The USA Network has another hit on its hands with Psych, a detective comedy with a twist. The show stars James Roday as a police consultant who solves crimes with his powers of observation making others believe he is psychic.
Dulé Hill plays his best friend, Burton "Gus" Guster. Hill is also known for his tap-dancing skills and his role as a presidential aide on The West Wing. He studied ballet at a young age before understudying for Savion Glover on Broadway for Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk.
Windy City Times: Hey, Dulé. When did you first start tap-dancing?
Dulé Hill: I started at the age of three. I went to dance school in East Orange, New Jersey at the Marie Wildey School of Dance. My brothers and cousins went there. My mother was a teacher there. I went to the school to be around my family.
WCT: So you have performed ever since?
DH: I was doing recitals at the age of 10 for a show called The Tap Dance Kid. There was a call to my school, I auditioned, and the next thing I knew I was understudying for Savion Glover on Broadway. Then after that I was touring around the country in a show with Harold Nicholas form the Nicholas Brothers.
WCT: Not a bad start.
DH: That is what got me into show business. I didn't have a goal to be in show business. It was a gift given to me really.
WCT: You get to incorporate your tap-dancing into Psych now. Did they write than in for you?
DH: Yes, they did. Before I even started they said they wanted to have me dance on the show. I was down for it but I wanted to bring along at least one of my friends. I am a tap dancer but there are so many more amazing tap dancers even right here in Chicago.
A friend of mine Jason Samuels Smith is one of the great ones and they allowed him to come on the show and put down the choreography.
WCT: Are you similar to your character Gus on the show?
DH: It has to come from somewhere so there has to be some relation. He's way more quirkier than I am. He's more anal too. There must be something…we both like to eat! We are fans of delicious flavor.
WCT: What is your favorite part of being on Psych?
DH: The laughs. We laugh so much. The fact that I get paid to go to a job and laugh all day is great. The camaraderie also, we love each other and have a good time.
I like the interaction with the fans. With this show there is a fluid back and forth. Some of the fans I actually feel like I know now. They come to Comic Con and we have talked on Twitter. They came to see when I did a Broadway show last year. I get to know them.
WCT: How is the new season shaping up?
DH: Fasten your seatbelts there is going to be a lot of laughs. Use the bathroom ahead of time because you are going to be laughing so much you will have to use the bathroom!
The Clue episode is one of my favorites with Christopher Lloyd, Lesley Ann Warren, and Martin Mull. We are doing a Clue-esque episode and 100th episode.
WCT: I was going to ask you about guest stars so that sounds great.
DH: We have Jeffrey Tambor, Garcelle Beauvais, and WWE superstar Big Show. We have had a lot of really good guest stars this year.
WCT: Very impressive. How did you become involved with USA Network's Character Unite?
DH: I have been involved with Character Unite since its initial beginning back in 2009. As time has gone I tried to see what I could do to be a part of it. When asked if I would do this campaign I Won't Stand For… I jumped on it. I first did a PSA in Los Angeles. I was asked to come to Chicago so I said, "Why not?" It is good to be involved and a little step can go a very long way. I have been able to talk to students and inspiring people to make their own shirts and wear it. Someone can walk down the street and see that. It is a domino effect. We all don't have to do major things to make a change.
A little something can make a change. That is what its about. That's why I am here. Coming to Chicago for one day is not like I am moving heaven and earth. I don't mind coming out to make a big difference.
WCT: How has the reaction been?
DH: Great. I have always loved interacting with fans. I appreciate the love and I am glad they support what I do. Especially in a situation like this that is even beyond a TV show. It is going more into life and community. Tearing down walls is something I like.
No matter how big a fan of Psych or Dulé Hill you still have to have a connection to come out to this. Hopefully it leads to a conversation about what people won't stand for.
Look for Dule Hill on Psych on Wednesdays, with past episodes viewable at www.usanetwork.com .
