I chatted with Johnathon about the Orioles, Ravens, and his new show “Blue Ridge.”

What were your thoughts on the Orioles’ success last year?

It’s the best thing ever. They ran into a wall at the end there, but they’re a young team and that’s how you learn to build next season. It’s so much fun to watch this team. I watch them every night now. I’ve learned how to take the game from my app to the TV ::laughs:: Go O’s!

We had the Orioles do REALLY well and the Ravens go to the AFC Championship in the same year.

It’s nice to see both teams are doing really well. I follow them so hardcore it’s ridiculous. For me, the teams represent my family. You want to talk to your family about them.

I saw your film “The Legend of Hercules” was number one on Netflix. How cool is it for you to have past projects do so well?

It’s so cool for films to be rediscovered. “That Thing You Do” is always getting a new fanbase it seems. During COVID, my film “Marauders” was number one for a bit. It’s crazy how so many people can see stuff on Netflix.

Another past project of yours I saw recently was “Poison Ivy 2: Lily.” You were sporting the California blonde with stubble look.What was your experience like filming?

I remember my dad taking me to the audition. My dad was never in California but he was there for that. I went in there with Alyssa Milano and got the role. It was a weird little movie ::laughs:: It was the first of a few smaller films I starred in. Alyssa Milano was great to work with.

Your new show “Blue Ridge” actually comes from a film which came out a few years ago. How did that come about?

I had decided to leave California and move our family to Nashville. My wife is from there and the schools really fit my son. So I talked to some people I know in the industry to find work and I was hooked up with Gary Wheeler. He had a film called “Blue Ridge”, about a guy who leaves California for a small town to be with his family. Ironically ::laughs:: And he wanted me to play the Sheriff. My dad was a cop! ::laughs:: It fit like a glove. Not like a OJ Simpson glove; a Brooks Robinson glove. We made it just before COVID. However, it took a while to release. I get a call they want to make it into a series. I remember asking “Do they want me?!” ::laughs:: We turned into a six-episode series airing on INSP. What I love about the show is that I can watch it with my kids and my 85 year old father. It’s really for everyone.

Do you like doing these more action oriented roles?

Yeah, I think I’ve always embodied that. I’ve always been athletic. I studied boxing and Krav Maga. My son is getting into Jiu Jitsu and I was working with my sons instructor for the show. Ironically, on “That Thing You Do” I had to train my body to play guitar.

Do you like being on social media?

It’s a part of the business now. It’s important to promote your shows and films and make sure people have the chance to consume it. We’ve been getting great reviews so far so all the hard work has paid off.

Is there something you haven’t done yet that you want to?

I would love to be in of those big budget action Marvel movies I’m always taking my son too. I would LOVE to film something in Baltimore. I was up for “We Own This City” but Josh Charles got the role instead. It was between the two of us! Two Baltimoreans! I called him and talked to him about it and told me he went for it as well. I told him “Well you’re gonna get it!” ::laughs:: He got it and he was sensational in that role.

Are you excited about the broadcast premiere of “Blue Ridge?”

Absolutely. A bigger audience can see it! It’s so entertaining and a lot of fun. When I watch it, I’m way more intrigued by the OTHER characters and I’m acting in it. ::laughs:: I hope everyone in Baltimore has some time to watch it!

“Blue Ridge” airs Sundays at 9pm on INSP! Binge

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