Interview With TNT’s “Claws” Star Evan Daigle!
Photo Credit: Akeem Biggs
We had the opportunity to chat with “Claws” star Evan Daigle about landing his role, portraying his character ‘Toby’, working on set, and more!
- How did you land your role in “Claws?”
I was in college in New Orleans studying Theatre and Communications. I was primarily focused on training my acting skills in school, but I was also eager to become involved in the thriving local film industry. I signed with a small talent agent in New Orleans in my junior year of school. A little over a year later, I received an audition for a small part in a pilot that was set to film in New Orleans called “Claws”. The character was originally only in one scene of the pilot episode, but after the series was green-lit, the producers of the show decided to keep me on as a recurring character. Fast forward two years and two seasons later and I’ve recently wrapped my 15th episode for the show!
- What is “Claws” about?
“Claws” is about five women who launder money for the Dixie Mafia through a nail salon in a rough area of South Florida. These women, led by Desna Simms (Niecy Nash), are clawing for a top spot amongst the male dominated world of organized crime. There are many different organized crime groups in the area who are competing for the best turf and product. “Claws” in full of bright colors, skimpy clothes, trashy glam, and some stellar performances by one of the best ensembles on TV right now.
- How would you describe your character?
Toby is the young gender fabulous live-in partner of the Dixie Mafia crime boss Uncle Daddy (Dean Norris). Toby is quite reserved but also likes expressing himself through his clothing. He’s very smart, but enjoys the lifestyle that living and being with Uncle Daddy gives. Toby feels protected by Uncle Daddy so he in turn feels comfortable expressing himself and experimenting with gender and sexuality despite being in geographically, a generally less tolerant area of the country as it concerns LGBTQ+ folks. Toby also gets involved with much of the crime dealings which fans will get to see more of as this season progresses. There’s also a really sweet scene in the fifth episode of this season that I’m really excited for fans to see which shows a side to Toby and Uncle Daddy’s relationship we haven’t seen yet.
- How is he different from those that you’ve portrayed in the past?
Playing Toby in “Claws” is my first professional acting job. I’ve done work on some smaller, non-union projects prior to “Claws” but Toby is my first truly professional role. I was in college studying acting before I got “Claws”, so I was being guided by my acting teachers to play characters of a wide variety as to expand my range as a performer. Toby, aside from it being a professional role, is very different from any roles I’ve played in the past. It’s been a challenge and a real honor to play a character like this especially in our current politically and social climate.
- What has been your favorite episode to film so far?
That’s a hard one! I’ve really enjoyed the stuff I’ve gotten to do in this second season. Although I think my favorite episode to film is still the forth episode in the first season where I got to do a water ballet scene.
- What do you think makes the show stand out from other shows?
I think “Claws” has a tone that is unique enough that it stands out even among so many great shows on TV right now. The amazing cast of women really pull in a lot of viewership too I think. People want to see themselves represented in film and TV and I think “Claws” does just that while also serving up a really entertaining show.
- What is a typical day like on-set?
A typically day on set is a lot of hard work, a lot of great collaboration, and a ton of fun!
- How do you usually prepare for a role or a script? Do you have a ritual?
When I’m preparing a character, I do an intense process of research on anything relevant to the project and character. I also, based on the script, create a backstory for my character. I start from their own childhood memories and go all the way up until the time when the action of the film, series, or play starts. I believe people are the some of their experiences so the characters I play, I need to know what those experiences were. Being an actor is so fun because you get to use your imagination in that way. Then when I’m on the set or stage I try and just relax and play off the energy of the set and the other actors, not worrying too much about all the backstory but trusting that in doing that prep work, it will bleed through into the performance.
- What is something most fans wouldn’t know about the show?
The nails seen in the show are all pre-made press ons.
- Are you currently working on any other projects you’d like to share with us?
I’m currently working on building my team of representatives in Los Angeles, so hopefully I’ll have more projects coming soon!
- What are your social media accounts
Instagram: @evandaigle
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