Recently, the TV Addict was thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down and talk with BACK TO YOU star Ayda Field. Field plays meteorologist Montana Diaz Herrera on the hit Fox Comedy BACK TO YOU and was kind enough to spend a few minutes reveling in our mutual adoration of Kelsey Grammer and the short-lived, yet brilliant STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP
The TV Addict: Are you as happy as I am that Kelsey Grammer is back on television?
Ayda Field: Absolutely! When FRASIER ended I was so sad. I loved the show and everyone on it. In fact, a few nights ago, I was watching an old episode and Frasier was talking to Daphne… It was so trippy — because I was thinking. That’s me! I get to do that. I just worked with him that afternoon. It’s such a great feeling to work with people who you look up to and admire. You don’t get over that.
Any talk of FRASIER alumni visiting BACK TO YOU?
Oh I’m sure. One of the creators of the show and a bunch of the writers were on FRASIER. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see if it happened.
Last season you starred on one of my favorite shows, STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP. What happened?
I think it was a combination of a very expensive show and a ratings system that doesn’t work. Personally, everyone I knew TiVo’d the show, so I don’t think the ratings were really reflective of how many people watched the show.
I also think audiences expected the show to be funnier — like 30 ROCK. STUDIO 60 was a very smart show. Some people called it self-congratulatory while others loved it. Whatever you felt about it — it was an intelligent show and great to work on. Matthew Perry, Aaron Sorkin, Tommy Schlamme were amazing.
The pilot gave me chills. One of the strongest premieres ever.
I know, the pilot was amazing. I remember when they were originally casting, I couldn’t get in to meet Aaron [Sorkin] or Tommy [Schlamme] for the Sarah Paulson character. But I thought I was perfect for the show. When they added me to the second episode, I remember being so nervous I was crying. I feel blessed to have been a part of the show.
You play a weather-girl — sorry, meteorologist on BACK TO YOU. Have you gotten any feedback from professional meteorologists?
They’ve been spitting on me gently! [laughs]
I have yet to meet one actually. I’d love to see what they think, but no one has said anything to me. Though I do find watching the news far more fun now. Sort of like character research.
Thus far, your character Montana Diaz Herrera is somewhat of shall we say, a stereotypical TV weather-girl. What can fans can expect in terms of character development?
You mean is she a slut? Yes, in the pilot Montana comes across as very stereotypical. But what fans might not realize is that I joined the show at the last minute. As the writers get to better my own style, I’d like to think that the character will shift away from the stereotype. I like to think of her as having more of a Wendy Malick [JUST SHOOT ME] sensibility.
Because of her looks, people overlook the fact that Montana is strong, not afraid and unapologetic about who she is. You’ve got to love a girl who demands to be called a meteorologist because it makes her seem like more of a professional.
Don’t miss a brand new episode of BACK TO YOU tonight at 8PM on FOX.