jake smollett interview, part 2

Sweat drips down Jake "Noser" Smollett's forehead as he fidgets under the intense light of the heat lamp. His interrogation continues — and he's not getting any bathroom breaks until the last question is asked!

When we left Jake, he was telling us all about his pre-"Middleman" days — as far back as when he was peeing on Mark "Mr. Cooper" Curry's leg while working on "Hanging with Mr. Cooper."

ABC Family: Moving on to "The Middleman", how did the casting process go for you?

Jake Smollett: My agents called me about it. I love "Star Trek" and all of these crazy, crazy shows. The more out there, the better for me. So of course I'd jump at the chance to do this.

My mom is my acting coach, so she completely helped me set this character up. The day that I had the pilot audition, I had two other auditions and I got so late for " The Middleman" audition that I was about to just call my agents and say, "I don't even know if I'm going to make this!" But my mom drove, sped me there, I made it, and then ... "The Middleman!"

ABCF: We're all crossing our fingers you guys will become action figures. What accessories should Noser be packed with?

JS: Definitely a guitar, and maybe a chair, because you know I'm lazy, so I need something to sit down on.

ABCF: Do you actually play the guitar, or is there a stunt guitarist?

JS: Oh, no. I play AT the guitar. But I'm definitely going to learn more about it, because I would never want a stunt to have to play for me.

ABCF: Did you know that Natalie Morales (Wendy Watson) on "The Middleman" plays?

JS: Oh I know. Natalie taught me a few things, actually. She plays amazing. I'm definitely going to take up the guitar more. My oldest brother plays the guitar like crazy. Like Jimi Hendrix crazy.

ABCF: In the comics, Noser is pretty much relegated to quick interactions in the hallway. Has he been expanded for the series?

JS: As of episode five, it picks up tremendously. But I don't really concentrate on how much I have to do because the lines that they give me are just so funny. It's something to work with. Javi's (executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach) always like, "We're gonna get you outta that hallway!"

ABCF: Did you reply, "But I'm comfortable in my hallway!?"

JS: Yeah, that's my stomping ground! I mean, I'm chilling, I'm not stressing.

ABCF: Sadly, we're nearing the end. But at least there's just enough time to pull out a truth bomb and ask you the hard personal questions.

JS: Oh lord ...

ABCF: Who's the man?

JS: [Cackles] Oh my god, who's the man? Let me see, let me see, let me see ... that would be me!

I'm kidding.

Do you really want me to answer this?

ABCF: Yes!

JS: That would be Shaft.

ABCF: What kind of man?

JS: [Laughs] A complicated man.

ABCF: And who understands him?

JS: No one but his woman.

ABCF: Right on.

If you don't get this joke, watch the first episode. And if you want to actually hear Jake's extended answer to this question — and his impression of executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (aka Javi) -- click here.

And don't forget — you can see Jake every Monday at 10/9c on ABC Family's "The Middleman." So grab a guitar, pull up a chair, and let Noser bring calm to your turbulent world!