Emily Deschanel Sits Down with David Boreanaz

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Best known for his star turns on the small screen—in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Bones—David Boreanaz is thinking bigger these days, with his most noteworthy feature-film role to date in the inspirational sports drama The Mighty Macs. Set in the early 1970s and based on a true story, the film centers on Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino), wife of NBA referee Ed Rush (played by Boreanaz), who wants to coach the Immaculata College women’s basketball team. The film, which was shot in Philadelphia, was a kind of a homecoming for the Malvern Prep graduate. The son of retired WPVI weatherman Dave Roberts, Boreanaz seized the opportunity to take a recent trip down memory lane with his Bones costar Emily Deschanel.

EMILY DESCHANEL: Let’s get down to business. Your dad was a famous and very handsome weatherman. My grandmother would say that—very handsome. Did he inspire you to get into television?
DAVID BOREANAZ: My father was very supportive. He encouraged me and was always there for me. Seeing him in front of the camera, I was intrigued by his humor, his sense of style, and how he interacted with people. He gave me the sense of being comfortable in front of people and speaking from the heart. Moving to Philly [from Buffalo], I was first exposed to theater seeing shows on Broadway. That was very influential and powerful in awakening the spirit to be an actor.

ED: My father grew up around the Swarthmore area. What are your favorite memories about growing up in Philadelphia?
DB: My first Flyers game against the Sabres. Coming from Buffalo, I was rooting for the Sabres—which was a big mistake. I became a Flyers fan quickly. Seeing the Phillies’ World Series game against the Royals [in 1980] and drinking hot chocolate with my dad at the game. The Sixers winning the world championship [in 1983]. Playing football at Malvern Prep. Learning about how important family is, and not giving in to peer pressure. That was a big experience for me. Summers at the Jersey Shore. Eating downtown—especially in the Italian Market area, with the homemade cannolis. The Mummers parade. And doing Hello, Dolly! in my eighth-grade school play. [Starts singing]

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