It was just another audition in the beginning, Rossif said.
So I followed my own advice, and I did the audition.
He jokes that he wants to be an agent because he likes to make deals, Rossif says.)
From lefT: Rossif Sutherland in ‘Murder in a Small Town’, and Rossif with father Donald Sutherland circa early 1980sKailey Schwerman/ Fox/Courtesy of Rossif Sutherland
It was unlike any audition that Ive been on, because usually its a circus of callbacks.
He then shared the news with his dad.
When I said that to my dad, he asked me what the project was, with some excitement.
Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk in Fox drama ‘Murder in a Small Town’Fox
I said it was this thing called the Alberg series.
Unfortunately, it never happened.
He had read the feature script first.
The collaboration carried on for years.
But as time went by, the gap began to close.
Wachtel liked the script and submitted it to several places including Fox.
Fox initially asked for three movies, subsequently opting for an eight-episode series.
But as his health further deteriorated, he couldnt make the trip, Wachtel said.
Rossif landed the role of Alberg after the first Zoom audition with the series casting directors.
I dont know how much nepotism played into this, I have no idea, he said.
I wouldnt be an actor if it werent for my dad, I wouldnt have gone down this road.
And there I was directing.
When my father saw that, he was convinced thats what I should do with my life.
While Donald ultimately couldnt play George, his influence is still felt on the show.
Added Rossif, He would have loved to have played him.
(The line was adjusted in the Fox series to comply with broadcast standards.)
He used to recite that line like he was reciting Shakespeare, Rossif recalled.
I wouldnt welcome them, but he had this absurd trust in me, Rossif said.
It was that exercise thats kept me going, and I think has defined his career.
Early in his career, Donald helped his son prepare for auditions.
At first, taking words off the page with him was nerve-wracking.
I kept wondering what he was thinking, Rossif said.
A casting director admitted to saving an audition of mine a few years ago.
I got to witness this treasure of an actor my dad work, Rossif said.
To him, performing was a ritual of sorts.
Once hed exhausted his research, hed let himself be possessed.
Sometimes hed ask me for direction.
It was like magic.
The idea to pay tribute to Donald withMurder in a Small Towncame from Rossif.
I can still hear his voice discussing things in script meetings.
He was so happy to know that I was going to be playing this man.
But even after his passing, Donald left a sign for his son.
I was alone there with my son, Rossif said.
And there I was with my kid, and I was alone in this big house full of memories.
Thats what he had been reading.
