Answers with Bill Parks

Answer 1

You play a recurring role on the CW's "Hart of Dixie" as Chicken Truitt, Tracy Truitt's scruffy brother. So that beard...it's serious business! Did you always have a beard or did you grow it just for the part?

Haaaa, I'd love to say that I grew it out for the part, much like Christian Bale lost weight for The Machinist, but alas I have my ginger beard for about 8 years.

A beard doesn't just take care of itself. Do you have any secrets for maintaining such a phenomenal beard?

Lol. Shampoo your beard as regularly as possible and try not to save food in there for later.

Chicken Truitt also has a really heavy southern twang...how long did it take you to master that accent? Do you ever find yourself accidentally speaking with a southern twang after filming?

I've always been pretty good at doing accents. I did stand-up comedy in NYC for five years and had a lot of impressions in my act. I like to think I am pretty proficient at switching in and out of it, but sometimes people will randomly ask me if I am from the south, so who knows.

You were originally born in Delaware, which is VERY far from the South. Have you learned a thing or two about southern culture while filming "Hart of Dixie"?

Yes, I was born in Delaware, north of the Mason Dixon line. Everyone on set is extremely hospitable, whereas having lived in both New York & LA, people seem to always be going a mile a minute in their own little world. I try to take a piece of Bluebell back with me to my everyday life.

You also are a 5-string banjo master! Do you ever get a chance to break out the banjo on set?

Yes, in the show, my brothers and I play in our own jug band. We'll be playing some more music in the big season 4 finale!

What was it about "Hart of Dixie" that made you want to audition to be a part of it? Why specifically did you audition for the character of Chicken Truitt?

Well, I'd say my look certainly fits right into Bluebell, Alabama. I love being part of a show where life is just a little bit simpler. I had originally read for the role of Tom Long and got very close to getting the part. Then they brought me in for the role of Meatball. In the audition I played a song called Corn Bread & Buttered Beans on my banjo for David Paymer; however, the role ended up going to the hilarious Matt Lowe. Finally after a nerve-racking mix & match chemistry read, Matt Hobby, Kevin Sheridan, & I became The Brothers Truitt.

What are you most excited about this season?

Well I can't wait for the awesome season 4 finale! Lots of old characters come back to Bluebell for a musical ensemble extravaganza!

At the end of Season 3, Zoe finally decided to fight for Wade, her on and off again ex-boyfriend. What twists and turns can we expect from Zoe and Wade's relationship in Season 4?

Unfortunately I am not at liberty to say. You'll have to tune in to find out!

You have a couple of scenes with the beautifully talented Rachel Bilson...what is it like to work with her on set?

She is a fantastic, funny, seasoned pro. Both her father and grandfather were in the business.

The most noticeable change between Season 3 of "Hart of Dixie" and Season 4 is that Rachel Bilson is now pregnant! How do you think Rachel's pregnancy will impact the filming of Season 4?

We were very limited with the amount of time that Rachel could film each day. Apparently being pregnant makes you very sleepy.

Do you have a favorite scene that you have filmed so far for "Hart of Dixie"?

I really enjoy all of the musical numbers, but any time we get to film with Wilson Bethal is great, as he is always making us laugh much to the dismay of the AD whose job it is to keep filming on schedule.

When you were 17 you began acting in commercials for major brands including Pepsi, Snickers, and Sketchers...just to name a few. Which commercial stands out as your favorite?

The Snickers commercial with Aretha Franklin definitely stands out as my favorite! Since the Aretha doesn't fly in airplanes, we were all flown out to beautiful Detroit, Michigan in the middle of winter to film. "Spend an afternoon in the back seat of a beat up Volkswagen with the Queen of Soul". Finally crossed that off the ol' bucket list.

Is there a commercial you appeared in that you prefer to keep locked in the vault of embarrassment forever?

Well, not a commercial, but, I did juggle a bowling ball, a torch, & a machete to the tune of Rappers Delight while decked out in a red Adidas jump suit & sporting a ginger Afro on Showtime at the Apollo. As far as I know, only my mother & NBC have the footage.

You also spent some time competing in the Celebrity World Poker Tour and ranked 27th! Where does your love of poker come from?

Yes, I almost made it to the final table! I started playing poker in college and have been hooked ever since. I often play in charity tournaments for groups such as Life Rolls On & Jennifer Harman's charity knockout.

You have two rescued pit bulls, Peanut and Kenny. Why did you choose to adopt rescue dogs?

I wouldn't say I chose to, more like the universe sent them to me. Well, actually my friend said, "We just rescued these dogs from the streets; can you watch them for a few days?" Cut to 4 years later and they are still hanging around!

What's your stance on the negative pit bull stigma? Do you believe pit bulls are dangerous dogs or misunderstood pups?

It is so unfortunate that they have a negative reputation. They are the sweetest and most loving animals I have ever met!

What else can we expect from you in 2015?

My band, The Fancies, will be putting out a music video soon. Also, I am producing and voicing a character in a film called The Remote. For updates: twitter.com/bill_parks IG: @billparks