In this first installment of a special two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with acclaimed Canadian actor, producer, and director Paul Hopkins—best known for stepping into the iconic role of Michael “Mouse” Tolliver in the Emmy-nominated miniseries “More Tales of the City” and “Further Tales of the City”. Paul opens up about growing up in Ottawa, where his music teacher mom and professor dad kept him busy with piano lessons and talent shows. He discovered acting after getting accepted into the theatre program at an arts school and never looked back—eventually co-starring in an ‘80s after-school special with none other than Sandra Oh!
Paul recalls his earliest screen roles—including a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it part in “Highlander III: The Final Dimension”. But his big break came when he landed the coveted role of Mouse in the “Tales of the City” sequels. Replacing Marcus D’Amico in such a beloved franchise might have intimidated some, but Paul took it in stride—reading the books, watching the original miniseries, and embracing the part with openness and authenticity. He talks about what it meant to him as a straight actor playing such a beloved gay character, and how he never once worried about being typecast. His focus was on honoring the story and doing the role justice.
Paul also shares what it was like working with the extraordinary cast—including Laura Linney, who instantly put him at ease, and the late Olympia Dukakis, who supported him through one of the most powerful scenes in the entire series: Michael’s “Letter to Mama.” Filming that emotional coming-out scene was nerve-wracking, especially with Tales author Armistead Maupin on set. But Paul delivered it with heart, and it remains one of the proudest moments of his career. If you’re a fan of “Tales of the City,” classic television, or incredible behind-the-scenes stories—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
PAUL HOPKINS
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Hopkins began his acting career in Montreal after studying theatre at Concordia University.
As an actor, Hopkins is best known for his portrayal of Michael “Mouse” Tolliver in the acclaimed miniseries More Tales of the City (1998) and Further Tales of the City (2001), sequels to the groundbreaking Tales of the City (1993), in which the role was originally played by Marcus D’Amico. He also starred as Karl in the cult-favorite series Vampire High and most recently portrayed Officer Jim Bouchard in the critically acclaimed police drama 19-2 on Bravo Television.
His extensive television work also includes guest appearances on Suits, Diggstown, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and the Emmy-nominated miniseries Nuremberg.
On the big screen, Hopkins has appeared in a range of feature films including Disney’s Zombies the Musical (Parts 1 & 2), RED 2, The Art of War, Mambo Italiano, The Covenant, Highlander III, and My First Wedding.
In 2007, he was appointed Artistic Director & Producer of Montreal’s Repercussion Theatre, best known for its Shakespeare-in-the-Park tours. He led the company until 2015, overseeing more than 200 performances that reached over 70,000 audience members across Greater Montreal & Quebec.
Hopkins championed community engagement through youth outreach programs that included children's workshops and cameo roles for local kids in summer productions.
In 2013, Hopkins was honored as a finalist for the Christopher Plummer Award of Excellence in Classical Theatre, presented by the Shakespeare Globe Centre of Canada.
Paul Hopkins Website - https://www.jpaulhopkins.com
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