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AsThe Bears lovable Pete, Chris Witaske has a thankless role.
Youre in two of the most crucial episodes ofThe Bearthis season.
Lets talk first aboutFishes,the cameo-packed flashback episode.
I read the script and couldnt fucking believe it.
It just said, Merry Christmas.
Chris [Storer,The Bears creator and co-showrunner] really just trusts everybody.
That day was insane, I was sitting at that table with all these huge names.
They work really quick on this show.
Well film for a little bit, and then Chris will be like, Okay, we got it.
And Im like, We got it?
He knows what he wants and has this really clear vision.
Its like no show Ive ever worked on.
He hires the best people possible and trusts the actors, and thats it.
I suppose its good you didnt have to run through that scene for hours on end.
The intensity and the full commitment that that dude brings was wild to watch.
When did you know who else was going to be in the episode?
Did you just walk into the makeup trailer and see Sarah Paulson?Probably a couple of weeks before.
They really wanted to keep it under wraps, but Abby Elliott and I text.
I couldnt even picture it when she said Bob Odenkirk and John Mulaney.
What do you think Petes relationship is to the family?
Its pretty clear they give him a hard time, but why do you think he keeps trying?
He desperately wants to connect and fit in, but they dont give him a fucking chance.
I really relate to Pete.
I also think Pete is a bit of an empath.
He just doesnt know how to help her, but he wants to.
Well, lets talk about that scene in the finale, then.
What do you think is really going on with Donna?
How was she explained to you?Shes an addict who plays the victim.
She thinks everybody is out to get her and everything is a slight on her.
A lot of times, thats how alcoholics act.
They blame everybody else but themselves for everything.
She has a ton of resentment and a ton of pain, though.
I think that weve gotten little hints about the dad too, but we dont totally know.
But, yeah, to not fucking tell your mom that youre pregnant?
I mean, holy shit.
We dont really know what their relationship is.
Does Natalie talk to her every week, or does she just call on holidays?
Shes still smoking cigs, and shes very clearly an addict.
How was working with Jamie Lee Curtis as a scene partner?Surreal and a thrill.
And then I read it and it all kind of made sense to me.
The writing is so fucking brilliant.
To have a scene with the most toxic character and the sweetest, most kindhearted person?
It was a thrill.
Thats a little movie magic for you.
We probably got that scene in, I want to say five takes?
Why does Pete cry?
Is he sad Donna didnt come in?
Is he sad for Natalie?
You saw it at Christmas.
Its my favorite place in the world.
I teared up watching that, because I think they really captured it.
I also think they really capture how in Chicago youre all on top of each other all the time.
It creates these really strong bonds of friendship and family.
Its a tighter-knit community.
1 is this greasy spoon diner calledS&G Restauranton Lincoln Avenue.
Its owned by this Greek family and its been in business for years and years.
Theyre all screaming at each other.
Theres a long counter at the front, too, where everybody sits next to each other.
Youll see a cop sitting next to a school crossing guard whos sitting next to a nun.
I think its Tina Feys favorite chicken dish, too.
Oh, and Ive got to mention that my favorite pizza isPizanos.
Its also Oprahs favorite, so we have something in common.
Thats the best part!I know.
I think a lot of Chicago people cringed when they saw that.
