RAISING HOPE: Jason Lee On His Guest Turn As Smokey Floyd

Jason Lee reunites with his My Name is Earl creator, Greg Garcia, when he guest stars as an aging rock star on tonight’s episode of Raising Hope.

In a recent conference call with NiceGirlsTV, Jason Lee shared that what drew him into guest starring in the zany world of Raising Hope was the opportunity to reunite with Greg Garcia, who he worked with on My Name Is Earl. Lee fondly recalled working with Garcia on Earl and literally jumped at the chance when offered the chance to play a role in Garcia’s new comedy series.

Lee guest stars as Smokey Floyd,an aging rocker playing Grocery-palooza at the store where Jimmy works. Feeling guilty that his dad, Burt, had to give up his own rock star dreams when he became a father at such a young age, Jimmy arranges for Burt to join Smokey Floyd on stage.

Lee was also excited to work with the talented cast of Raising Hope who welcomed him graciously. While Lee acknowledged that it felt strange to work on a set that felt like My Name Is Earl yet was not his own show, it was still a fun experience for Lee because everyone was so light-hearted and having a great time. In fact, it made Lee miss Earl that much more. Thus, Lee would love the chance to work with Garcia again and hopes that if Garcia develops another comedy series that he will get to be a part of it.

Sharing a bit about his outlandish character, Smokey Floyd, who makes an appearance in the November 30th episode of Raising Hope, Lee said that Smokey is one of those guys who thinks he is really special – which unfortunately means he is obnoxious, annoying and full of himself. So portraying Smokey made Lee feel like he was doing a Saturday Night Live skit simply because Smokey is such a jerk – albeit with a few redeeming qualities.

For Lee, the experience was great as he enjoyed getting a chance to play an aging rock star with the same hair and clothes he wore in the ‘80’s, who does not seem to realize that he looks like a loser; and the hair and make-up transformation was particularly fun as Lee got to go from “bad-ass” to “even badder-asser.” Though Lee sheepishly confessed that it was scary to see what he would look like when he is older.

As of fan of Raising Hope, Lee has seen every episode and would love for Smokey to be a recurring character. Lee simply likes all of Garcia’s characters as Garcia tries to find the redeeming qualities in all of his characters. He pointed out that Garcia creates such a positive vibe on his shows, and that this, combined with some good karma, has helped make Raising Hope the success that it is.

Lee has some free time on his hands while his new series Memphis Beat is on hiatus, Lee shared that he has been having fun doing voice work, which holds a lot of appeal because he has an opportunity to express everything through his voice, without relying on his body and facial expressions and he relishes the chance to mix it up. Also, upcoming is a third Alvin & the Chipmunks film and a pilot which Lee wrote for Adult Swim centered in the world of skateboarding, which Lee describes as “twisted and out there.” Mostly Lee is excited about all the cool projects he is getting to be a part of and the flexibility and variety it all provides. His life is blessed with an abundance of riches and he is relishing every moment of it.

Raising Hope airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.