Peter Hermann has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Charles Brooks in TV Land’s hit series, Younger. As the sophisticated publisher and love interest of Liza Miller, Hermann brings a compelling charm and depth to the screen. In a revealing interview conducted at New York City’s Fine & Rare, over cocktails – a Grey Goose Dirty Martini for Hermann and a Smoking Scotch Old Fashioned – the actor shared insights into his transatlantic upbringing, his perspectives on strong female characters in television, and some humorous anecdotes from his career journey. This in-depth look delves into the life and career of Peter Hermann, showcasing the multifaceted talent of this acclaimed actor.
From Beer to Martinis: Peter Hermann’s Cocktail Evolution
When questioned about his drink of choice, the Grey Goose Dirty Martini, Peter Hermann revealed a relatable anecdote about developing his “cocktail game.” He humorously confessed that for years he defaulted to ordering beer, feeling somewhat lacking when faced with sophisticated cocktail orders. Inspired by a fellow diner, he adopted the Grey Goose Dirty Martini, admitting with a laugh that while he can’t distinguish vodkas, Grey Goose “sounded the best.” This lighthearted beginning sets the tone for a candid and engaging conversation, offering a glimpse into Hermann’s approachable personality.
A Childhood Abroad: Shaping Peter Hermann’s Perspective
Growing up in Germany has profoundly influenced Peter Hermann’s worldview, providing him with a unique lens through which to observe cultural nuances. He illustrates this with an amusing anecdote from a trip to Ravello, Italy, along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, with his wife, actress Mariska Hargitay. Seeking a “nice place to walk,” the hotel concierge directed them to the “pathway of the Gods.” What ensued was a precarious trek along a narrow cliffside path, a stark contrast to their expectations. The humor arises when elderly local women breezed past them, unfazed, highlighting the differing perceptions of risk and everyday life between European and American cultures. Hermann jokingly notes that in the U.S., such a walk would likely require legal disclaimers, emphasizing the cultural divide in risk assessment and societal norms.
Navigating Age and Relevance: Peter Hermann on ‘Younger’ and Hollywood
The conversation naturally shifted to Younger, where Peter Hermann’s character, Charles Brooks, is entangled with the age-deception storyline of Liza Miller. The interview probes the male perspective on ageism, particularly as it relates to the show’s premise. Hermann offers a thoughtful response, suggesting that men may be “generally pretty oblivious” to the challenges women face with age in professional settings. He astutely connects this to the concept of privilege, noting that those who possess it often don’t have to consider the experiences of those who lack it. He highlights Liza’s “painfully aware” experience of aging out of perceived relevance, a central theme of Younger. While Charles Brooks remains unaware of Liza’s secret for a significant period, Hermann emphasizes his character’s eventual understanding and acceptance of her motivations, showcasing a nuanced portrayal of empathy and evolving perspectives.
Mariska Hargitay and the Power of Female Characters on TV
The discussion expands to include Peter Hermann’s wife, Mariska Hargitay, and her iconic role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU. Hermann expresses admiration for Hargitay’s portrayal of “one of the strongest characters on television,” acknowledging the historical significance and cultural impact of her long-running role. He underscores the importance of Olivia Benson as a character who “fiercely advocates for women,” suggesting that the character’s longevity is intrinsically linked to the need for such representation on screen. He draws a contrast with Younger, noting that while both shows center women’s stories, Younger adopts a “much brighter way” of storytelling. He praises Younger‘s female characters for their supportive relationships, emphasizing the show’s contribution to providing uplifting content, contrasting it with the more trauma-focused narratives of shows like SVU. Hermann credits Sutton Foster’s performance as Liza for bringing “deep hopefulness and optimism” to Younger, making it a comforting and “watchable” series.
Memorable Moments and the Essence of Charles Brooks
Reflecting on his role as Charles Brooks, Peter Hermann shares a favorite scene from the first season of Younger. He recalls a moment in the townhouse where his character directly questions Liza’s age, “Are you sure you’re 27?” Hermann describes this scene as pivotal, capturing Charles’s growing awareness of Liza’s “incredibly wise” nature and the subtle shift in his feelings. He further elaborates on what he enjoys most about playing Charles, delving into the character’s backstory of suppressed creativity. Charles, discouraged from playful pursuits like comic books by his father, followed a more “respectable publishing” path. Hermann connects with the underlying desire within Charles to reconnect with his playful side, expressing a wish for his character to explore “deep fulfillment” through creative endeavors, whether writing or other forms of self-expression.
Season Finale Hopefulness: Teasing the Future of ‘Younger’
When pressed for details about the Younger season finale, Peter Hermann remains appropriately cryptic but reassuring. He offers a single, yet telling, word: “hopeful.” He reiterates the show’s optimistic nature, suggesting that the finale will be filled with “a lot of hoping,” aligning with the series’ overall positive and uplifting tone.
A Humorous профессиональный Mishap: Peter Hermann’s Fact-Checking Past
The interview concludes with a humorous anecdote from Peter Hermann’s pre-acting days as a fact-checker at Vanity Fair. He recounts a comical interview blunder with Sofia Coppola, involving a cassette tape recording mishap. In his attempt to be thorough, he accidentally recorded over the beginning of the interview by flipping the tape multiple times. His sheepish attempt to recover by calling Coppola’s office for quote verification was met with a sharp dismissal, a lesson in professionalism and technology he humorously shares. He concludes by stating he has avoided any encounters with Sofia Coppola since, and would certainly not bring up the incident if they ever met, ending the interview on a light and self-deprecating note.
This interview provides a comprehensive and engaging portrait of Peter Hermann, the actor. Beyond his role as Charles Brooks in Younger, it reveals a thoughtful, articulate, and humorous individual with a rich background and insightful perspectives on culture, Hollywood, and the power of storytelling. His experiences and reflections offer a deeper appreciation for the talent and personality behind the beloved character of Charles Brooks.
