Mark Fuhrman lucked out: In FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” the weaselly detective’s played by one of TV and theater’s leading hunks.
That would be Steven Pasquale, the former “Rescue Me” star who bedded Alicia Florrick in “The Good Wife,” romanced Linda Cardellini’s character in “Bloodlines” and just popped up on “Billions” as a headhunter with a wolfish grin.
Last seen on Broadway ravishing Kelli O’Hara’s housewife in “The Bridges of Madison County,” Pasquale is currently seducing every female onstage — human and avian — in off-Broadway’s “The Robber Bridegroom.”
And while he bristles at any mention of his personal life, the 39-year-old’s been busy offstage, too: Formerly married to Tony winner Laura Benanti (and the father of an 18-year-old daughter with someone else), he recently became engaged to “Hamilton” leading lady Phillipa Soo.
Given his all-American good looks, one wonders why “O.J.” producer Ryan Murphy pegged Pasquale as his Fuhrman.
“Ryan called me and thought it would be a good idea, and I agreed with him,” Pasquale says, shrugging. “I think he was looking for an actor with something going on under the surface.”
Besides, says the actor, who grew up in Hershey, Pa., he was ready to stray from the sweet: “I always play people that are so liked, and I was interested in flexing a different acting muscle.”
He says he had no interest in reaching out to Fuhrman himself — nor has he heard from him. Even so, Pasquale has a few firmly held opinions about the crime, the trial and its key players.
“It’s interesting to play somebody so disliked, sort of nationally,” he muses. “[Fuhrman] blew it pretty good. The case really and truly became about race. Mark blew it, because O.J. Simpson is the guiltiest murderer ever.”
As for the choice between TV and theater? Pasquale’s verdict is in on that, too.
“I prefer theater any day of the week. A short day on television is 12 hours, as opposed to theater — you get on the ride, work for a few hours, and then try to unwind.”