Once We Were Spacemen | Episode 20: Once We Were Gingers with Molly Quinn
Podcast Hosts: Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk
Guest: Molly Quinn
Date: March 25, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode is a joyful, nostalgia-rich reunion between Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, and their former "Castle" co-star, Molly Quinn. They reminisce about casting milestones, on-set adventures, the unique dynamics of acting as a family on screen, and the bizarre, delightful realities of Hollywood. The discussion evolves into candid recollections about growing up in the industry, managing early responsibility, and the wild culinary journeys Molly has had. The hallmark of the conversation is its warmth, irreverent humor, and the deep affection shared among the trio.
Key Discussion Points and Memorable Moments
1. Ice Cream Mashed Potatoes & Hollywood Food Secrets
- [00:00 / 17:50] Molly recounts an infamous "Castle" set story about eagerly anticipating an ice cream sundae during a scene, only to discover "it was mashed potatoes" because "ice cream melts."
- Molly Quinn (00:39): “Oh, no. It was mashed potatoes.”
- Alan Tudyk (00:43): “Cause ice cream melts.”
- They riff on the lessons learned about eating on camera and the magic (or disappointment) of food props.
2. Origins & Chemistry: Landing the Castle Role
- [02:26] Alan introduces Molly, describing first impressions when she was 14 at the audition.
- *Molly describes the night-before binge-watching of "Firefly" and "Waitress" (03:22), feeling both nervous and comforted when meeting Nathan for the chemistry read.
- Molly Quinn (04:13): “It just felt like I knew you... it felt like coming home.”
- Alan details the near-immediate decision that Molly was "the one" for Alexis Castle:
- Alan Tudyk (05:21): “She had the job within 30 seconds of leaving the room.”
- Molly comments on the competition and being flown from Texarkana to New York for the pilot.
3. Adventures in New York & On-Set Bonding
- [07:32] Nathan reminisces about taking the cast on immersive adventures in NYC, including an interactive play introduced by Neil Patrick Harris.
- Molly (09:44): “It was the best time... I love that you let me see the city.”
- These experiences solidified a familial bond and expanded Molly’s world beyond small-town Texas.
4. On-Screen Family Dynamics & Creative Freedom
- [10:58] & [13:57] Nathan and Molly recall the “hallway scoot” scene, a testament to impromptu problem-solving and trust.
- Nathan Fillion: “There was nothing I could do that would throw [Molly] off... She was always prepared.”
- The hosts praise Molly's adaptability and talent, emphasizing how central her and Susan Sullivan’s performances were in making the Castle family work.
- Nathan Fillion (15:19): “He lived for [his mother and daughter]. That was his redeeming quality.”
5. Growing Up on Set – Life Lessons & Responsibility
- [19:19] Molly talks about solo international travel for the show, like filming in Paris at 18, and the challenges and growing up it required.
- Molly Quinn (20:29): “It's still one of the greatest gifts of my life.”
- They discuss evolving responsibilities, from being a kid primarily in kitchen scenes to getting her own storylines and performing stunts.
6. Support, Guidance, and Mentorship
- [23:23] Alan recounts Molly seeking advice on life’s adult issues, and adopting a parental approach to their relationship:
- Alan Tudyk (23:47): “I was happier that you had someone to talk to about things than I would have been if you had felt alone.”
- Molly shares the struggles of being alone in LA after turning 18 and credits Nathan and the show for essential structure and support.
7. Reflections on Fame, Fans, and Fandom
- [30:29] & [31:04] Molly describes heartwarming interactions with fans who feel as if she’s family, particularly mothers and fellow redheads.
- Molly Quinn (31:05): “They think I'm their daughter... when they talk about their kids, I'm like, yeah, I bet we would have been friends.”
8. The Orlando Bloom Encounter & Paying Kindness Forward
- [32:33] Molly tells the story of meeting Orlando Bloom at Cannes, breaking down in fangirl tears, and being met with kindness, which cemented her vow to always treat fans warmly:
- Molly Quinn (33:38): “If this guy can be nice to me right now, I can be nice for the rest of my life.”
9. Favorite On-Set Memories & Lessons
- On scenes like laser tag, Nathan hanging people from rafters, and the importance (and difficulty) of crying on camera.
- [36:28] - [38:47]
- Molly admits: “I was terrified the first time crying on camera... I’m not a very sad person.”
Notable Quotes
- Alan Tudyk (05:21): "She had the job within 30 seconds of leaving the room."
