When James Duff , the creator of television's 'The Closer' needed a talanted and affordable actor to play the small role of a Civilian Surveillance Coordinator from Los Angeles Police Department's Priority Homicide Division, he didn't have to look far.
His longtime partner (and future husband) Phillip Keene, in his late 30s at the time, had just begun his acting career and was hungry for the opportunity. But first he had to convince Duff and producers that he could play the role even though he had so little experience under his belt – just a student film and a commercial.
"He didn't want me on the show," Keene told Headlines & Global News in an exclusive interview. "He said, 'No, no, no. I'm not doing that. I'm not playing that game.'"
Keene eventually locked up the role of Buzz Watson and has been a part of the cast for the last 11 and half years, first on "The Closer" and now on its spinoff series, "Major Crimes."
If he hadn't done well, Duff and the other producers were ready to give him the gentle boot.
"The thinking was, 'This will be a good training ground for him and if he's really awful then it won't be such a hardship and we can just ask him gently to leave,'" Keene said. "As James says honestly, 'We took ruthless advantage of you the first few years of the show.'"
As a former Pan Am flight attendant, Keene is also a volunteers at World Wings International, a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising money for many different charities, including those focussing on women's health issues and those in third world countries to obtain an education.
"Major Crimes" will finish its summer run next month with a "very emotional episode" that includes a trip to the cemetery. Keene couldn't tease much else. Buzz will say out of harm's way for the time being, but Keene wouldn't mind getting into some trouble when the fourth season continues this November.
"I'm hoping he's placed in jeopardy at some point and these other guys have to help him out or see how he resolves that conflict," Keene said.
"Major Crimes" airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. on TNT.
