Starry Mag Interview with Iqbal Theba, AKA Principal Figgins

Starry Constellation Magazine has interviewed a lot of the cast members of Glee before, and their latest features Iqbal Theba, who you probably know as the hilarious Principal Figgins. The interview has a couple light spoilers, and I really enjoyed it! Definitely take the time to read it. :)

They’ll be interviewing Josh Sussman (who plays Jacob Ben Israel) next, so send them your questions if you have any!

Q. Where do you draw from for your portrayal of Principal Figgins?

A. Basically I read the script and just tried to get the feeling for it. I also knew Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk because I had done “Nip/Tuck” for them before “Glee.” I knew their sensibility and what they want and then accordingly I read it. I also go by my gut feeling, wherever my gut takes me, I go. He’s very different from the guy that I played in “Nip/Tuck,” that guy was much more self assured and arrogant. Figgins is somebody who wanted to be a CEO, but is not for some reason, whatever it may be. He wanted to be rich like Lee Iacoca or somebody but now he has to live with the fact that he is a principal at a small town high school. It kind of shows on his body and the language he uses and the way he acts. I thought he’s a guy who wanted to be somebody big but he’s not and now he has to deal with it. He has to deal with all of these trivial things on a daily basis, like money, the students, the teachers, and Sue, they come at him with the speed of light. I think of all of that and try to incorporate it in my behavior and just play it and basically just say the words. It’s written so well, it’s written really, really well.

Q. The back nine episodes will begin airing in April, what can you tell us will be happening with the show and with your character?

A. We don’t really read beyond one or two episodes. I don’t think any of the cast members have any idea what’s going to happen in the number seven or eight or nine episodes. I know Jane Lynch puts me in an awkward situation, I can’t really tell you much, I don’t think I am supposed to. It becomes really embarrassing for the principal again. It’s going to be really interesting, poor Figgins has to suffer at the hands of Sue. Figgins new found power from the last episode that aired isn’t going to last too long.

Read the entire interview: Starry Constellation Mag: IQBAL THEBA
Go Here for More Glee Cast Interviews with Starry Mag