- Molly Quinn (04:13): "It felt like coming home."
- Nathan Fillion (15:19): "He lived for them [his mother and daughter]."
- Molly Quinn (20:29): "It's still one of the greatest gifts of my life."
- Molly Quinn (31:05): "They think I'm their daughter... I love it."
- Molly Quinn (33:38): "If this guy can be nice to me right now, I can be nice for the rest of my life."
- Nathan Fillion (28:09): "[She] didn’t have your sense of responsibility to the job and it definitely affected her in the career."
- Molly Quinn (29:52): "For me being a child actor, it saved my life. It gave me a life."
- Molly Quinn (59:36): "As she started to shift, I think she was a zombified [dog]."
- Molly Quinn (60:05): "I'm a really adventurous eater."
Rapid-Fire and Personal Insights
[44:22+]: Fun, quirky rapid-fire questions reveal personal quirks:
- Calming activity: Molly makes collages from antique papers ([44:32]).
- Ideal birthday: Movie and hat-shopping adventures with Alan, including movies served with quesadillas ([45:32]).
- Favorite board game: Codenames, for team play and its luck/inclusivity ([49:26]).
- Most-used app: Molly – Instagram, Threads, Instacart; Alan – Threads ([48:05]).
- Would rather cook or order in: Both! Especially donburi rice dishes ([48:37]).
On prized possessions ([54:20]):
- Nathan: “My dogs.”
- Molly: “Pikachu,” her little mutt, is her “soul dog.” Stories of her previous dog, Piper, and some taxidermy love language.
On eating raw foods ([60:05-61:59]):
- Chicken sashimi in Japan, jellyfish, even horse sashimi.
Nathan & Alan’s incredulity is heartfelt and hilarious.
Spooky & Silly
Ghost story ([39:25]):
- Molly describes a recurring childhood haunting: a “shaved headed, serrated teeth woman... in a black dressing gown” who sat in an antique chair in the front room of her Texas home.
- Nathan and Alan delight/are horrified at the details, especially the serrated teeth and her "beautiful, evil smile" reminiscent of the Mouth of Sauron ([42:16]).
Fun, Games, and Physical Comedy
- Extended riffing on Nathan’s penchant for physical punishment games (shock games, mousetraps, etc.), including stories of training Alan to quit smoking with shocking lighters ([51:10]).
- Alan’s history of faking nosebleeds in school with stolen lancets ([62:03-65:47])—what Molly calls the "origin story" of his physical comedy.
Timestamps for Essential Segments
- 00:00-00:45 — Ice Cream Mashed Potatoes Story
- 02:26-05:47 — First "Castle" Audition Memories & Casting Process
- 07:32-10:43 — NYC Pilot, On-Set Bonding, Texarkana Roots
- 10:58-15:47 — Hallway Scoot & Building On-Screen Family Bonds
- 19:19-22:16 — Responsibilities and Adventures Filming Abroad
- 23:23-25:01 — Mentorship, Growing Up in LA
- 31:04-34:36 — Fan Encounters & Kindness Legacy (Orlando Bloom)
- 39:31-42:43 — Ghost Story: The Chair and the Serrated Smile
- 44:22-54:20 — Rapid-Fire Q&A: Collages, Hats, Codenames, Apps, Cooking, Dogs
- 60:05-62:02 — Adventurous Eating: Chicken & Horse Sashimi
- 62:03-66:07 — Alan’s School Escapades: Faking Nosebleeds & Early Comedy
Episode Tone & Style
The language is playful, teasing, full of inside jokes and genuine affection. Alan is the class clown with self-deprecating humor; Nathan volleys between dry wit and supportive mentor; Molly exhibits both humility and a gentle boldness.
Summary Takeaway
This episode beautifully spotlights the lifelong bonds forged through creative collaboration, blending touching reminiscences with fresh, unscripted hilarity. Whether discussing the realities of child acting, the quirks of working in Hollywood, or their peculiar passions and superstitions, the conversation is deeply relatable—a love letter to friendship, found family, and the absurd, serendipitous journey of growing up both on- and off-screen.
Notable Quote to Sum Up
Molly Quinn (29:52):
“For me being a child actor, it saved my life. It gave me a life. I am so—I cannot tell you how grateful, how much I love acting, how much I love being on set and the places I get to go. ... I pinch myself every day because I am living the dream.”
For anyone who loves behind-the-scenes stories, unconventional career coming-of-age tales, and the deep warmth of shared history, this episode is a must-listen.