INTERVIEW: Nolan Gerard Funk on HBO Max’s ‘The Flight Attendant,’ His Time on ‘Glee,’ and Upcoming Projects

Nolan Gerard Funk can most recently be seen in HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant, and we spoke to the actor about the first season.

Nolan portrays Van White in the HBO Max series, which currently has the full first season available to stream. The Flight Attendant follows a flight attendant (Kaley Cuoco), who wakes up with a dead man and no memory of what happened the night before. Based on the novel of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian, the show has already been renewed for a second season.

You might also recognize the actor from his time on Glee and Awkward. Read our exclusive interview with Nolan Gerard Funk below to find out more about what attracted him to the project, why the show is intriguing, what franchise he wants to join, and his favorite genre to do.

GLITTER: When did you know you wanted to pursue acting as a career?
NOLAN: Ever since I could walk.

GLITTER: Your most recent role was as Van White in The Flight Attendant, which is currently streaming on HBO Max. What drew you to the project?
NOLAN: The team, network, and studio all made for a very desirable package, and I loved director Susannah Fogel’s The Spy Who Dumped Me. I love that Van had this almost Killing Eve like fixation on Cassie and was curious to explore that.

GLITTER: How would you describe the show to intrigue those who have not watched yet to sit and binge-watch?
NOLAN: The show is almost like a film that just happens to be eight episodes. It’s unique, bold, and funny. Steve Yockey and the rest of the team did such a great job at creating a specific world and unique tone and just going for it!

GLITTER: What was it like working with Kaley Cuoco?
NOLAN: She’s insanely talented and funny. And a gifted producer as well.

GLITTER: How does the role of Van stand out to you from all of your other roles?
NOLAN: This was my first time playing a man of the law! After playing a lot of villains, “cool guys,” and intense characters, it was exciting to play someone in a cerebral job.

GLITTER: You were also in Glee, which is still such a big show even though it’s ended; what was your favorite memory from your time on that show?
NOLAN: My favorite memory was my final takes of “Performing Whistle.” While I have rhythm, I’m definitely not a trained dancer. I learned the choreography for “Whistle” the afternoon before filming… and we had two days to film the numbers from that competition. The first day I had a really hard time nailing all the choreography. I was extremely nervous with the condensed runway. On Broadway, I had six weeks to learn my dance breaks. But on the second day of filming, I had some one-on-one time with one of the dancers, who was really great and went through all the steps. I got my confidence back and offered to throw in a backflip at the end of the number. I’m still really proud of that character and appreciate Zach Woodlee for nailing the choreography and Ryan Murphy for the opportunity.

GLITTER: You played Collin in Awkward as well, what was your favorite thing about that role?
NOLAN: The fan response! It was nuts! So grateful to Lauren Lungerich for creating Colin.

GLITTER: Is there a role of yours that you’d like to revisit for any reason?
NOLAN: Would love to be on Broadway again, playing Conrad Birdie with all that I know now.

GLITTER: Are there any film franchise or tv shows that you’re a fan of and would like to join?
NOLAN: Would love to be a part of the Hunger Games prequel and play a lead in the DC universe. It would also be fun to join Bridgerton for a season and put my British accent to the test.

GLITTER: What do you look for in a script?
NOLAN: Feeling something.

GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can discuss?
NOLAN: I’m the lead in a thriller with Scout Taylor-Compton that I’m very excited about. The film is like Star Wars meets Halloween. It’s unique. I’m excited for it to come out. We were supposed to launch in theaters, but covid debunked those plans.

GLITTER: Favorite genre to do acting-wise? Are there any genres you have not gotten to do yet that you want to try?
NOLAN: Would love to star in an action film, something like The Bourne Identity using my gun and language skills. And film a comedy.

GLITTER: Advice for anyone that wants to join the entertainment industry?
NOLAN: Don’t do it unless you can’t see yourself doing anything else.

GLITTER: Did you discover any new shows or films during your time in quarantine?
NOLAN: Queen’s Gambit, Jack Ryan.

GLITTER: What is one thing fans don’t know about you?
NOLAN: I’m yet to play a role that’s close to the goofball that I am. I also play a lot of wealthy people, but I grew up in working-class suburban Canada.

GLITTER: Glitter has a celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign. What does self-love mean to you?
NOLAN: Being grateful for where you are and what you have while being open to growing and evolving.

GLITTER: What is/was a day in social isolation like for you?
NOLAN: Funny you should mention isolation. I came to Canada in early December and isolated at a hotel. I LOVED it. Sometimes I think we are overwhelmed in modern society because we have too many choices. I knew what my days would look like, and I rarely got bored between working out and zooms and reading and watching movies. It was also very cold and rainy. I had a great night view, so I’d step out on the balcony for fresh air and quickly remember it’s not LA where you can go out on the balcony in your underwear.

GLITTER: Favorite place you’ve ever gotten to travel to?
NOLAN: Italy.

GLITTER: What are the best social media platforms for fans to follow?
NOLAN: Instagram.