William Fichtner on Choosing Roles and Working on ‘Lucky’

William Fichtner is known for being selective about the roles he takes on. During a recent interview, the veteran actor, now 69 years old, shared insights into his decision-making process when it comes to choosing roles.

Fichtner explained that he has never regretted declining a project, even if it later became successful. He acknowledged that there have been moments in his career when he was more selective than circumstances might have permitted, but he stood by his choices. He emphasized that he wouldn’t take on a project unless he believed in it, because of the fear of delivering a subpar performance.

“There are certain lines that I just don’t cross,” Fichtner stated, underscoring his personal boundaries.

Fichtner revealed that he doesn’t view turning down well-paying roles as a badge of honor. Instead, he trusts his instincts when reading scripts, saying he often knows immediately if a project isn’t right for him.

His wife sometimes asks if he liked the script, and his response is typically straightforward. “Actually, it’s in the garbage, honey,” he humorously said.

The Apple TV miniseries “Lucky” recently aired its series finale, with Fichtner playing the character Wayne Whittaker. The show stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Luciana “Lucky” Armstrong, a reformed criminal facing unlawful activities one last time for her freedom.

Fichtner recalled filming a climactic scene with Taylor-Joy, describing the location as a high desert with oil rigs north of LA. The environment was challenging, but he noted that it added to the scene’s intensity.Takeaway from the final showdown scene was Taylor-Joy’s impressive performance: “She plays it perfectly,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his acting career, which began in the 1990s, Fichtner expressed admiration for his co-star’s dedication and skill.

Fichtner is recognized widely for his role as FBI Special Agent Alexander Mahone in “Prison Break.” This experience provided him with perspective on working in both miniseries and ongoing series with multiple seasons.

He elaborated on the differences between the two formats. In ongoing series, scripts are revealed episode by episode, allowing actors to gradually build their characters. In contrast, limited series offer a full character arc from the outset, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the role.