Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 27, 1995 TAG: 9501310005
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT WILLIAMS ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
It's fitting, therefore, that Robert Pastorelli was the last actor cast for CBS' new Wednesday series, ``Double Rush,'' of which he is the star, the focus, the heart, spirit, essence and chewy center.
``I'm the tent pole,'' he acknowledges. ``It's kind of hard to get used to. There've been times when I say, `Wait a minute, I'm the straight man!' ... I get my chance to carry the ball plenty, but it's a different dynamic.''
As Eldin, he painted Murphy's townhouse from Day 1, never finishing until he became live-in nanny for Murphy's infant son, Avery. He left the series last season after producer Diane English gave up creative control of the show.
``I didn't leave `Murphy Brown' to do another show,'' he said, his accent never far from his South Edison, N.J., roots. ``But I knew, if I stayed, I would just be doin' it for the money. I never got in this for the money. If I did, I'd be leavin' a hunk of my soul there.''
So he quit, with terrible misgivings for his career. English asked him if he'd read the script of ``Double Rush,'' and the lead character, a former rock guitarist who operates a Manhattan bicycle messenger service.
``It was better than I wanted it to be,'' Pastorelli said. ``She knew what she was doin'. She had the line out, with the script on the hook, and I was just nibblin' on it.''
Then she asked ``as a favor'' if he'd read the script for the producers and director. ``It came alive, which is rare. And she's gettin' me nearer the shore,'' he said, reeling in an imaginary fish-actor.
Then English and company offered Pastorelli the part, and when he tried to put them off, the producers said, Gee, we really need to know by tomorrow, because we've got this other actor on hold. . ..
``So I called her up, about 3 o'clock my time and said, `OK, let's make some ha-ha,' '' he said.
Pastorelli is not at all concerned that ``Double Rush'' is up against ABC's ``Roseanne,'' a series that ranks No. 8 this season, its seventh.
``I'm not goin' to complain, y'know? You take your shot.'' Pause. Eye-to-eye contact. ``And you know what? When [Mike] Tyson gets out, I want him!''
Anyone doubts Pastorelli's craftwork as an actor should know that he got his producers to record the blues riff that closed the pilot episode, in which his character picks up his guitar for the first time in years.
``I was listening to some of my Elmore James stuff. I played it for them and said, `Let's re-shoot that ending, please.' ... We have to pay attention to what he plays that first time, because it's an expression from within.
``It had to be joyful. It had to be dirty. It had to be down. It had to be a celebration.''
Pastorelli also changed the details of his character's office, substituting photos of legendary bluesmen Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner and Charlie Christian for the Strawberry Alarm Clock poster.
``There wasn't enough substance to them,'' Pastorelli said. ``You don't play that with passion. You can't get passionate about Strawberry Alarm Clock.''
Pastorelli enjoys his success but has never forgotten he comes from South Edison.
``I was with a best friend of mine last night I grew up with, Johnny Gardella. Johnny Boy. I love this guy. He's got his own roofing business, you know? Good money. He watches everything that I do, this guy.
``These guys used to bust my [chops], goin', `'ey, Bobby, gonna be an actor over there, 'ey, Bobby!' ... `Do some actin', Bob! Watch this!' ... 'ey, Bobby, do Shakespeare!'''
``This same guy, the first time my name's in TV Guide he calls me: `Bobby? Your name's in the TV Guide! I got 20 of 'em! Just - if you need 'em, I got 'em,' '' Pastorelli said with a big smile, shaking his head.
by CNB