Patrick Labyorteaux got his start as a child actor playing Andrew Garvey on “Little House on the Prairie,” and hasn’t stopped since. Most recently he played Bud Roberts on the hit series “JAG,” as well as produced and did voiceover work too.
Hot on the heels of the “JAG – The Complete Series Collector’s Edition” release, which comes out on December 11th, Labyorteaux told Crave why he always admired Michael Landon and what his secret vices are.
1. What was it like working on the set of “JAG”?
A great experience. Lots of TV shows say that they are like doing a movie every week but “JAG” truly was a huge show. Lots of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, like being launched off an aircraft carrier and being welcomed by military bases all over California.
2. What did you have to do to prep for your role?
Studied up on the ins and outs of military protocol, ranks, etc. Later when Bud lost his leg, I researched how service people would deal with such a difficult challenge.
3. Do you still keep in touch with your fellow cast members?
Sure. David James Elliott and I keep in touch via phone. Catherine Bell and I use Twitter and Karri Turner [and I] were friends even before “JAG.”
4. What projects are you currently working on and what projects do you have coming up for 2013?
My wife Tina Albanese and I created and executive produce the Nick At Nite show “See Dad Run” starring Scott Baio (airing Sunday nights at 8:00pm).
5. You’ve dabbled in a lot of mediums (voicework, TV, producing) – is there a certain type of work that you prefer? Why?
I love working! I’m a huge fan of TV and will be happy as long as I’m getting to be creative.
6. Is there a particular person in the biz that you look up to? Who is it and why?
Michael Landon was the biggest influence. As a child I watched him write, direct, star, and produce a TV show every week. He showed me what was possible.
7. You’ve been involved in TV since you were a kid – how have you seen the face of television change? Would you ever consider doing any reality-based projects?
The best change is the proliferation of channels! So much more opportunities for people to find the show they want – and for me, so many more places to work! I love reality as well and would always consider it.
8. What accomplishment in your life, either personally or professionally, are you most proud of and why?
My marriage and my son. They are the most important things in life to me and I’m thrilled that Tina married me and can’t tell you how amazing my boy Jeau is!
9. There are a lot of aspiring actors and producers out there – what’s one piece of advice that you would give them?
Be sure this is what you want to do and then keep at it. You never know what’s around the corner.
10. What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I love the music of Tom Jones, have a very bad peanut butter addiction, and I am a huge Star Wars nerd.
