Tony Hale Reflects on His Career and the Impact of ‘Woman of the Hour’

Tony Hale has always been a standout in the world of comedy, but his recent role in Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, showcases his range as an actor. In this film, Hale plays Ed Burke, a character that shines a light on the darker aspects of culture surrounding women and violence. In a recent conversation, Hale opened up about his experience on set, his journey in Hollywood, and his reflections on iconic television moments from his past.

A Glimpse into Woman of the Hour

In Woman of the Hour, Hale portrays Ed Burke, the unpleasant host of The Dating Game. The film tells the chilling story of Rodney Alcala, the so-called “Dating Game Killer,” and the lives he affected. Hale describes Kendrick’s direction as refreshing and collaborative, making it clear that she was committed to fostering a positive environment on set.

“Honestly, it does not feel like someone’s first film,” Hale said, praising Kendrick for her leadership. “Every actor wants to feel like someone’s captaining the ship…she was so open, like, ‘Hey, let’s tell the story, and do it together.’”

The Female Perspective in Storytelling

One of the standout elements of Woman of the Hour is its focus on the women involved in Alcala’s story rather than glorifying the killer himself. Hale highlights how the film emphasizes the voices of the victims and critiques the societal attitudes that allowed such tragedies to occur.

“It’s not glorifying the serial killer. It’s kind of a B-story,” Hale noted. “Rodney is what he left in his path, their stories, and what was going on in the culture at the time.” This focus on the victims is crucial in shifting the narrative away from the sensationalism often associated with true crime stories.

Early Career Highlights: The Sopranos and More

Before hitting it big with roles in shows like Veep and Arrested Development, Hale made appearances in some of the most iconic series of the late ’90s, including The Sopranos, Dawson’s Creek, and Sex and the City. Reflecting on those early experiences, Hale shared his nerves and excitement about landing such notable roles.

“Was that the same year? Really?” he asked in disbelief when reminded of his early TV appearances. He played a nurse oncologist in The Sopranos, a photographer’s assistant in Sex and the City, and a doctor on Dawson’s Creek. “I was so stoked to be playing them… I was so nervous,” Hale admitted. “I was petrified and excited at the same time.”

Finding His Niche in Comedy

Despite his early roles, Hale’s typecasting as “the goofy guy” didn’t bother him; in fact, he embraced it. “I was always just a goofy guy, which I was loving,” he said. This inclination towards comedy would eventually serve him well, leading to significant roles in beloved comedies like Arrested Development.

Reflecting on his evolution as an actor, Hale mentioned the importance of finding comfort in uncertainty. “I would like to say it was a boost to my ego…but I was always just like, ‘Is this okay?’” This vulnerability is something that has stayed with him throughout his career, reminding him of the human element in performance.

Looking Ahead: Inside Pixar and Beyond

Hale’s career continues to thrive with upcoming projects, including his involvement in Pixar’s Inside Out sequel. Although he hasn’t seen the film yet, he expressed excitement about returning to the beloved universe. “I think I remember doing Toy Story and doing Forky Asks A Question,” he shared, unsure but eager about the new project.

In addition to his work with Pixar, Hale is also enthusiastic about a film called Sketch, which he described as “Inside Out meets Jurassic Park.” The film, directed by Seth Worley, centers on a little girl navigating her grief through her drawings coming to life. “It’s such a beautiful movie,” Hale said, clearly proud of the project.

Conclusion

Tony Hale’s journey from the nervous actor on the sets of iconic shows to a leading man in film and television is a testament to his talent and resilience. His role in Woman of the Hour not only showcases his ability to tackle serious themes but also highlights the importance of storytelling from diverse perspectives. As he continues to take on exciting projects, fans can look forward to seeing more of Hale’s versatile performances.