Award-winning actor Erik Fellows (“Purgatory”) chatted about starring in the new vertical drama “Falling for My Ex’s General Dad,” and being a part of the digital age.
He also opened up about being a part of “Law & Order: Organized Crime” on Peacock.
How was the drama ‘Falling for My Ex’s General Dad’ for you?
It was one of those rare jobs where everything clicked. The script balanced romance, awkward comedy, and real emotional stakes, so every scene felt purposeful.
Shooting in the vertical format also changed the rhythm — scenes were often more intimate, with smaller beats and tighter reactions, which forced us to find truth in close-up moments.
Off camera, the cast developed a shorthand quickly; that trust let us play, improvise, and push scenes further than we expected.
By the end of the shoot, I felt like we’d built a tiny, intense family — and that energy translates on screen.”
What did you like most about your character?
He’s not a caricature — he’s messy and sympathetic. On paper, he’s the controlled type: measured, precise, used to leading. But as the story unfolds you see his defenses crack.
I loved getting to play both sides: the calculated exterior and the insecure, sometimes goofy inner life.
There are comedic moments where timing is everything, and quieter beats where you see the cost of that control.
That contrast gave me the best of both worlds as an actor — physicality and subtlety — and it’s what makes him feel real.”
How does it feel to be part of the vertical drama world?
It’s invigorating and creatively challenging. Vertical series aren’t just TV in a different aspect ratio — they demand different acting choices.
The camera is closer, story arcs are often faster, and audience attention is immediate. That means micro-expressions and economy of movement matter more; you can’t hide behind grand gestures.
The payoff is huge: vertical platforms reach people where they already are — on their phones — and you can connect with viewers in short, potent bursts.
For actors, it’s an opportunity to experiment with pacing and intimacy in ways traditional formats don’t always allow.
How was your recent experience on ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime?’
It was a masterclass in professionalism and intensity. Stepping into the Law & Order world is like stepping onto the field with the best of the best — everything moves fast, everything matters, and everyone is operating at the highest level.
Working with Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni was an incredible experience. They’re not just iconic performers; they’re generous scene partners who bring honesty and presence into every moment.
Watching them work up close — their focus, their rhythm, their instinct — is something you carry with you.
Shows like this demand clear choices and emotional truth, and being surrounded by that level of talent pushes you to elevate your own work.
It’s the kind of set that makes you better simply by being there.”
How does it feel to be part of the digital age?
It feels exciting but demanding. We have more ways than ever to tell stories and to build an audience, which is empowering.
At the same time, attention is fragmented and the industry moves fast — trends shift, formats evolve, and the career path isn’t linear anymore.
For artists that means more control over your narrative if you take initiative: create content, engage directly with fans, and think like both actor and storyteller.
The digital age rewards hustle and creativity, but it also asks you to be nimble and consistent.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
Get practical and get persistent. Train — not just acting classes, but on-camera techniques, audition prep, and cold-reading.
Build a routine: weekly training, networking, and creating work (self-tapes, short films, scenes). Treat rejection as data, not destiny — analyze what you can improve and keep moving.
Also, learn the business side. Know how to market yourself professionally and how to protect your time and energy.
Finally, be kind and reliable on set; reputation travels faster than talent alone.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success is cumulative and personal. It’s not a single trophy but a series of moments where your values, growth, and craft align.
For me, that looks like choosing projects that challenge me, sustaining work that allows me to keep creating, and maintaining relationships that matter.
A truly successful day is one where I felt challenged, learned something new, and knew I gave the scene everything I had.
Outside of work, success is having the bandwidth to be present with the people I care about — that balance is everything.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Thank you — really. Your messages, shares, and energy are the fuel behind everything we do. I read what you send when I can, and it means more than you might think.
Keep telling your friends about the shows you love, keep being honest about what moves you, and know that your support allows creators to take chances.
I’m grateful for this journey, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.
To learn more about actor Erik Fellows, follow him on Instagram.
