“The Guild” fans love Jeff Lewis from his role as Vork, and now his new role will bring more laughs.
Actor/Writer/Producer Jeff Lewis has a brand new character to look forward to. Next Tuesday, Feb. 23rd, viewers will meet Phil in NBC’s highly anticipated series “Kenan.” Of course “The Guild” fans know him well from his role as the Dungeons and Dragons addict Vork, yet he is known for many roles in films such as “Hail, Caesar!” and TV shows like “Dads in Parks” and “The Jeff Lewis 5 Minute Comedy Hour.” Find out what other projects he has in the works and what games he is into lately.
Colleen Bement: You play the role of Phil in the highly anticipated new comedy “Kenan.” I’d like to start off with these two questions:
1.) What was your reaction when you were told that you landed the role?
Jeff Lewis: I was very excited, but, at the time, I didn’t know yet that the part would be for my than one episode. I was just happy to get a part because it’s been a slow year and so many shows have been on hold.
2.) Do you have any stories from the set?
JL: Sorry, I have no stories, but I will say that everybody, without exception, is really nice and really funny! I promise I will have some really great stories the next time we talk.
CB: Nerd Alert News readers know you very well from your role as Vork from “The Guild.” What did you enjoy most about being on the series? I know that your character always made me laugh.
JL: So many things, it’s hard to find just one. I loved being around the other actors. I felt comfortable and close with them. And it’s nice when the cameras weren’t rolling, we would still laugh about stuff. I also loved the ability to be able to improvise sometimes. It’s not something you can do on every show. But Felicia was open to it sometimes. She was also somebody I really enjoyed working with. Really funny! I also loved working with Sean Becker, the director of “the Guild.” He really taught how to make Vork just a little different from Jeff Lewis, so it was really a character and not just me.
CB: Our readers would love to know if you enjoy playing any D&D during the pandemic? And, what games are you a fan of lately?
JL: I really only play D & D with the guild. I haven’t actually played regularly since I was about 15. Right now, on my Twitch stream, I’m playing a lot of Fall Guys, which I enjoy, to a point. I’m still trying to get my first crown. But I also just finished playing Zelda, BOTW. and that was really fun. I play Mario Cart and Animal Crossing with my kids. Someday, I’ll get back to playing games where I just kill a lot of people. Someday…
CB: Would you happen to have any other projects in the works that you’re allowed to tell us about?
JL: I think I can say that hopefully, season two of “Prank Encounters” will come out soon. it’s a prank show on Netflix hosted by Gaten Matarazzo from “Stranger Things.” The first season is streaming right now. Besides that, just doing my Twitch channel with Sean Becker
CB: Where did you grow up and what inspired you to become an actor?
JL: I grew up in Houston, Texas. I didn’t really even think about acting at all, until after college, when I started shooting little shorts. Then, I went back and got a film degree and did a little more acting and writing. What really triggered doing acting as a career was when I moved to Los Angeles. Someone told me to take an improv class to help my writing. I got up and people were laughing at me. It was my first taste of positive reinforcement and it felt good.
CB: What have you been doing during this pandemic to stay sane? I know that I’ve never binged so much television in my life!
JL: Yeah, I’ve binged a lot. But I guess mostly, I’ve been writing. I’m an aspiring screenwriter and have been spending a lot of time writing and rewriting. Also, I shoot sketches for my twitch channel and editing them and that’s been fun. I also have two small children so…there’s that.
Check out the trailer for “Kenan.” It starts next Tues., Feb. 23, 2021.
Written by Colleen Bement
Lynn Makes
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson