Mr. Authenticity: Thomas Haden Church from Sideways to Divorce

Thomas Haden Church broke through on NBC’s Wings as one of the goofiest of TV sex symbols, deadpanning his way through sitcom shenanigans with his hound dog grin. But he went on to show increasingly deep and unexpected shadings, playing everything from a self-destructive hedonist in an Oscar-nominated supporting role in Alexander Payne’s hit movie Sideways to a strong-silent cowpoke in AMC’s Western miniseries Broken Trail. Church is the kind of actor who can tear through a scene like a runaway horse or just sit there motionless, marinating in the moment, and be equally funny and moving.

He’s most excellent on HBO’s relationship comedy Divorce starring alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. Church brings charisma, humor and vulnerability to his character Robert DuFresne, a man struggling to cope with his failed marriage in the aftermath of the explosive separation from his wife. This in-depth discussion will cover high points in Church’s career and explore his unique perspective on comedy and drama.

In attendance: Actor Thomas Haden Church