons why I wanted to be on his level acting-wise.
Ashly: When making the transition to acting, what was your biggest fear?
Patrick: Although I’ve always loved acting, in the back of my mind, I sometimes wondered whether or not I would make it, and whether or not I had what it took to become an actor.
Ashly: You’re, also skilled in martial arts. Have you competed in, or won any tournaments?
Patrick: (laughs) Actually no. I’ve done kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do, but I’ve never been a black belt.
Ashly: (laughs) Those skills could possibly come in handy…perhaps in an action film?
Patrick: You never know. (laughs)
Ashly: What have been the 3 most challenging factors in your career so far?
Patrick: Honestly, it’s just been, keeping my passion and keeping the fire burning and, of course, being able to bounce back after rejection.
Ashly: Do you feel that your career is conducive to a family life?
Patrick: It’s challenging at times. I have a wife and three children. My sons are 15 and 10, and my daughter is 13. At times it’s difficult being away but I make it work.
Ashly: Are your children interested in acting?
Patrick: My oldest is a soccer player, my daughter is into school plays, which my wife isn’t too thrilled about (laughs) in contrast, and my youngest usually accompanies me to auditions – so he may start to like it soon.
Ashly: Obviously, both acting and physical therapy are two vastly different fields. Are there ever times when you have to fuse the two together to solve an issue?
Patrick: When I receive doctor roles I’m able to spot medical terms that others don’t know so that helps with my job, but I don’t use it much to solve issues in my personal life.
Ashly: In a nutshell, Patrick Faucette is..?
Patrick: … a renaissance man. (laughs) Actor, dad, husband, musician.
Ashly: Musician? What instrument do you play?
Patrick: I play bass guitar. When I was in 8th grade, I was in a plethora of bands, (rock, R&B, and gospel). We were pretty good. One of our favorite songs to play was “Stairway to Heaven”. Actually, I can still play.
Ashly: That’s cool! Did you ever want to pursue music full-time?
Patrick: (laughs) Only when I was younger. I enjoyed it though.
Ashly: What was your 1st reaction when you were asked to appear on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots?
Patrick: After my audition, they were pleased with my scene, which gave me the ultimate rush. After we did different takes, I had a feeling that I was going to be hanging around a bit longer. (laughs)
Ashly: Of all the actors that you’ve worked with, (past and present), who were you the most star struck by?
Patrick: I generally don’t get star struck, but I’ll say that Tyler Perry was quite intimidating. Besides being an icon, I also was surprised at his height which is seemingly between 6’2 and 6’3.
Ashly: Wow!!! Really? That’s amazing. Usually many entertainers appear shorter in person than they do on television. I guess Mr. Perry is an exception. (laughs)
Patrick: Yes, he is. (laughs) I really enjoy working with him and I’ve learned a lot from him.
Ashly: Which of your acting roles have been the most rewarding so far?
Patrick: Without a doubt, my role on The Haves and the Have Nots. I was only supposed to be used for one episode, but after a few takes, I was asked to come back.
Ashly: Your character is a father who has been absent from his son’s life. Have you had a similar experience with your upbringing?
Patrick: Yes, I play the part of Benny’s (Tyler Lepley) father, who left Benny’s mom, Hanna (Crystal Fox) and married someone else. Soon after ,my wife passed away. I now strive to be part of my son’s life, much to Hanna’s dismay. But with me, my parents were always together until I left for college. Then they divorced.
Ashly: What vibe do you think your character brings to the show?
Patrick: I think that I bring a sense of mystery to the show. No one knows who I am or where I come from.
Ashly: Which direction are you hoping that this character will take your career into?
Patrick: I want my character to develop into more than a recurring cast member, for starters. Hopefully it will develop into one of my best known roles.
Ashly: What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
Patrick: Don’t give up, brave the disappointments, and keep your passion no matter what.
Ashly: That’s great advice, Mr. Faucette, and I really enjoyed speaking with you today. We’ll be watching you (laughs). Thank you for your time, and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Patrick: Thank you, and no problem at all. You do the same.
Be sure to catch Mr. Faucette on The Haves and the Have Nots on OWN, Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT.
Also follow him on twitter @PatrickFaucette