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Forget Team Edward, Team Jacob, and Team Switzerland - we are on Team Mike! Thursday, we spoke with the charming and sophisticated Michael Welch who plays Mike Newton in the upcoming Twilight movie. Michael Welch is a seasoned actor who has dominated television dramas for the past ten years. Guest starring in hit shows on every major network, Michael created a name for himself in Hollywood which has led him to his current role. Michael plays Bella's friend, Mike Newton, in the upcoming movie, Twilight.
Michael Welch InterviewPopStar: You have proven over the past ten years that you are an extremely gifted and versatile actor. Does acting come natural to you or do you have to work hard at it?
Michael Welch: No, I have had to work for it. I work very hard and over the years I have learned to develop instincts. I have had a very good foundation of training. I took acting classes my whole life, I took improv classes, and I have an acting coach.
PopStar: What are the best and worst parts of an audition?
Michael Welch: To be honest, I do not really like auditioning. I do not feel that it is a genuine representation of how you are actually going to end up playing the role. So much of acting is working and connecting with the people around you. For the most part it just does not feel like a genuine experience, it feels forced. My favorite part about auditions is also my favorite thing about acting. When it goes well and I feel good about; it is the best feeling in the world.
PopStar: If you could pick someone to play you in a movie who would you pick?
Michael Welch: I have a friend named Luke Edberl who is also an actor. When we were younger, every one mixed us up because we looked alike. I have always felt that I have identified with Edward Norton. So I would be honored if Edward Norton wanted to play me in a movie.
PopStar: We have read that you are very interested in politics. With the upcoming election, any words to the fans who are thinking about voting?
Michael Welch: First of all, I made the decision early on that I would not be an actor that told people how to vote. I do think that it is incredibly important to vote and stayed informed. This election in particular is very important and I would like to see 100% turnout. Voting is something that is so basic to the foundation of our democracy. Voting is very important and to quote Plato, “The penalty good men pay for indifference is to be ruled by evil men.”
PopStar: Any funny Twilight set stories?
Michael Welch: My job for this role was to show up on set every day and have as much fun as I possibly could. So every day was fun for me regardless of how hectic it got on set. The one story that I can think of is about Catherine Hardwicke. Catherine would throw things at us last minute and I mean that figurately and literally. There was a scene when we were all hanging out and we were stuck, not sure what to do. So Catherine in the middle of the take told Justin to nail me in the head with the soccer ball. So he did, I’m not sure if it will end up in the movie or not, but we will have to see.
PopStar: What was your favorite scene to film for Twilight?
Michael Welch: My favorite scene was when Mike asks Bella to the prom. It was my chance to show vulnerability which is always fun as an actor to go there. It was really interesting what happened; during the scene about three or four takes in, I started to get that same feeling I got when I was fifteen and in high school going through a similar situation. I also loved filming the prom where we got to dance and boogey which is always fun!
PopStar: Are you Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Switzerland?
Michael Welch: I look at this a couple of different ways. If I got the chancem I would love to play Jacob. That is such a fun, dark role. As Mike Newton, it is hard to be on Team Edward. But stepping back, separate from all that, I would have to say Team Edward. I just love Bella! From the time I read it, she was my favorite character, so I would have to say for Bella, Team Edward.
PopStar: Thoughts on TwiCon 2009?
Michael Welch: I am totally there. I have been in some sci-fi conventions and they are fantastic. I am there 100%. They are one of my favorite things to do.
PopStar: Do you have a message to your fans?
Michael Welch: I came into this acting thing with no expectations, just looking to have a good time. I appreciate anyone and everyone who is willing to share this journey with me. It has been an amazing ride and I can’t wait to keep going...
