Jason Altman plays main officer “Herrmann,” in Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black.
In the new season, which premiered on July 27, 2018, the women are sent to max after the riot and have to deal with the new power structures.
I get a chance to sit down with Mr. Altman and he lets us know what the audience can except this upcoming season and how he was a fan before even being cast on the show.
Were you a fan of “Orange Is The New Black” before you appeared on the series?
Yes! I was a huge fan since season 1. I never missed an episode.
What was the audition process like for “Officer Herrmann?”
I auditioned for a smaller role in the season 5 finale and they called me back the next day to read for the larger guest star role of ‘Herrmann’. I was offered the role that day. It wasn’t originally written as a recurring character but I am certainly happy they kept having me come back.
What was the set like for the pool scene? Did you film in a real prison or built set?
It was a real pool in a psychiatric facility in Orangeburg, NY. How ironic!
*Spoiler Alert*
Your character is one of season six’s villains as you basically help to frame one of the inmates for murder during the riot. How did you feel when you found out that your role was expanded and would be such an integral part to season six storyline?
I was elated! The fact that Jenji Kohan liked my work enough in the season 5 finale and had the confidence in me to come back and handle the material she wrote for me, really floored me.
What was your favorite scene to shoot on “OITNB?”
Probably the first episode scene in the pool framing the inmates. It was such a long shot from start to finish, that it felt like a scene in a play.
What made you pursue being an actor?
A little bit after high school. I had the instinct that it was something I wanted to do with my life.
What are your goals as an actor?
I want to work on projects that have a profound effect on the audience. Stories that last with people a long time after they watch it, and give them goosebumps when they think about it.
Besides acting, do you support any charities or causes?
I am a member of UNICEF. The work that they do around the world is incredible.
“OITNB” has been renewed for a season seven. What hopes do you have for the next season?
Well, I hope that Taystee’s character gets some justice, as well as Blanca. As far as Herrmann’s character, I’d like to see the truth come out about what he did.
What’s next for you? What other upcoming projects do you have coming up?
Waiting to hear if I will return for season 7 and just back to the grind of auditions. I also have a few short films are in the works as well.
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Jason is a graduate of the William Esper Studio in New York. In 2002, Jason was given the Jean Dalrymple Award for most promising new actor by the American Theater of Actors for his stage work in “King Lear”.
