FridayOL

Jerry Trainor, the beloved actor known for his role as Spencer Shay’s dad on Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh,” recently revealed a hilarious and unexpected story about how he secured his breakout role as ‘Crazy Steve.’ In a candid interview, Trainor detailed the last-minute scramble and the bold move he made during his audition that ultimately landed him the part.

The story begins with Trainor facing a tight schedule and a looming audition. He hadn’t initially planned on auditioning for ‘Crazy Steve,’ a quirky and memorable character who appeared in several episodes of the show. However, circumstances changed, and he found himself rushing to make the audition with barely any preparation.

“I was late, I was unprepared, and I was scrambling,” Trainor explained. Realizing he needed to make a significant impact, he decided to take a risk. He described his approach as going “nuclear,” meaning he threw caution to the wind and delivered a performance that was over-the-top and undeniably memorable. He leaned into the character’s eccentricity, improvising lines and physical comedy that showcased his comedic talent.

The casting director, reportedly, was initially taken aback by Trainor’s sudden shift in intensity. However, the boldness and unexpectedness of his performance clearly resonated. Trainor’s willingness to go all-in, to embrace the absurdity of the character, proved to be the winning formula.

“I think they were looking for someone who wasn’t afraid to be a little weird,” Trainor reflected. “And I definitely showed them I wasn’t afraid.”

The success of ‘Crazy Steve’ proved to be a pivotal moment in Trainor’s career. It highlighted his comedic abilities and ultimately paved the way for him to land the leading role of Spencer Shay’s dad – a role that cemented his place in the hearts of a generation of Nickelodeon viewers. The part allowed him to showcase a more grounded and relatable side of his acting while still retaining that comedic spark.

Trainor’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking risks and embracing the unexpected can lead to incredible opportunities. It’s a testament to the power of improvisation, confidence, and a willingness to go beyond the script to truly embody a character. And it’s a fun anecdote that sheds light on the journey of a beloved actor and the making of a classic Nickelodeon show.

Looking back, Trainor laughs at the memory of his last-minute, “nuclear” audition. “It was crazy,” he admits, “but it worked out pretty well.”