The backbone of any television show is the “character” actor. These are the men and women who you might not remember by name, but you recognize their face. And, when they do their job right – they elevate the show to another level.

One such actor who has burst onto television screens everywhere is Cory Blevins. He recently appeared as FBI Special Agent Buchholz in EPIX original comedy series, “Get Shorty,” chasing down Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd. Also the fall, Cory also joined the cast for one of the final episodes of the beloved Netflix show, “Longmire,” and one of the first episodes of the new CBS cop drama, “S.W.A.T.”

More of a comedy fan? Then, you might recognize Cory from his role as Eddie’s girlfriend’s dad, Gary Olsen, on ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat”; or as the Network Lawyer fighting with George Lopez on TV Land’s, “Lopez.”

Cory also recurred on the “The People vs OJ,” and made guest appearances on “Ray Donovan,” “Dexter,” “Law & Order,” “It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” “N.C.I.S.,” “House M.D.,” “Justified” and more.

I had a chance to catch up with Cory Blevins -- a “character” actor who seems to be everywhere.


How was it working on the new “Get Shorty”?

CORY: Working with talent like Ray Romano and Adam Arkin, who serves as executive producer and directed several episodes of the show, you never know where you are going creatively. It’s an exciting ride! For me, Adam is acting royalty. By far the best experience I’ve ever had as an actor.

Be honest, what was it like investigating Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd every day?

CORY: The majority of my scenes are with Ray Romano and as you can imagine, he is an amazing actor to work with. So much of it comes off the cuff and feels so organic. I think it comes from his years on set. He really makes the work fun and almost effortless.

You’re also in the final season of “Longmire,” what can you share about that experience?

CORY: Funnily enough, working on “Longmire” meant returning to Albuquerque, New Mexico - which is the same place “Get Shorty” was filmed. The great thing about “Longmire” is how tight the cast and crew is. This is their final season and they definitely have it down to a science.

And, you have a role in the new “S.W.A.T.,” right?

CORY: Yes! It aired on December 7th on CBS. The show is big budget, high action and shot completely on location in Los Angeles. I play a wealthy victim who tries to cover the crime that was committed against him. So far people are really enjoying the show and I’m looking forward to seeing how people receive my episode.

You’ve been jumping around shows lately, does that make your head spin or is it fun?

CORY: That’s kind of my thing! I’m a character actor who seems to bounce from show to show and I love that! It’s the reason I chose this as a profession. It allows me to work on many different types of shows and dig into many different kinds of characters.    

If you could choose -- comedy, drama or something else?

CORY: There is no way I could choose between them! There is nothing more exciting than going from the goofy dad on ABC’s "Fresh Off The Boat" to Marcia Clarks divorce attorney in "The People Vs. OJ Simpson." I think if I had to pick just one, I’d find myself constantly looking for new ways to stretch myself creatively.

And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favorite actor/actress?

CORY: I miss Philip Seymour Hoffman. Talk about a talent! There wasn’t anything that guy did that didn’t shine.

What role from the past do you wish you could have played?

CORY: Any of the guys on “Oceans 11”! It looked like they were having a blast!

Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.

CORY: Growing up in the 80’s I was a big sci-fi fan. Anything from “Quantum Leap” to the first three “Star Wars” films and I was hooked!

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.

CORY: I’m from just outside of Detroit and attended the same high school as Madonna. She graduated a bit before me, but it’s one of those trivia things people like to hear.

How can fans keep up with you?

CORY: I love hearing from people on Facebook, Instagram @iamcoryblevins link or Twitter @iamcoryblevins link or my website coryblevins.com link