The odds of making a name for yourself in the entertainment business are about as good as winning the lottery and those who do get their foot in the door knows exactly how lucky they are. For most, it's just one that one role that can change their entire future -- they key is to make the most of that opportunity because you never know where life will take you, especially if you're an actor.
After getting his degree in Theater and spending some time playing guest starring roles on various television series, Michael Stegerlanded a starring role on the CW's 90210, a reboot of the hugely famous '90s series Beverly Hills 90210. Steger plays Navid Shirazi, a character who became an instant hit with fans. I had the pleasure of speaking to this charming actor about his role on the popular series, his appearance on True Blood and how he keeps in touch with the fans.
Q: Did you grow up knowing you wanted to be an actor?
Michael: "I grew up doing martial arts and I was a really shy kid and a buddy of mine got me to audition for this play and I wound up getting the part. That is what sparked my interest and then my brother got into acting and I said I want to do that, so I followed in his footsteps, found an agent and that's how it all happened."
Q: What was the worst job you ever had?
Michael: "The worst job was telemarketing. For the first couple of weeks, I thought yeah, I'm a rock star; I'm getting all these sales. I was calling on behalf of the democratic council and Greenpeace. And then a manager comes up to me and tells me I'm doing such a great job and they've decided to put me on this really interesting campaign and then put me on this really hard campaign where I would be asking people for money and no one would budge. The job just burned me out to a point where I had to just quit. You do the same thing over and over again and you go crazy."
Q: Would you consider 90210 your big break?
Michael: "Yeah, I would say it was my first big break. It was a huge machine and I came on board after doing so many interviews before they shot the pilot. I had no idea what I was getting myself into; it was a roller coaster at first."
Q: Tell us about Navid...
Michael: "He's an overly ambitious kid who really looks out for his friends. He's an overall good guy with good intentions and is very empathetic."
Q: What similarities do you share with Navid?
Michael: "He's a journalist and I'm an actor and we are both free agents who are pursuing a career in a production company."
Q: What can we expect from your character this season?
Michael: "You're going to see a whole other side to Navid. You're going to see a very grownup Navid, who is stepping into an adult role as he tries to legitimize a porn business into a full-fledged production company. You're going to see him struggle as he sometimes makes some irrational decisions and is also working with his girlfriend, Silver. At the same time, he is living with his girlfriend and taking care of his little sister, who is finishing her last year in high school."
Q: Do you think Navid and Silver's relationship will survive?
Michael: "That's something that will be put to the test. Many stressful situations will develop throughout the show and we'll see how they deal with it. What I can tell you now is that they have a very strong relationship."
Q: You guest starred on True Blood last season; what did you think of your role?
Michael: "I loved it. I'm a huge fan of Alan Ball and True Blood and I thought oh my god, this is my chance to be a part of this ensemble -- it was so much fun!"
Q: Do you enjoy working with the cast?
Michael: "I worked with Denis O'Hare, who is a very generous actor. I had a great time working with him."
Q: Do you watch any TV shows on a regular basis?
Michael: "I recently got into Mad Men; I watched all four seasons in a month. I also watch The Walking Dead and True Blood."
Q: Do you have any projects in the works?
Michael: "I'm working on directing a couple of things right now and working on the show for the next five months."
Q: Do you use Twitter or Facebook to keep in touch with your fans?
Michael: "I do, my Twitter is @michaelstegerjr. I love the feeling of giving information to the fans before the press gets to them because they are always appreciative."
Q: Anything to say to the fans?
Michael: "Thanks for sticking with us for the last three years. I hope you continue to watch the show and be as entertained as you've always been. We have the best fans ever."
