Colin Hanks talks new comedy, his role as a father
Since his acting debut as an extra in the 1996 movie, "That Thing You Do!" Colin Hanks has established a successful career, tackling dramas like "Roswell," "Dexter" and earning an Emmy nomination for his role as Deputy Gus Grimly in the television series "Fargo."
Now, Hanks is back on the screen in a new CBS comedy, "Life In Pieces," in which he plays a first-time father dealing with the stress of being a new parent - a role that hits close to home.
"We were sort of talking with the director and the writer and I just told this story about when my wife and I took our first born home from the hospital," the actor told "CBS This Morning" Friday. That anecdote eventually ended up in the show's pilot.
Hank has played a mix of roles, which he called a "spice of life." While his new comedic gig juxtaposes other darker characters he's played in shows like "Dexter" and "Fargo," he said he wanted to try something different.
"The way it was written, it was so funny. The structure of the show is a little bit different with these four short stories telling this family's greater story," he said about the upcoming show. "It was really engaging and really funny and the chance to laugh at work. I'll never turn that down."
Hanks, also the son of acting icon Tom Hanks, said that his father did not urge him to follow in his footsteps, but encouraged him to simply "have as much fun" as he possibly could and do "whatever it is" that he wanted to do. For him, it was acting.
"It just came naturally to me and it was always something I really enjoyed," he said.
Hanks has also taken his talents behind the camera in a documentary film, "All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower." The film explores the life span of Tower Records, which founder Russell Solomon started in a drug store in Hanks's hometown in Sacramento.
"There was something about this company that I loved; the history I found to be fascinating," Hanks said.
Hanks also discussed other family members, including his stepmother, Rita Wilson, who he celebrated for her courage in her public battle against breast cancer.
Hanks also described a memorable moment he had with his own 4-year-old daughter when they were watching the Star Wars movies.
"She said, 'There's only one girl, what a bummer,' and I was just incredibly proud. ... Those kids, they tend to put new lenses on how you see things," he said.