Interview With Jensen Atwood

Jensen Atwood is a man of many talents. Gay fans probably know him best for his work on Logo's (AfterElton.com's parent company) Noah's Arc. But Atwood is also an accomplished singer and dancer having appeared in music videos for Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton, Ashanti, Lil Mo, and other well-known acts.

In 2005, Atwood appeared with Halle Berry in the Emmy-nominated Their Eyes Were Watching God before becoming an audience favorite for his role as Wade on Noah’s Arc. Now fans of the supernatural soap opera Dante’s Cove can look forward to the temperature getting even hotter at the Cove when Jensen joins the cast for the third season set to premiere on here! next week.

Atwood recently sat down with fellow castmember and AfterElton.com writer Charlie David to discuss being on the show, whether he can really do magic, and playing gay again.

AfterElton.com: This year you joined the cast of Dante’s Cove for their third season. Tell us about your character.
Jensen Atwood: I play the role of Griffin, the bisexual warlock who is a representative of the Tresum Council who has come to Dante’s Cove to set things straight. No pun intended.

AE: This is your second role on a "gay" show and this time you play a bisexual role. Do you have any concerns about being typecast?
JA: As long as I don't play the same role. I’m happy. The roles of Wade and Griffin are very different. As are Johnny Taylor and Snoop. I’ve been blessed to have a pretty diverse career.

AE: How would you describe Dante’s Cove?
JA: Dante’s Cove is like a gay Charmed, but pushes the boundaries of what you’re used to seeing on television.

AE: Griffin has a very generous attitude when it comes to sex. Basically the world is his convenience store. Was it strange to move to such a promiscuous ‘flower-child’ role after the monogamy of Noah’s Arc?
JA: What was strange was creating meaning for the things that have been created [for the show]. Like Tresum Magic for example. I know this will be a shock to some, but I can’t really do magic. So to make it as real as possible was a fun challenge.

AE: The cast has exploded with new and familiar faces like Jenny Shimizu, Jill Bennett, Reichen Lehmkuhl, and yourself. Now all the boys and girls liked to toss around the football except for you and Reichen. Care to explain yourself??
JA: I had a great time with all of the cast. It was torture to watch you guys toss the football around. I love football. But as you know I chose to keep my fingernails long for the character. So playing catch would have jeopardized the continuity.

Okay, Okay. Basically, I didn't want to break a nail. The first description sounded better though.

AE: What’s it like to act alongside infamous diva Tracy Scoggins?
JA: A pleasure. She makes really interesting choices. And I feel I'm a better actor from working with her.

AE: You’re most well known for your role as Wade on Logo’s Noah’s Arc. The show was a landmark showcasing the lives of gay African American men. What was it like to work on the show?
JA: Working on the show felt like being with family at times. Together we started a project we believed in. No money involved. Just a love for the art and a belief in each other.