I loved the character. I got to put a spin on playing a wannabe actor hamming it up for the camera, which is great fun. As for preparation, let's just say I've seen a lot of bad acting, the trick was to make it look like good acting!

How long did your scene take to shoot?

The scene was quick and painless to shoot (aside from the false teeth they tried to stick onto my real teeth - luckily they fell off during shooting so we didn't end up using them). The whole thing took about half a day.

Where was your scene shot?

We shot in a funky lounge near Silverlake.

What was your day like working on Monk?

My best memory was seeing Tony's reaction to my work. He gave me some great pointers and was happy with the results, which made me very happy. He told me it was some of the funniest stuff they shot all season. That will always be a warm memory for me.

Did you work with the entire cast? What was your impression of each of them?

I actually only worked with Tony and Traylor, had a great time with them.

Did you watch the show before you got the role? What did you think of it?

My role in MIB II was tiny! I didn't get to meet Tony until Monk.

How would you compare working as a guest on Monk to other work you've done, for instance your recent appearance on Eli Stone?

I've been really lucky, most of the shows I've worked on have been a lot of fun. The show you mentioned, Eli Stone, was a nice departure, as it was one of the more dramatic roles I've done in a while.

Ernie in My Name is Earl

What do you enjoy most about acting? And least?

I love the work, getting to meet interesting people and seeing how they work. The business part of it can get a bit trying, but as long as you don't take things too seriously or personally it can be a lot of fun.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

When I'm not working I like to spend time with my gal, walk, write, read, try new restaurants, watch stuff in Hi-Def. Thrilling, eh?!

Professionally speaking, what's the one thing you'd most like to do that you haven't done yet?

Hm, that's a good question. When I was growing up I always wanted to work with Steven Spielberg, which I haven't had the chance to do yet, so tell him to give me a call ;)

Would you give me a little information about your background. Where you're from? How you got into acting?

I did plays in high school, then studied theater at the University of Toronto, where I got to work with some great teachers. I did some TV work in Canada, then landed a role in a short-lived series called The High Life on HBO. It was produced by David Letterman, which was a great thrill for me as I grew up watching him. I moved to LA after the show was canceled and have had the good fortune to live and work here for the past twelve years.

Toronto or L.A., which do you like more?

I grew up in Toronto and my family is still there so it will always be a very special place to me. My "adult" life in Los Angeles has also been special on many levels, so I'm very grateful to have lived and worked in both.

What's next on your agenda?