Episode Summary: "Hanging Out with Vanessa Ray & Tom Lipinski"
Release Date: January 21, 2025
In this engaging episode of Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast, hosts Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty delve deep into their experiences on the hit TV show "Suits." This installment features special guests Vanessa Ray, who portrayed Jenny Griffith, and Tom Lipinski, known for his role as Trevor Evans. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and heartfelt reflections, the episode offers fans a comprehensive look into the camaraderie and creative processes that fueled the show's success.
Introduction and Guest Introduction
Sarah Rafferty kicks off the episode by introducing Vanessa Ray and Tom Lipinski, expressing her excitement about finally having the opportunity to sit down with them. Patrick J. Adams echoes this sentiment, highlighting the immediate connection and chemistry that Vanessa and Tom brought to the show.
Sarah Rafferty [02:36]: "Listener, I'm so excited for you to hear this conversation because this was really the first time that I got to sit down with Vanessa and Tom..."
Audition Stories and Initial Impressions
The conversation transitions to their audition experiences. Vanessa shares her bold choice to audition without heavy makeup and in shorts, standing out among a group of actresses clad in suits. This unconventional approach initially received mixed reactions but ultimately secured her the role.
Vanessa Ray [07:49]: "I put on eyelashes and I put on makeup and I wore a leather jacket... and I wore shorts, and they were like, who the is this girl thinks you're in?"
Tom Lipinski recounts his audition process, describing a room filled with directors and producers where he felt out of place but hopeful.
Patrick J. Adams [07:27]: "There's a good place to start is where you started. Let's go back. Let's get in the machine. Let's go back to 2010."
First Days on Set and Building Chemistry
Vanessa and Tom discuss their first days on set, emphasizing the natural chemistry that developed despite not knowing each other beforehand. Sarah highlights how this synergy translated into authentic on-screen relationships.
Tom Lipinski [23:14]: "We premet you all know each other, you're like, this is making my day difficult. And you're really happy to get home... you have to put your armor back on to go back to work."
Favorite Scenes and Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
The hosts and guests reminisce about memorable scenes, including the loft scene where their characters interacted closely. They share humorous moments from filming, such as Patrick accidentally hitting Tom with his arm during a take, leading to playful banter and lasting memories.
Tom Lipinski [50:43]: "I do remember hating that scene because I was like, I don't want... It was like a breakup scene."
Vanessa reflects on the emotional depth required for certain scenes, particularly those involving love triangles and character development.
Vanessa Ray [34:08]: "It has nothing to do with that whatsoever. And you also, like, there... it's great when anybody brings it up to me. I only have good memories."
Fan Reactions and the Show's Resurgence
With the resurgence of "Suits" on platforms like Netflix, Vanessa and Tom discuss how fan recognition has grown over time. They share anecdotes of fans approaching them years after their appearances, highlighting the show's enduring legacy.
Vanessa Ray [36:35]: "I find that to be so special and such a fantastic thing that fans are able to consistently tune in and get involved."
Personal Reflections and Emotional Impact
Patrick and Sarah delve into the emotional complexities of working on "Suits," especially when their characters' storylines culminated in challenging scenes. They discuss the delicate balance between professional performance and personal connections formed on set.
Patrick J. Adams [52:21]: "It's so vital, but I could know that it's limited."
Guest Projects: Tom Lipinski's Podcast
Tom Lipinski introduces his podcast, "Gone South," a true crime investigative series co-hosted with his brother. He offers tips for aspiring podcasters, emphasizing the importance of taking the medium seriously despite common misconceptions.
Tom Lipinski [67:25]: "You fight, take yourself seriously."
Conclusion and Farewell
As the episode wraps up, Patrick encourages listeners to engage with the podcast by sending in questions and leaving reviews. Vanessa and Tom express their gratitude for being part of the conversation, reinforcing the strong bonds formed during their time on "Suits."
Tom Lipinski [69:16]: "We did it, right?"
Sarah Rafferty [70:05]: "Our senior producer is Kimmy Gregory, and our producer and researcher is Kristen Schrader."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Vanessa Ray [07:49]: "I put on eyelashes and I put on makeup and I wore a leather jacket... and I wore shorts, and they were like, who the is this girl thinks you're in?"
- Tom Lipinski [50:43]: "I do remember hating that scene because I was like, I don't want... It was like a breakup scene."
- Vanessa Ray [36:35]: "I find that to be so special and such a fantastic thing that fans are able to consistently tune in and get involved."
- Tom Lipinski [67:25]: "You fight, take yourself seriously."
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Chemistry: The natural rapport between Vanessa, Tom, Patrick, and Sarah was pivotal in creating believable and engaging on-screen relationships.
- Behind-the-Scenes Challenges: Navigating intense emotional scenes and maintaining professional relationships highlighted the complexities of acting on a long-running series.
- Enduring Legacy: The resurgence of "Suits" has led to renewed fan interest, allowing cast members to reconnect with audiences and share their experiences.
- Expanding Horizons: Guests like Tom Lipinski are leveraging their experiences into new ventures, such as podcasting, showcasing the diverse paths actors can take post-series.
Conclusion:
This episode offers a heartfelt and comprehensive exploration of what it was like to be part of "Suits" from the perspectives of both main and guest cast members. Through candid conversations and shared memories, Patrick, Sarah, Vanessa, and Tom provide listeners with an intimate look into the show's creation, the bonds formed on set, and the lasting impact of their collective work.