Shawn Hatosy is feeling grateful as he reflects on his latest role in Max’s “The Pitt.” A full circle moment for him, as he started his career with John Wells as a guest star on “ER” 19 years ago. Since then, he has worked with Wells on multiple projects, but this guest star role as Dr. Jack Abbot feels different for him. Walking to the coffee shop for our interview in Los Angeles, he was stopped on the street for his portrayal of Abbot, a decorated war veteran and night-shift attending physician.
Initially, Hatosy wasn’t even aware of the role of Dr. Abbot, as he thought the only available role in his age group was already taken by Noah Wyle. However, after reading the first episode, he saw the potential in the character and decided to take on the role. The writers were unsure if Dr. Abbot would develop into anything significant, but Hatosy juggled two other recurring roles before landing “The Pitt,” which worked out perfectly in his schedule.
Technically a guest star, Hatosy appears in five episodes of the show, with a brief appearance in the first episode and a more prominent role in the final four. Filming in Pittsburgh for exterior shots, Hatosy found the weight and command of Abbot over the emergency department surprising. His scene on the roof with Wyle was challenging and required hours of shooting to get it right.
Given a detailed biography of the character, Hatosy was aware that Dr. Abbot is an amputee, a fact revealed in the final scenes of the finale. He believes that the character is not defined by his disability, but rather by his competence and talent as a leader. Hatosy sees similarities between himself and Abbot, making the role a bit scary as he feels he’s putting himself out there.
The role of Dr. Abbot and the show overall are not light or easy, requiring Hatosy to be in service to the writing and portray the truth in his performance. His first scene after the pilot cameo was an emotional speech, followed by intense scenes in the E.R. dealing with a barrage of bodies. Despite the challenges, Hatosy felt the adrenaline and realism of the scenes, even telling his wife about it.
In the first episode, there was a scene between Dr. Abbot and Dr. Mohan that didn’t make the final cut but impacted how Hatosy felt about their relationship. He believes there was a direction for their relationship, with a potential romantic spark between the two doctors due to their admiration for each other’s intelligence. As the show progresses, viewers can expect to see their relationship evolve and potentially develop a flirtation between them. When it comes to expressing admiration or respect for someone in a position of power, it’s important to be mindful of how your words may come across. As actress Emma Watson once said, “I don’t want to sound creepy when I say it because he’s in the power position.” This sentiment speaks to the delicate balance of showing admiration without crossing any boundaries.
In today’s society, there is a heightened awareness of power dynamics and the importance of respecting boundaries. When expressing admiration for someone in a position of power, it’s crucial to do so in a way that is respectful and appropriate. This means being mindful of your words and actions, and ensuring that your intentions are clear.
One way to avoid coming across as creepy when expressing admiration for someone in a position of power is to focus on their accomplishments and qualities rather than their status. Instead of making comments that could be interpreted as overly familiar or inappropriate, stick to praising their achievements and skills. This shows that you respect the person for their abilities and talents, rather than simply their position.
It’s also important to consider the context in which you are expressing admiration. If you are in a professional setting, it’s best to keep your comments focused on the person’s work and contributions to their field. Avoid making personal or overly familiar remarks that could be misconstrued.
In addition, pay attention to the way in which you deliver your praise. Tone and body language can play a big role in how your words are received. Make sure your tone is respectful and sincere, and avoid any behaviors that could be seen as inappropriate.
Ultimately, the key to expressing admiration for someone in a position of power without sounding creepy is to be mindful, respectful, and considerate. By focusing on the person’s achievements and qualities, and being aware of the context in which you are expressing admiration, you can show your respect in a way that is appropriate and genuine.
