JT Neal on ABC’s ‘Bless This Mess’ [Exclusive Interview]

Bless This Mess is one of ABC’s newest and funniest shows. The plot revolves around a newlywed couple moving to Nebraska to revive a recently inherited farm. Among the welcoming — and not so welcoming — neighbors is the lovable character, Jacob, played by the one and only JT Neal.

Jacob’s well-natured smiles and willingness to help shine through any time he makes an appearance. JT Neal seems to have great fun in bringing this character to life, just like he did while playing Scott Tomlinson on Nickelodeon’s The Haunted Hathaways. 

Whether you know him from years past, or just caught a glimpse of him more recently, it is great to learn more about a fresher face in this generation of actors. Luckily for us, JT Neal was kind enough to take a few moments of his time to answer some questions.

Tell-Tale TV: What got you interested in acting, initially?

JT Neal: I loved watching movies when I was a kid. I used to be able to watch a movie once and quote it back to you. I always just wanted to be entertaining everyone.

My mom says I told her I needed to learn to read when I was four years old because I wouldn’t be able to read my scripts. It was always just something that was in my mind. So when I did my first play in middle school, I had a light bulb moment where I realized, “hey, I can entertain people for a living.”

Tell-Tale TV: What would you like your acting career to be known for?

Neal: I want my career to be associated with quality. When I’m acting or writing, I want to create something that I’m proud of. There are several actors and directors that are so good at what they do, I’ll see anything they’re a part of because I know it’ll be good. That’s what I want my career to be. 

Tell Tale TV: What was your audition for Bless This Mess like?

Neal: It was a three-step process. It started with a pre-read with Seth Yanklewitz, the casting director. Then I had a callback to read with Lake Bell. That was a lot of fun because she really let me play. She’s a brilliant improviser, so I could throw anything at her and she would throw it right back.

After that, I had my network test. I sat in the waiting room of this giant building at Fox, staring at a glass case full of Emmys — so nervous. But when I went in to read, everyone in the room was so sweet and patient, that I immediately felt at ease.

After that, I waited for what felt like forever, until I got the call that I had booked the job. 

Tell-Tale TV: Your parents on the show have some pretty obvious motives. Does Jacob share those motives?

Neal: I don’t think so. Honestly, Jacob loves everyone and is so excited to meet new people. It’s actually really fun when we’re doing scenes because I bounce back and forth with my support.

One second I’m on my parent’s side, the next, I’m on Mike and Rio’s side. Whoever is talking at that moment, that’s whose side I’m on. I just want everyone to be happy. 

Tell-Tale TV: Can you tell us anything about your character that we haven’t learned yet?

Neal: I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that Jacob endures a lot this season. It’s kind of awesome though, because you get to see that he truly does smile through everything, no matter how embarrassing or scary. Nothing phases him and I love it. 

Tell-Tale TV: What’s it like working with Dax Shepherd and Lake Bell?

Neal: It’s incredible. They’re both so unbelievably funny and talented. It was really intimidating at first for me because they’re just so good at what they do. I have watched them on TV and in movies since I was a kid, and they’re so quick. I was really worried that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with them!

But when we shot the pilot, they were so kind to me, and really made me feel like I was a part of this thing. By the time we finished shooting the first season, the whole cast felt like a family. It’s a really special group. 

Tell-Tale TV: Can you tell us about some of the funniest moments on set? Intentional or accidental?

Neal: There are too many to count. One of the wonderful things about working with a bunch of professional improvisers is that we’re constantly finding new ways to make each other laugh.

We do these takes called “tumble runs,” where anything goes. We can say anything we want. Those are my favorite takes. I wish you guys could see some of them because they’re so unbelievably hilarious. And I can’t keep a straight face, so I’m basically useless in those takes. 

Tell-Tale TV: If you could give Mike and Rio one piece of advice, what would it be?

Neal: It’s okay to ask for help. Growing up in a small town myself, I know the amount of kindness and love that a small town community can produce. You’re family. Communities support each other and lift each other up. No one is going to let you fail. 

Tell-Tale TV: If given the chance, would you up and move your entire life like Mike and Rio chose to?

Neal: No, I love where my life is at. But I also kind of get the best of both worlds because my whole family still lives in small-town Texas. If I ever need a break from LA, I just go visit my parents for a little while and recharge. 

Tell-Tale TV: When you aren’t busy working, how do you like to spend your time?

Neal: One of my all time favorite things is collecting vintage clothing, so I love going to flea markets and antique stores. I do that pretty much every weekend. I can spend hours in an antique store or a thrift shop.

I also love to rock climb, so if I’m not digging through piles of vintage clothing, I’m most likely at a climbing gym or outdoors on the side of a rock.  

— 

If you haven’t yet caught Bless This Mess at its regular time and station, please make sure to do so. You will be sure to get a good chuckle, along with a look into modern country life on the farm. A few life lessons pop up along the way, and a good sense of community as well! 

Follow JT Neal on Social Media:

• Instagram: @jt_neal
• Twitter: @JT_Neal_IV

*Featured image credit: F. Scott Schafer

Bless This Mess airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

 Follow us on Twitter! 

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Tell-Tale TV’s 2019 Pilot Season Round-Up