Veteran actor Tim Bagley joins John Frank Levey to discuss his remarkable three-decade career spanning hundreds of roles.
From his early days studying with renowned acting coaches to becoming a Groundlings mainstay, Tim shares how his commitment to authenticity and continuous growth has shaped his craft and journey as an openly gay performer in Hollywood.
Through candid stories about his experiences on shows like ER, Southland, and Somebody Somewhere, Tim reveals how he approaches each character with empathy and psychological depth – whether playing a flasher, an OCD patient, or a Supreme Court clerk opposite Sally Field.
The conversation explores how his background in improv and dedication to ongoing training have enabled him to tackle dramatically diverse roles while staying true to himself.
In this episode:
- How Tim discovered his comedic voice through The Young Americans and The Groundlings
- The psychology behind creating authentic characters, even in challenging roles
- His groundbreaking LGBTQ representation on Will & Grace and beyond
- Learning valuable lessons from being fired and the importance of letting go
- His experience with loss during the AIDS crisis and its impact on his career choices
- The value of continued acting training and study throughout one's career
- Working with acclaimed actors like Sally Field and Regina King
Tim's story exemplifies how embracing authenticity, both personally and professionally, while maintaining a spirit of continuous learning can lead to a rich and enduring career in the arts.
TV shows and plays discussed in this conversation:
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV)
- ER (TV)
- Hacks (TV)
- Hello, Dolly! (stage play)
- Perfect Couple (TV)
- Shameless (TV)
- Somebody Somewhere (TV)
- Southland (TV)
- Teachers (TV)
- The Court (TV)
- Will & Grace (TV)
- Wings (TV)
Connect
- Connect with Tim on Instagram: @iamtimbagley, and visit his website, timbagley.com
- Connect with John on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_
- Click here to order a signed copy of John's memoir, Right for the Role.
Acknowledgments
Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at
www.heroshots.la.
The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.
What is Right For The Role with John Frank Levey?
"Right For The Role" is hosted by legendary casting director John Frank Levey, whose four-decade career and four Emmy Awards reflect his uncanny ability to recognize who's right for the role.
As the casting visionary behind revolutionary television shows like "ER," "The West Wing," "Shameless," and "China Beach," Levey has not only witnessed but actively shaped the careers of some of Hollywood's most recognizable talents.
Through intimate conversations with accomplished guests like Eric LaSalle, Sasha Alexander, Dennis Dugan, Noah Wiley, Shanola Hampton, and others, listeners will discover inspiring stories about finding one's authentic path in both life and career. Drawing from his vast experience, Levey guides conversations that uncover valuable insights about taking risks, advocating for what you believe in, and discovering your true calling.
Whether you're in the entertainment industry or simply navigating your own path, each episode offers honest, unfiltered discussions about defining moments, career transformations, and the journey to embracing the roles we're meant to play.
So join John Frank Levey -- recipient of the Casting Society of America's prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award for Lifetime Achievement -- as he shares his exuberance for the craft and helps listeners find inspiration to discover their own role of a lifetime.
The first episode launches December 11th.