Former rebel settles down

Seth Peterson finds solace in his fictional family on NBC’s “Providence”

By KRISTEN KONG
Contributing Writer

If you're not watching the NBC television show "Providence," then you're missing out on watching Robbie Hansen, played by Seth Peterson, 30, a New York native raised in Los Angeles who has wanted to be an actor all his life.
During a telephone interview with Peterson, it was clear that he is a man in demand, for he took time to tell producers, who continuously told him he was needed somewhere, to wait a few minutes until he was finished with the interview.
Still, amongst all the commotion and his busy schedule, he answered many questions regarding "Providence," his fiancée, actress Kylee Cochran, his favorite things, his 1950s memorabilia collection, and the L.A. Lakers.
How were your holidays? Did you do anything in particular?
I was reconstructing the kitchen in my home in the Hollywood Hills.
When you're not working what do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy playing pool and basketball.
What is it like on the set of "Providence?"
It's great. It's like a family. I grew up as an only child, so with "Providence" being a family show, I experience what it's like to live with a big family.
Does anyone pull pranks on each other on the set?
It's not a usual occurrence, but Mike Farrell ("Providence" co-star who portrays Dr. Jim Hansen) and I sometimes play tricks on each other while we do kitchen scenes.
You did say that everyone is like a big family on the show. Do you get together when you're not working?
Getting together with "Providence" cast members is difficult because everyone has their own families that keep them busy. I would love to see them more often, but the cast does well with spending time with each other since we're together five days out of the week.
What do you like the –most about working on "Providence" and what don't you like?
The animals, ironically, are what I both like and dislike the most. The animals change every week so it depends on the animal as to whether I like them or not. My favorite animal on the show so far was the chimp, and the rat was the worst.
Is your job with "Providence" something you would like to do for a while, or do you want to move on to other things?
I love it here. I want to continue it for as long as I can.
In what ways are you like your character, Robbie?
On the show it is hinted that Robbie's past includes delinquency problems. My past experiences are like Robbie's.
You've played bit parts in several movies and TV shows (such as "Godzilla," "Can't Hardly Wait," and "Beverly Hills, 90210"). Are there any you particularly enjoyed or find to be a favorite?
Probably my favorite show that I've worked on is "Profiler." I've been on "Profiler" twice as two different characters, one being a psychopathic killer. I enjoyed the freedom I was given in that role to go crazy and crash everything.
Do you find that there are differences between working on a TV show and working on a movie?
Time.There is more time to do takes of scenes for a movie than for a TV show, which maybe allows movies to do their scenes better. However, I believe that first takes are usually better since first instincts are the best.
Whom have you enjoyed working with?
Mike Farrell, who is one of the greatest guys I've ever met in my life. I also worked with "The Fonz" whom I found down-to-earth, fun and intelligent.
I thought I'd ask some fun questions. What is your favorite food?
Garlic steak.
Color?
Blue.
Vacation spot?
So far the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, though I'm planning a trip to Europe soon and may have to change my answer in the future.
Word?
Love.
Music?
I'm eclectic. I've got Frank Sinatra sitting next to Dr. Dre.
Choice of clothing?
Levis and leather jackets.
I understand you collect 1950s memorabilia. What is your most prized possession of your collection and what intrigues you so much about the 1950s?
A model red car is my favorite, and the 1950s was the best time. I really missed out on it. There was Hollywood glamour and movie stars.
I also understand you're a fan of the LA Lakers.
I never miss a game. I tape the game if I'm not able to watch it, and I prefer to see it on my 64-inch TV at home. Sometimes I go to the games. When the Lakers won the championship I was freaking out. I can't believe they made that comeback.
About your life off the set, is it true that you're engaged to your "Providence" co-star Kylee Cochran?
Yes.
When do you plan on getting married?
Soon. I hope to be married in May of this year.
What was it about her that attracted you to her?
It was the fact that she thought I was a loser and didn't like me very much.
What's the most romantic thing you ever did for her or her for you?
My proposal to her was romantic. We did a scene together on a bridge for "Providence" and I proposed to her on that bridge.
If you could give advice to people who want to be actors, what would you tell them?
My advice is to love theater. It's the best thing about acting. Do a lot of theater; it warms you up, gets you going. It's always an incredible experience. Keep working and working and working.
What have you yet to accomplish that you haven't already?
Be a father someday.

You can see Peterson and the rest of the "Providence" cast on NBC every Friday at 8 p.m.

Copyright 2001 by the Daily Trojan. All rights reserved.
This article was published in Vol. 142, No. 08 (Monday, January 22, 2001), beginning on page 9 and ending on page 11.