NEWSOK! Exclusive: John Gammon of The Middle Talks About His Sweet Character
The Middle marks its 100th episode tonight! To celebrate, we chatted with one of our favorite actors on the show, John Gammon, who plays the best friend of one of the sons, Axl. He chatted with us about what he loves about his character, and what he does when he's not on set.
OK!: For people who haven't seen the show, who is your character?
John Gammon: I play Darrin, the dim-witted jock friend of Axl. They met on the football team in high school. Now that we are both in college, we are going strong and learning a lot more about each other. My favorite part about this character for sure is the fact that he has a heart of gold. It's very easy to play him and his earnestness. It reminds me of a lot of the things my buddies and I used to do, growing up in Cleveland.
OK!: Where is he at this season?
JG: He's learning a lot about fixing air conditioners. He's in trade school. As you may recall, he was dumped last year by Sue. It was a heart crusher, but since then he's bounced back. He met a cosmetologist named Angel. Sue actually wants to get back together with Darrin, but it looks like it's going to be hindered by this new girlfriend.
OK!: Can you give us any spoilers for the 100th episode?
JG: I really can't! It's a tight-lipped crew we got there.
OK!: Tell me more about you! Where are you from, and when did you know you wanted to be an actor?
JG: I am from Cleveland, OH originally. I went to school in New Orleans. I knew I wanted to be an actor since I was 3 or 4, if you ask my brothers and sisters. They told me in the crib I was doing goofy characters and sounds, and scrunching my face. That was my first audience, my siblings.
OK!: What do you do for fun when you're not filming?
JG: Right now I like to take the dog around, get away and take the dog to the park. Jiu jitsu is a massive passion of mine; I go about four or five times a week. It's a wonderful exercise—it's a great way of keeping shape and making friends and such. I like to cycle, go to the beach, cook.
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OK!: How is your cooking?
JG: Now and again, I can get hot on some plates. I've always tried to eat to live. Sometimes I go a little overboard. I've been able to make some jambalaya before. That's probably my most impressive dish. That comes from years of my mom cooking certain Lousiana food. A little bit of trial and error.
OK!: What would your dream role be one day?
JG: A young veteran coming back from one of these ridiculous wars to a part of this country that really needed some work. Post-Katrina New Orleans would be fantastic. There's also post-Sandy New York.
Do you watch The Middle? What do you think they have planned for the 100th episode? Do you like John's character? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @OKMagazine.
