Episode 130 - ‘Tales’ From Canadian Star Paul Hopkins – Beloved “Tales of the City” Actor Tells All – Part 2

In Part 2 of this captivating Hollywood Obsessed interview, host Tony Miros continues his deep-dive chat with acclaimed Canadian actor, producer, & director Paul Hopkins—best known as Michael “Mouse” Tolliver in More Tales of the City & Further Tales of the City. Paul shares what it was like meeting co-star Billy Campbell for the first time and how they effortlessly stepped into their on-screen romance, despite both being straight men. In fact, Paul admits that kissing Billy was far easier than filming a romantic scene with a woman in Mambo Italiano! He reflects on how warmly the LGBTQ+ community embraced his performance, and how few openly gay actors were available for roles like Mouse at the time. Paul also opens up about working with screen legends Olympia Dukakis and Laura Linney, his personal approach to playing Mouse, and how closely the character was modeled after author Armistead Maupin—whose voice and spirit helped guide Paul’s portrayal.

The conversation continues with memories from Further Tales, including the return to San Francisco, recreating Barbary Lane on a soundstage, and what it was like filming intimate scenes with Billy—complete with under-the-sheets jokes and full-frontal nudity. Paul shares stories of working alongside guest stars like Sandra Oh (a reunion from their earlier days) and the legendary Joel Grey, who lit up the set with joy. He also recalls how he and Billy landed the Out Magazine cover, the cautious media training he received to avoid controversy, & the minor backlash that followed. Paul also reflects on the Netflix revival of Tales of the City, where the role of Mouse was recast.

Today, Paul is known to a new audience as the dad in Disney’s Zombies: The Musical and continues to work in theatre, directing, producing, and performing in Canada. It’s an honest, funny, and heartfelt episode filled with nostalgia, surprises, and the lasting impact of a role that continues to resonate decades later.

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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