Fringe A quick chat with Fringe star Lance Reddick

The star of Fringe, Lost and The Wire talks prank calls, singing jazz and playing it straight...

Do you like your mean and moody character in Fringe, Security Agent Phillip Broyles?
"Yeah, I do. Broyles is a cool guy, but I wouldn't want his job. It would be tough even if he wasn't dealing with mad scientists and monsters."

Do you mind being cast as icy characters?
"Intensity's my thing. I did a lot of comedy at school, but not much since. I'm itching to play someone who's kooky and dumb."

What can you tell us about the remaining episodes of Fringe?
"Each show is still a case unto itself – but each case becomes more and more connected to the mystery of what the pattern is. Slowly, too, you'll see more about Broyles' personal life."

We hear you're a bit of a prankster on-set...
"I did once make a prank call to Anna Torv – she really flipped out, but it's John Noble [Walter Bishop] who is the biggest joker on-set. He's like a little kid. He often tries to crack me up – and he succeeds."

What do you get recognised for most?
"When I first moved to New York last year I couldn't get down the street without people constantly speaking about The Wire. But recently I've been stopped just as much for Fringe."

Where is the strangest place you've been approached by a fan?
"I was on a train in Italy and a guy recognised me from the crime drama Oz. He was a little crazy so it was doubly weird."

We hear that you're a singer, too!
"Yes, I have been a musician since I was about six. I started acting because I thought it would help my music career, then acting kind of took over. I still work on my music, though, and I have released a jazz album."

What TV shows do you like to watch?
"I was really hooked on The Sopranos, but my favourite show of the past year is Brotherhood – it's the best thing I've seen in years."

Tell us something not many people know about you
"I'm a sci-fi comic geek. Growing up, I was addicted to Star Trek comics and Star Trek: Voyager."