How did you get cast on Orphan Black?
“I auditioned for it. I did a pre-read with the casting director and moved forward to do the studio test and then a chemistry read—that’s when I met Tatiana [Maslany, who plays the lead role in Orphan Black]. And that is the moment my world changed. I had rehearsed the scene like 200 times with different accents and versions of the character. But when I walked in and saw Tatiana, it was like seeing an old friend. It was spooky. I guess I never understood what chemistry was until then. You really can project the idea of this character onto another person and for that five minutes when you’re shooting—I know it sounds wacky a little pretentious—but we were those people. It was real. There were no limits; just trust. She came over and rested her head on my leg at one point in the scene, and instinctively, I reached out a grabbed a lock of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. That is a testament to Tatiana and how open she is, how willing she is to surrender herself to the character—and to the person she’s working with—and to not worry about looking stupid. The first thing I tell anybody who wants to become an actor is: You had better get used to looking stupid because you don’t have the luxury of being embarrassed. Self-consciousness is your worst enemy. This is not glamorous work.”
Do you hate the wardrobe department for making you wear those crazy outfits?
“Felix’s sense of style is eclectic and bizarre. But as much as Jordan would never wear any of that stuff, it works for my character because he is so liberated. A lot of his costumes are my suggestions.”
So perhaps you are to blame for that floral kimono and black thong ensemble from last season.
“They were trying to make the kimono hem even shorter! I kept saying, ‘Is it short enough yet?’ And their response was: ‘Nope. One more inch.’ ”
What is a typical day in wardrobe?
“I walk in. They’re like: ‘Hey, Jordan. Welcome back. Uh, try on these assless chaps.’ ”
Did you even know what chaps were at the time?
“I did not. I was supposed to go for a fitting at this leather store called Rough Trade in Toronto. Thank God they didn’t send me alone.”
What actors have inspired you?
“The person at the top of my list is Sissy Spacek. She is an artist and a chameleon. I met her a few years ago and emotionally vomited all over her. I was so nervous at the time, but I introduced myself. And I have never met a woman who grounds you more; she grabbed my hand and instantly it was like I sunk right into the ground. The first film I ever saw of hers was Carrie. I felt so connected to her character. I was not the most popular kid in school, so Carrie’s struggle resonated with me. And Sissy’s performance changed what I thought of acting. I realized: Oh, that’s what this fuss over movies is about and why people go see them. Yes, it is an escape. But it is also to feel something.”
