The real deal sweetener for Fox, though, was the casting of Mohr — best known as smarmily sinister sports agent Bob Sugar in Jerry Maguire. "When Jay's name came up, it was a no-brainer," declares Herzog. "It's the perfect role for him. He's got the rapid-fire-machine-gun wit, he's got the energy, he's got the looks, and he's got a little bit of that bluster that this character needs." Still, notes Thompson, "he's got a real sense of honor about him, and that's extremely rare in this town. In fact, it's so rare, you won't see it on the show."

And believe you me, Mohr plans to keep it that way. "I'd rather just burn rubber for 13 episodes and get canceled because the people at Tide and Tropicana got freaked out than make a five-year, hey-gang, homogenized Must See show," he says. "You've got to choose your battles, and that's a battle I feel confident fighting."

And if the success of this series ultimately rests on the charms of its leading man? Well, America, consider yourself seduced.

"Damn, you look good," Mohr tells one of his regular waitresses as he gets up from the table post-interview. "What are you, half Greek? How old are you now? If I'd known you were going to grow up to be this cute ... "

The young woman blushes and giggles.

"Hey, just making people feel good," he says with a smile, sliding on his shades. "That's what it's all about." — DAN SNIERSON

Originally posted Sep 10, 1999 Published in issue #502 Sep 10, 1999 Order article reprints
Page 1 2
You Might Also Like

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining