Natalie Dreyfuss Interview: Actress Stars in New TBS Series 'Glory Daze' (2024)

Natalie Rachel Dreyfuss portrays Julie in the upcoming TBS 80s dramedy Glory Daze, about a group of friends pledging a fraternity in Wisconsin. The series premieres on November 16 at 10:00 PM Eastern.

Glory Daze also stars Tim Meadows, Callard Harris, Kelly Blatz, Matt Bush. Drew Seeley, and Hartley Sawyer. Brad Garrett and Cheri Oteri also appear in smaller roles.

"I know, it’s really exciting. I love SNL. Brad Garrett has also been an amazing person to work with and to watch work. I think he’s fantastic and I’ve always been a fan of Everybody Loves Raymond."

Dreyfuss last starred in Lifetime’s hit series Rita Rocks as the defiant and spoiled 16 year old daughter of Rita Clemens, played by Nicole Sullivan. Her recent film and television credits include He’s Just Not That Into You, National Treasure 2, Hallmark’s Movie of the Week The Nanny Express, FOX’s Lie to Me, FX’s The Shield, NBC’s Life, and USA’s Burn Notice.

The actress is the niece of Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss. She lives in Los Angeles and her passions include animals, working with children, art, photography, cooking and singing.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Natalie, is it true you began acting at age two?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Yes, I did a film when I was two, but obviously I didn’t start back up acting until I was about 18 (laughs).

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): I’m sure you don’t remember too much about the film (laughs).

Natalie Dreyfuss: I don’t. I like to pretend, though. People go, “Oh, Joe Petrullo.” and I say, “Yes, he’s such a nice guy (laughs).”

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): You were also interested in dance at a young age.

Natalie Dreyfuss: Right. I trained in ballet for ten years and traveled all over the United States. Eventually I stopped doing that because of an injury. That’s how I came to be an actress.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Where did you grow up, Natalie?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Right here in Los Angeles.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): I assume your parents are supportive in your acting career?

Natalie Dreyfuss: My mom wasn’t thrilled about it. She works in wardrobe so she never really wanted me to be a part of the business, but I accidentally fell in love with the craft of acting. She’s always supported anything I really wanted to do.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): You basically went right from Rita Rocks to Glory Daze, didn’t you?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Yes. I did an episode of Lie to Me in between and then I started working on Glory Daze. We’re actually filming the last episode of the season today. I’m sitting in the hair chair now.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Yes, I can hear an echo (laughs).

Natalie Dreyfuss: I’m getting my hair did (laughs).

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Tell me about Glory Daze.

Natalie Dreyfuss: Glory Daze is a comedy for TBS and it premieres November 16. It’s set in 1986 and has been a complete blast! I work with the nicest people. All of the kids on the show are so talented. I just feel so lucky to be a part of this particular show.

I was up for a lot of different shows earlier in the season. I tested for seven different pilots from Hellcats to Scoundrels and I ended up on Glory Daze. I feel so lucky like someone was really looking out for me. I’m so happy to be here.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): So it’s 1986 and that means no computers in the dorms and 80s hair!

Natalie Dreyfuss: Right, big hair, big eyebrows, and acid washed jeans. Its pretty exciting stuff (laughs).

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Do you play one of the college kids?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Yes, she wants to be a politician and is very conservative. Throughout the season she starts to come into her own a little bit more and as some of the kids in the fraternities help her to blossom. It’s been a really interesting character for me to play because it’s so different from myself.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What’s the experience like working with funnyman and Saturday Night Live alum Tim Meadows?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Tim is an amazing actor and he’s hysterical. I worked next door to him on Rita Rocks for a while. He’s such a nice guy and extremely talented.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Other SNL stars will be guest starring also.

Natalie Dreyfuss: I know, it’s really exciting. I love SNL. Brad Garrett has also been an amazing person to work with and to watch work. I think he’s fantastic and I’ve always been a fan of Everybody Loves Raymond.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Glory Daze is loosely based on the 1978 film Animal House?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Loosely I would say. It’s about a young group of college kids from the 80s and it’s a coming of age kind of a tale, so I would say it’s loosely based on Animal House. It’s definitely more for our generation of kids I think.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Animal House is before your time. Have you seen it?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Yeah, I actually have, but it is kind of actually before my time (laughs). I was born in 1987 so I’m looking at some of these outfits and going, “What is this? Is this supposed to be cute? I don’t get it.”

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Are you working longer days now since this show is an hour-long comedy?

Natalie Dreyfuss: Definitely. The schedule is completely different. With Rita Rocks it was a shorter schedule and we were shooting in front of a live audience. But I do love sitcom work. I think that’s probably my favorite type of medium, but at the same time, this has been such an amazing experience and so much fun that every hour I’m here I’m so happy to be here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Are you and your uncle (Richard Dreyfuss) close?

Natalie Dreyfuss: No, actually we’re not very close. I was raised by a single mom and Richard is my dad’s brother so we really don’t have much of a relationship. I’m very close with my mom and we have an amazing relationship so that’s great.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Natalie, what are your interests beyond work?

Natalie Dreyfuss: I’m very artistic so I love to draw and paint. I’m into interior decorating, photography, and stuff like that. I’m not really logical minded so it’s difficult for me to sit down and read. My new hobby is sitting down and actually reading a book (laughs). That sounds bad, but I think I’m really proud of myself for actually accomplishing that.

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