Michael Trucco Interview - Cast For Citadel Season 2 (American Actor, How I Met Your Mother, Fall of House of Usher)

"For me, it's been important to remember why I fell in love with acting in the first place and to keep honing my craft."

Q. Fans of yours have been following your work for years, from your memorable role in ‘Battlestar Galactica’ to guest appearances on popular shows like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘One Tree Hill’. Let's start at the beginning – what inspired you to pursue a career in acting?

You know, I didn't actually set out to be an actor. I was more interested in mechanical engineering in college! But in one of those life-changing moments, I got involved in a drama class and discovered this amazing, creative energy that just lit me up. I had to follow that path, and the rest is history. I've never looked back.


Q. You’re widely recognized for your portrayal of Sam Anders on ‘Battlestar Galactica’, a show that still has an incredibly loyal fanbase. What was that experience like?

‘Battlestar’ was life-changing. I mean, the depth of the characters, the stories, the way it pushed boundaries – it was an actor's dream. We tackled these huge themes about humanity, morality, survival, and identity, which gave us so much to work with as actors. And the fanbase has been so incredible; it's really special when a role resonates that deeply with people. It was an honor to be part of something with that level of cultural impact.


Q. How did you approach playing Sam, especially given the complexities of his character arc?

Sam was a fascinating character because he wasn't your typical hero. He started out as this athlete, a kind of "everyman" who had no idea he was destined for more. I loved that journey from "normal guy" to someone who had to grapple with this massive, almost cosmic level of responsibility. The emotional range that character went through was challenging, but it was what made him so rewarding to play.

Q. You’ve also done a lot of guest roles and recurring roles on some very popular series, like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Castle’. What draws you to these roles, and what do you look for in a character?*

I like a mix of depth and unpredictability. I think as an actor, it's always fun to explore new facets of a character and bring a sense of realism. When you get to play around in these different genres – comedy, drama, action – you also grow a lot as a performer. For me, it’s about finding something in the character that I can connect with or learn from, whether it’s a laugh in a comedy or a powerful moment in a drama.


Q. What are some of the challenges you've faced in this industry, and how have you overcome them?

It’s no secret that acting can be tough. There are a lot of ups and downs, and you’re often at the mercy of factors beyond your control. One of the biggest challenges is staying motivated and positive when things get quiet. For me, it's been important to remember why I fell in love with acting in the first place and to keep honing my craft. Resilience is key – and so is staying grateful for every opportunity, big or small.


Q. Do you have any memorable moments or favorite roles that stand out for you?

‘Battlestar Galactica’, of course, but also working on ‘One Tree Hill’ was pretty incredible. That was such a beloved show with such a loyal fanbase, and it was fun stepping into that world. Another role that stands out is from ‘Killer Women’, where I played a Texas Ranger. I actually grew up in Texas, so that role felt close to home in a way.


Q. You’ve also worked on some voice acting projects. How does that compare to on-camera acting?

Voice acting is a blast. It’s different because you’re limited to using just your voice to convey everything – the emotion, the character's state of mind. You don’t have body language or facial expressions to rely on, so you have to really dig into the nuances of your voice. It's challenging, but it's also a lot of fun.


Q. When you’re not acting, what do you enjoy doing? Any hobbies or interests you can share with us?

I’m a big fan of the outdoors. I love surfing, hiking, and I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Motorcycles, in particular, are a huge passion of mine. I find a lot of peace when I’m out on the road. It’s my escape, my way of recharging and finding balance.


Q. What’s next for you, Michael? Any upcoming projects or roles we should look out for?

I've got a couple of projects in the works that I'm really excited about – but I can't say too much just yet! I can tell you there’s some genre-blending in there, which is always fun. I'm also exploring more opportunities behind the camera. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to share more when I can!


Q. We can’t wait to see what’s next! Any advice for aspiring actors out there?

Absolutely – just keep going. Find what excites you about acting, and keep that as your focus. Study hard, work on your craft, and always stay curious. There’s so much to learn, and every role is a new opportunity to grow. And, of course, resilience is key. This industry can be tough, but if you love it, it’s all worth it.

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BIO : 

Michael Trucco is an American actor best known for his role as Sam Anders in 'Battlestar Galactica'. With a career spanning TV and film, he has appeared in 'One Tree Hill', 'How I Met Your Mother', and 'Castle'. Trucco’s versatile performances in both drama and comedy have earned him a loyal fanbase. He’s also passionate about outdoor activities and motorcycles.