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Josh Charles Embraces A New Role In 'Best Medicine'
From Smarmy to Soft – Josh Charles in 'Best Medicine'
Josh Charles has been a familiar face in TV and film ever since his high school days starring in John Waters’ 'Hairspray.' Over the years, he's taken on roles in 'The Good Wife,' a slew of miniseries like David Chase’s 'We Own This City,' and numerous guest spots on shows such as 'The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' and 'The Handmaid’s Tale.' However, it's been a while since Charles has been the main attraction on a long-running show – until now. Enter 'Best Medicine,' Fox’s fresh dramedy inspired by the British series 'Doc Martin,' where Charles stars as the titular doctor navigating the quirks of small-town life. While his character keeps a grumpy edge, there's a softer side compared to the hard-edged roles he's known for. Charles himself admits in a recent Hollywood Reporter podcast, “I’ve been looking to do more comedy. I think part of the context of [smarmy], is Wet Hot American Summer and Kimmy Schmidt where I played intentionally douchey characters.”
Comedy with a Heart – A Welcome Change
Fox’s 'Best Medicine' offers Charles a chance to explore a comedic landscape with a softer touch, a welcome change from the more intense roles he's inhabited recently. Charles has a history of playing what he humorously refers to as "douchebags," but he's delighted to shift gears. As he noted on a podcast, "When this came along, it felt like a nice tonic—a nice climate to potentially live in for a little while." Shooting the series in New York was a key factor for Charles, who relishes the proximity to family and the familiar setting. The show's premise, echoing its British predecessor which ran for 18 years, is something Charles finds intriguing but less daunting, acknowledging he could see himself on board for several years, "but 18 years, that’s a bit much," he chuckles.
Finding Balance in a Rollercoaster Career
Charles’s career, like many actors, has been a wild ride of "feast or famine." Reflecting on those tough periods, he shares, "For me, it’s like nothing and then three things at once, but you can only do one of them." The pandemic and industry strikes were notable slowdowns, but he's learned to navigate the uncertainty, valuing empathy and resilience in the acting world. "Having sensitivity and being an actor, where you’re rejected more often than not, is challenging," Charles reflects. His recent roles have leaned towards comedy, a space he desires more, especially those allowing physical slapstick humor. Despite his comedic ventures, Charles treasures his dramatic past, with fond memories of 'The Good Wife' and the audience's emotional response to his character’s unexpected departure.
Award-Winning Cameo and Family Life
On a lighter note, Charles cherishes a unique memento from his appearance in Taylor Swift's 'Fortnight' video—a Moon Man trophy. The unexpected accolade came as a delightful surprise, with Charles recounting, "She’s a class act." Balancing his professional life with family is crucial for Charles, whose children are slowly discovering his work. With 'Best Medicine' bringing some comedic relief into his career, Charles seems to have found a refreshing balance in both life and work.
Author: Sophie
