“The Internet’s Newest Babygirl.” “Silver Fox.” “Sex Symbol.”
Shawn Hatosy is aware of his newfound fame on the internet. But he has no idea how he got there.
A busy actor for the last three decades, Hatosy became a celebrity in projects like “The Faculty” and “Outside Providence.” He earned a spot in millions of viewers’ homes when leading TNT crime drama “Southland,” followed by “Animal Kingdom.” Both of those TV series have something huge in common with the project that Hatosy is now in the headlines for, “The Pitt.” And by something, we mean someone: Producer John Wells.
This time last year, Hatosy told me how “full circle” talking about “The Pitt” felt, since he once had a guest spot on another little Wells project: “ER.” Little did he know then that his part on another massive Wells medical drama would win him an Emmy for his guest role of Dr. Jack Abbot.
Viewers fell in love with Abbot from his first appearance in Season 1, both for his charm and dry wit (something that Hatosy believes comes from creator R. Scott Gemmill), and his undeniable chemistry with Noah Wyle’s Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch. The pair have a history and connection that doesn’t need heavy dialogue; the comfort felt in a silent look exchanged is powerful enough. In the final two episodes of the second season, Abbot reminds Robby, who is struggling with his mental health and admits he’s not sure he wants to be alive, that he’s his emergency contact. “And I don’t want to be contacted,” Abbot tells him — in a tone that’s not funny or harsh but reassuring and loving.
