Actor Zane Phillips reflected on his time as Mason in Hulu’s new sitcom Mid-Century Modern and even went on to say how he was at first starstruck by his fellow cast mates.
The series, created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan—the duo behind Will & Grace—draws inspiration from The Golden Girls, offering a fresh perspective on aging and friendship within the LGBTQ+ community.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Set in Palm Springs, Mid-Century Modern follows three gay men—Bunny (Nathan Lane), Jerry (Matt Bomer), and Arthur (Nathan Lee Graham)—who, after an unexpected death, decide to spend their golden years living together. They share a home with Bunny’s mother, Sybil (Linda Lavin), forming a chosen family that navigates the ups and downs of life, love, and friendship.
Sybil helps Arthur get a job as a personal shopper, but his condescending boss reminds Arthur he’s no longer in fashion, he’s in sales. At a casino, Jerry tries to get tickets to a Donny Osmond concert, while Bunny negotiates with a pit boss when he feels he lost money unfairly. (Disney/Chris Haston)
Phillips’ character, Mason, appears in the fifth episode, “Fire Island,” where he meets Jerry during a trip to Fire Island. Their interaction sparks a connection that leads to a deeper exploration of Jerry’s past and present relationships. The episode delves into themes of identity, love, and the complexities of personal history.
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A Memorable First Day on Set
Speaking to Gayety at the launch of the Tryst Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Phillips recalls his first day on set, which coincided with election day. He was particularly moved by Linda Lavin’s impromptu piano performance of a song she would later sing in the series. “It was probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Phillips shared. The cast and crew were deeply touched by her performance, which added a poignant moment to the filming day.
Bunny asks Jerry and Arthur to let Mindy join their pickleball team. Meanwhile, Sybil reconnects with an old friend. (Disney/Chris Haston)
Learning from Legends
Working alongside seasoned actors like Nathan Lane and Linda Lavin was both inspiring and humbling for Phillips and one where he was a bit start struck.
“It’s really wacky,” the star went to say. “I was on set and I was looking at Nathan Lane and I was like, “You’re Timon.” It’s probably the first movie I’ve ever seen. And so just being in a room with these legends and they were all so kind and so funny.”
He described the experience as a “master class,” emphasizing the opportunity to learn from their expertise and generosity. “I always want to be surrounded by people who I can learn from and who are kind enough to impart their knowledge and their skills with me,” he said.
Sybil helps Arthur get a job as a personal shopper, but his condescending boss reminds Arthur he’s no longer in fashion, he’s in sales. At a casino, Jerry tries to get tickets to a Donny Osmond concert, while Bunny negotiates with a pit boss when he feels he lost money unfairly. (Disney/Chris Haston)
Balancing Gratitude and Professionalism
Despite the star-studded cast, Phillips maintains a grounded perspective on his role. He acknowledges the importance of both luck and hard work in achieving success. “You have to start telling yourself it wasn’t just luck that I’m in this room,” he explained. By focusing on gratitude and professionalism, Phillips ensures that he remains focused on his craft and the opportunities before him.
Personal Reflections
Beyond his professional achievements, Phillips has been reflecting on the significance of family and personal connections. He expressed deep appreciation for his mother and husband, especially during challenging times. “That’s what I do it for, ultimately. It’s my family,” he said, highlighting the importance of support systems in both personal and professional life.
