My Exclusive Interview with Aldis Hodge of TNT’s Hit Show Leverage

I was lucky enough to get to ask Aldis Hodge of Leverage (tech guru, Alec Hardison) some questions and give you SofaChippers some insight into: the man, the myth, the legend! First he made me cry (joke!), then he made me laugh (true!). While they’re not too similar, I think Aldis does share something in common with his character, Hardison, and that would be the sense of joy he brings with him on and off the screen. Does…that sound unbelievably corny? Oh well! Aldis Hodge is made of win.

SofaChip (SC): I read you don’t consider yourself too computer-savvy, but have now you learned any cool tech tricks, or used any neat gadgets that you can use in your real life?

Aldis Hodge (AH): I’m still pretty basic on the keys. I learned how to hack a username password, but that’s about it. Maybe I should have my pop show me a thing or two because he actually builds computers for a living.

SC: Do you think it plays to your advantage to be playing a character who is so unlike who you actually are?

AH: Definitely – I enjoy acting so much because I get to step outside of my crazy head for a minute. And I’ve learned that life is about soaking up experiences and foreign knowledge in order to gain access to as much as this world has to offer while I’m here. Every character I play opens up a new universe to me.

SC: Which character on Leverage has skill sets that you would steal if you could?

AH: Definitely my character. If I could do what Alec does in order to get by and help a few people along the way I would be set. It’s not exactly the right thing to do, but if I could hack my way into a large deposit of dirty drug money and use it to shave off poverty or clean up a few schools and put to rest a few black market trades I’d be a happy camper. Besides, computers are a huge part of the world’s economic and logistic social circle – you command that knowledge and you’ll never feel out of touch.

SC: Over the 13 episodes you’ve filmed, how do you think Hardison has changed?

AH: Hardison learns the value within people through teamwork – I think he matures as a person and as a thief along the way as well… I’ll leave it at that because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. If you follow us throughout the season you’ll see what I mean.

SC: Did you audition for any other characters on Leverage?

I tried to audition for the character “Parker”, but they said I wasn’t right for the role – I didn’t possess a certain… elegance (I’m kidding of course). No actually. I was stuck with Alec from day one and I plan on being stuck with him for many seasons to come.

SC: What is your favorite part of the episode “The Wedding Job” that will air next Tuesday night?

AH: Probably my outfit – It’s a little loud. I would never take a chance on colors like those in real life, but for the “t.v. world” it’s not even a question. Shooting this series, especially this episode was like being at a party and, hey, you have to have fun at a party right?

SC: I know it’s hard to pick, but what would you say has been your favorite episode so far?

AH: I honestly can’t say yet. Every one of them is so different that I have favorite things about all of them. Tell you what, stay tuned for the rest of the season then let’s talk again and you tell me your favorite episode. Maybe I’ll have an answer for you then.

Read the SofaChip Advance Review of the Leverage episode The Mile-High Job (Pics!)

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