After Josh Hartnett made a surprise appearance in The bear Season 3, when the episodes dropped in late June, the actor is finally giving an explanation as to how the special appearances came together.
Sitting with The Hollywood ReporterThe 45-year-old actor detailed how he was approached to join the show in the role of Frank – the fiancé of Richie’s ex-wife Tiffany. Cousin Richie is, of course, played by Bachrach Ebony Mosswhile Community alum Gillian Jacobs portrays Tiffany.
According to Hartnett — who recently starred alongside Cillian Murphy in Christopher Nolan’s Best Picture-winning film Oppenheimer — the special participation came about through a friendship with The bear creator Christopher Storer, who kindly offered him a job and he accepted.
“It was organic, but not that organic. He was like, ‘Thanks, man. We have to work together at some point. Let’s make it happen.’ And then maybe a year goes by and he calls my agent and says we have a role for Josh,” Hartnett explained, adding that he accepted immediately.
He continued, “I said yes immediately, before I even read the script, because I wanted to work with him. Our business can be cruel sometimes, and sometimes you get really lucky and meet people you really admire. Chris and I have always gotten along well, so I was really happy that he asked.”
In the Emmy-winning series, Hartnett plays the well-meaning but unusually open-minded future father-in-law of Richie and Tiffany’s daughter, Eva. The actor only appears in one episode — season 3, episode 4 — but his cameo quickly caught the attention of social media.
During his bachelor scene, Hartnett’s Frank (or “Waldo,” if you ask Tiffany and Richie’s daughter, Eva) opens the door for Richie to drop off his son, only to end up having a sweet — if slightly uncomfortable — heart-to-heart with his fiancée’s ex.
“I’m feeling really bad about something,” Frank says. “I should have told you before I asked Tiff to marry me… I should have talked to you.” Richie, of course, ignores it, but continues to look for an exit as he is placed in the scene with his back against the wall (literally and figuratively).
After several moments of uncomfortable silence — and Hartnett’s character getting awkwardly close to Richie, what did he say? THR wasn’t in the script — the scene finally resolves itself when Richie runs away. Richie also manages to avoid Frank’s questions about whether he’ll RSVP to their wedding and when he and Tiffany can go to The Bear for dinner.
The actor wasn’t the only one big name star will appear in season 3however. Throughout the 10-episode season, actors and actresses such as Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cena, Olivia Colman, John Mulaney and Will Poulter appear. Hartnett says he gives credit to Chicago for keeping his cameo a surprise.
“I felt like the city of Chicago was really protecting The bear. People there love the show, and it seems like it’s an unwritten rule that you can’t spoil it,” Hartnett shared. “And certainly no one who’s on the show wants to spoil it. It’s much more fun to have that last-minute reveal.”
As for his experience on set, the actor — who is set to star in M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming horror thriller, Trap — says that while the cast and crew (as well as their characters on the show) demand excellence, they still have a lot of fun together.
“And I have to say they have a lot of fun doing this show. It shouldn’t be called work. The actors just come to set and hang out together, even on their days off. It feels like a group of friends doing a college show or something. However, it’s a phenomenal success,” he shared.
The show follows the lives of the staff at The Bear, a Chicago restaurant led by Camen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White). While the first two seasons saw the chefs working to get the upscale restaurant off the ground, the third season focused on the team working toward perfection to beat the odds of becoming another great restaurant that closes too soon.
The show also stars Ayo Edebiri, Bachrach Ebony Moss, Matty Matheson, Abby ElliottL-Boy and Liza Colón-Zayas.
For a breakdown of all the Season 3 guest stars and more coverage of The bearCheck out the links below.
RELATED CONTENT: