Will Poulter would have done anything to be part of FX's hit show, The Bear. The actor, 30, was the first of the many high-profile guest stars to appear on season 2 of the show and played a Copenhagen dessert chef who trains one of the main characters in episode 4.
“I called them. I literally begged to be in the show,” Poulter said in an interview with Variety. “I asked if I could meet with [the show's creator] Chris Storer and basically communicated that I was such a fan of so much of his work, but especially ‘The Bear.’”
Poulter said that getting the chance to play Luca helped him realize “a dream of playing a chef on TV" and that he has an “immense amount of respect” for people in the food and service industry.
“I feel like the whole society stands on the shoulders of people in the food and beverage industry, and we don’t even necessarily really know it or think about it," Poulter said. "They sustain us and maintain us daily and they don’t get enough thanks for what they do.”
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Poulter didn't walk into the role without proper training either; he worked with the show's culinary producer, Courtney Storer, and spent time in the kitchen at three London restaurants: St. John, Black Axe Mangal, and Trullo. Poulter said that one particular day at Black Axe Mangal “was maybe the most satisfying day of work I’ve ever had in my life.”
Part of Poulter's restaurant training was to nail down the demeanor of the real-life chefs he worked under. He said his goal for the character of Luca was to achieve "the balance between being kind, confident or authoritative and stern, but then also not being an asshole and being gentle and understanding and compassionate."
Poulter also credited The Bear's production team, who he said gave him the “tools and the opportunities” to do the “best job possible.”
Is Poulter himself a good cook? He remained humble about the topic but said that he's always enjoyed cooking for himself and other people. “Thanks to Courtney and the chefs that I worked under, I’ve definitely improved. I’ve definitely had my fair share of kitchen failures, but I’ve also made a lot of stuff that I’m proud of.”
The Bear season 2 has featured many guest stars including Jamie Lee Curtis, John Mulaney, Sarah Paulson, and more. The show has become a critical success and has earned a dedicated fanbase — which includes Poulter.
“I promise you this, no one has got more fanboy energy for the show than I do,” Poulter continued. “I’m more excited about being on this show than anyone else, I can guarantee you that. It was like one of the best experiences of my life, if not the best work experience in my life.”
