Asher Grodman
Asher Grodman, an actor, writer, producer, and director, currently stars in the new CBS comedy “Ghosts” airing Thursdays at 9/8c and premiering October 7th. He has previously appeared on shows like Succession, Chicago Med, and House of Cards. He wrote, directed, and produced the award-winning short film The Train, starring the late Academy Award winner Eli Wallach. The Train has been featured in many film festivals such as the Cleveland international Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and Sedona International Film Festival. Grodman graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the American Conservatory Theater and BA in Film and English from Columbia University. Additionally, he teaches acting in the theater department at Hunter College in New York and previously did the same for the inmates at Rikers Island.
Coat by The Salting
Shirt by Burberry at Neiman Marcus Roosevelt
Tie by Miranda Kurtishi
Pants by AG Jeans
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
I was a shy, socially anxious kid and was the only one in my whole middle school who wasn’t in the musical. Safe to say, I was headed in the exact opposite direction of the entertainment industry. But I grew up on an isolated plot of farmland, so my imagination was my best friend. Eventually, the desire to play and connect with others overwhelmed my fear of participating.
In the 7th grade, I had a big crush on a girl in my class. When the middling middle school jazz band decided to perform “Brown Eyed Girl” for the entire school and no one offered to sing, I stepped up to the plate. Unbeknownst to my band mates, I changed the words of “Brown Eyed Girl” to “Hazel Eyed Girl” for said crush. As you can imagine, that didn’t work out (and probably mortified her), but for a kid who was constantly terrified of being rejected or teased, it did make me feel like part of a community and started me down an artistic pathway.
You have explored many career paths in the entertainment industry. what would you say has been the biggest thing you have learned working as director, producer, writer, and actor?
No matter what the path in this business, the biggest thing I have learned is that I’m always a part of something much larger than myself. Each of these disciplines is so intricate and detailed (and competitive), that it can be easy to lose sight of the balance between macro and micro. In prep, minutia is key! But production is a team sport, and once you’re a part of that team, collaboration and trust are the name of the game. We’re all a part of a much larger tapestry.
Filming for Ghosts was delayed (and so was the release date) due to the pandemic last year. How would you describe filming during the pandemic? Has it changed your view of the entire production process?
The extenuating circumstances have made me ever more grateful to be part of this project. In terms of the production process, we’ve all had to prioritize “the larger tapestry.” The team mentality and trust in one another are helping us strike the balance between creativity and safety. The pandemic is a great equalizer. We are truly all in this together. And luckily, I work with a group of people with whom I would gladly be quarantined for an extended period of time.
Left:
Suit by Miranda Kurtishi
Shirt by Agnes B
Shoes by Magnanni
Right:
Suit + Bow Tie by Miranda Kurtishi
Shirt by Agnes B
Please share with us your favorite trait about your character, Trevor, on Ghosts?
Trevor certainly has some lessons to learn, but he’s also just a puppy who wants to spend his time playing, partying, and enjoying every single moment of eternity with his friends.
How would you describe Trevor’s journey throughout the first season of Ghosts?
That is top-secret information that will be revealed in weekly segments beginning October 7th.
You have worked in theater and film. What are some of the differences you’ve experienced between the two? Do you prefer one over the other?
At the risk of oversimplifying, it’s the difference between telling stories orally or visually. There are many things that crossover, but, generally, we listen to the dialogue of a play, but, on screen, we watch events unfold.
I don’t think I can say I have a preference. Theater gives you the thrill of playing with an audience but afterwards exists only as a memory. On screen, you don’t have the audience to play with but you’re constantly tackling and problem-solving new material, and it lives in perpetuity. But above all, across all mediums I’m doing the same thing: listening and playing imaginatively with other actors.
Coat by The Salting
Shirt by Burberry at Neiman Marcus Roosevelt
Tie by Miranda Kurtishi
Pants by AG Jeans
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
Right:
Suit + Bow Tie by Miranda Kurtishi
Shirt by Agnes B
You teach students at Hunter College in acting and theater. What has that experience been like? What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned?
My experience at Hunter has been fantastic. I’ve been able to create new courses and collaborate with faculty in other departments in dynamic ways. Most of all, the students are wonderful; they come from all walks of life, they’re engaging, driven, and curious. Getting to watch them grow and make this work their own has been one of my greatest joys.
Teaching has been such a wonderful gift. It began as a survival job and has become a source of artistic inspiration and clarification. When I first started to teach in a group setting, it was to the inmates at Rikers’ Island, which forced me to come up with a quick approach to make this craft simple and entertaining. That, in turn, helped me get clearer on my own craft, figuring out what’s essential and what’s extraneous.
Hat by The Salting
Jacket by Akobi at The Confessional Showroom
Sweater by Zegna at Neiman Marcus Roosevelt
Jeans by AG Jeans
Scarf by Agnes B
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
Where do you hope to see yourself in the entertainment industry in the next five years? What are your goals for the future?
I hope to be working on projects in television, film, and theater that I’m passionate about, and maybe shooting season 5 the wildly successful, hilarious, and charming CBS Comedy hit ‘Ghosts’.
Can you share your social media with us?
Instagram & Twitter: @ashergrodman
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Art Director + Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Asher Grodman
Groomer: Luis Guillermo
Photographer’s Assistant: Felicia Abban
Fashion Styling Interns: Kenisha Seth, Charlotte Mercado, and Addie Saenz
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Kenisha Seth, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
