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“He’s a strange little man.”
This description from Gideon Glick regarding his character Seymour in the musical Little Shop of Horrors also aptly fits Tobias, his role in the new series Étoile, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, which premieres on Prime Video. Glick’s quirky portrayals include appearances as Alfie, a confused magician in the acclaimed show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
“I see myself as a strange little man, too,” he shares with Gold Derby. “I’ve found a niche playing these unusual characters, but for me, it has always been about the unique intricacies of human nature rather than just being peculiar. People fascinate me, and I aim to embody their essence and understand their motivations. That’s where the art of acting lies, and the Palladinos excel at crafting such intriguing universes.”
SEE‘Étoile’ trailer released — instant Emmy predictions for Amy Sherman-Palladino’s new Amazon Prime Video series
In Étoile, Glick portrays Tobias, a gifted and peculiar choreographer who finds himself in a talent exchange between two ballet companies, one in New York and the other in Paris. Critics have praised his performance, noting that “One of the series’ only genuine delights” comes from his ability to transform a character that could easily come off as obnoxious into someone both comedic and relatable, according to sources like Variety and Collider.
In a conversation with Gold Derby, Glick discusses his journey to landing the role, how his hearing challenges shape his performance, and what it feels like to be part of the esteemed Palladino ensemble.
Gold Derby: How did you first meet Amy and Dan?
Gideon Glick: I was an admirer of Maisel and had seen it, recognizing many actors from the theater world among the cast. Just recently, I confessed to Amy that I had never watched Gilmore Girls, which seemed to surprise her. They have an incredible talent for creating immersive worlds that captivate viewers, as we’ve seen with both Gilmore Girls and Maisel, and now with Étoile. This show explores a unique yet insular world of ballet, compelling and engaging viewers because of the profound understanding they have of their characters. It’s a story about art preservation and passion, resonating universally with anyone who cares deeply about their craft.
Did they write Tobias specifically for you?
Initially, they invited me to participate in the writers’ room for Étoile. During our call, they queried whether I preferred writing or acting. My response was both, as I value both aspects. I think they appreciated my candor. Ultimately, they informed me they wanted me in front of the camera, which I assumed would be a guest role, not a series regular. After they shared the character breakdown for Tobias, I sensed an uncanny familiarity with the character — I just knew it was meant for me. However, it took about a month of discussions before they finally offered me the role, but it was amusing how frequently they’d glance in my direction when talking about Tobias, which kept me in suspense.
Can you tell us more about Tobias? What motivates him?
Tobias is a complex and brilliant choreographer who gets thrust into Paris early in the series. He’s less than thrilled about this transition. He’s quite set in his ways and has a distinct way of perceiving the world — one that doesn’t always resonate with others. His unique perspective makes it difficult for him to adapt when faced with challenges, whether in social situations or his choreographic vision. The Palladinos suggest he may be on the spectrum, and while I acknowledge that, for me, understanding his motivations is key to bringing him to life. There’s a quirkiness to him; if things aren’t right, he struggles to progress. Yet, this exact trait can endear him to the audience — his passion for dance is genuine, and he operates without ulterior motives.
What was your experience like filming in Paris?
Filming in Paris fostered a deeper appreciation for New York. Surrounded by such an iconic city, I found myself longing for home. While I typically don’t immerse myself in the method school of acting, I do face challenges with hearing. Being hard of hearing affects my grasp of foreign languages and accents, creating a sense of alienation that resonated with Tobias’s own feelings of displacement in the city. He struggles with the language and feels utterly distinct from those around him.
Can you explain the choice behind Tobias wearing headphones consistently?
Amy has a preference for background noise when she writes. I don’t want to delve too deep into her process, but it’s clear that Tobias embodies a blend of Amy, Dan, and my own characteristics. His heavy metal soundtrack serves to channel his focus, reflecting his chaotic mind. While he may seem disconnected from the music integral to his choreography, those headphones allow him to concentrate and observe everything else around him.
What does it mean for you to be part of the Palladino family?
I’m seeing the interconnectedness of their work in Gilmore Girls! There are familiar faces in every corner, and it feels like a family affair. We refer to it as mishpocha — Yiddish for family. This sense of belonging amplifies my self-worth as an artist. Receiving respect from those I admire solidifies my confidence and belief in my capabilities as both an actor and a writer. Being welcomed into their creative space is an extraordinary gift.
SEE‘Gilmore Girls,’ ‘Maisel’ creator Amy Sherman-Palladino on the star who’s ‘separated at birth,’ who wanted to get fired, and who will never get away
What’s your experience working with Amy and Dan taught you about acting?
Collaborating with Amy and Dan serves as a form of advanced acting education. The dialogue and pacing demand a heightened level of performance. I’m fortunate to speak quickly, which aligns well with their rhythm. My theatrical background also supports this as I’ve tackled extensive dialogue in plays. One standout moment was a lengthy monologue shot in one take, giving it a theatrical feel. It felt like the culmination of all my previous experiences leading to that performance, making it exceptionally moving.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while making this show?
The dynamic nature of the show presented numerous challenges, from extensive dialogue to intricate choreography. The blend of physical dance choreography and the camera work created a complex environment. I developed a deep admiration for this process; it required precision and teamwork. Since my scenes primarily involved dancers, any mistakes I made meant we had to restart, impacting their performance capabilities. It was a shared journey of support, making me feel fortunate to be part of such a collaborative experience, which isn’t always the case in the industry.
What aspirations do you have for Tobias in a potential second season?
Well, I’ve been jokingly pitching that Tobias should go to Tokyo, purely for the delightful alliteration and, of course, my desire to visit Japan! [Laughs]
All eight episodes of Étoile are now available for streaming on Prime Video.
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