Asher Grodman, the actor who has captured the hearts of television audiences as the perpetually pantless spirit Trevor on CBS’s hit comedy Ghosts, offers a unique perspective on breaking into a notoriously difficult industry. In an exclusive interview conducted on the eve of the show’s highly anticipated Halloween special, Grodman shared insights into the mindset, skills, and sheer determination required to achieve success in Hollywood. His journey, marked by an unconventional sartorial choice and a profound understanding of comedic timing, underscores a crucial lesson: the willingness to embrace silliness can be a powerful asset.

Grodman’s breakout role as Trevor, a finance bro whose afterlife is eternally defined by the circumstances of his death – notably, without trousers – has become a cornerstone of Ghosts‘s appeal. The premise, while inherently absurd, has resonated deeply with viewers, propelling the show to critical acclaim and a devoted following. This particular wardrobe quirk, a constant source of humor and a visual gag that defines the character, has ironically become a symbol of Grodman’s burgeoning fame. "I’ve interviewed a lot of successful people," the interviewer noted, "but Asher Grodman is the first to become famous mostly without pants."

The conversation, held via video call from Grodman’s trailer, delved into the actor’s personal approach to navigating the industry. He openly discussed the challenges of imposter syndrome and the mental fortitude required to commit to a comedic role, especially for someone who had not previously specialized in comedy. "When we started this thing off," Grodman revealed, "the idea of me not wearing pants was kind of like a safety net. I was like, ‘Well, if I don’t hit a joke, they’ll just switch up the angle and reveal my thighs, and that should get a chuckle at least.’" This self-deprecating acknowledgment highlights a pragmatic approach to performance, where the character’s inherent humor serves as a foundation, allowing the actor to focus on delivering a genuine performance.

The Genesis of a Pantless Icon

The genesis of Trevor’s unique attire is rooted in the show’s narrative. The character died mid-argument, in the process of removing his pants. This detail, bizarre as it is, provides the logical (within the show’s fantastical framework) explanation for his spectral state. The commitment to this premise has not only provided consistent comedic fodder but has also become an iconic element of the series. Grodman acknowledged that while the pantlessness is a source of humor, there are moments where the practicality of trousers would be welcome. "There are never days that I wish they wrote it differently," he stated, "but there are certainly days where you’re just like, pants would be so lovely." The ability to don trousers for other roles, he mused, feels like a "power move."

Navigating the Comedy Landscape: A Mindset of Commitment

The transition into comedy, a genre that often demands a different kind of vulnerability and timing than dramatic acting, was a deliberate choice informed by Grodman’s perspective. When questioned about imposter syndrome and the feeling of being unqualified for a role, Grodman recalled a conversation with one of the show’s executive producers, Joe Port. Port had inquired about Grodman’s lack of prior comedy experience. Grodman’s response, which he admits came from an intuitive place, was that "comedy is just drama but more serious. You’re just committed to being an idiot, to some degree, or whatever the thing asks you to be."

This philosophy is evident in his portrayal of Trevor. The character’s opening line, "We scooped a copter to beat the traffic out to the Hamptons because that’s how we roll," immediately establishes a specific point of view and persona. Grodman’s approach was not to force humor but to embody the character with authenticity. "A lot of my job is going to be to get out of the way of the comedy, because that’s working, and just make sure that there is a heart to this guy," he explained. By approaching the role as an actor first, focusing on the character’s core motivations and perspective, Grodman allowed the inherent comedic writing to shine, while grounding Trevor with a relatable human (or, in this case, spectral) element.

The "Cast Village": A Hollywood Anomaly

Beyond the on-screen antics, Grodman offered a glimpse into the unique camaraderie on the set of Ghosts. Contrary to the typical image of individual, luxurious trailers, the cast and crew in Montreal have cultivated a more communal environment. "Our crew here in Montreal built this cast village where we all have our own little rooms, our own little offices with couches in them," Grodman described. The true heart of this setup, however, is a central Thanksgiving-style table. This communal space serves as a hub for collaboration, relaxation, and bonding.

"This is where we sit and work and play and goof off, and we get rowdy," Grodman said. This inclusive atmosphere extends to guest stars, who are often invited to join the main cast at this table, fostering a sense of belonging. This intentional creation of a supportive environment stands in contrast to the often-isolating experiences actors can have on other productions. "We want it to be a really welcoming place," Grodman emphasized. He recounted his own experiences on other shows where guest actors might feel like outsiders, brought in for a single purpose and then sidelined. The "cast village" table, he stated, is "one of my happiest places in the world." This fosters a strong ensemble dynamic, which is palpable in the show’s chemistry.

From NFL Memes to Mockumentary Magic

Grodman’s passion extends beyond the realm of television comedy, notably to his fervent support for the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. This dedication led to the creation of a viral mockumentary series titled "NFL is Scripted." The origin of this project, Grodman explained, stemmed from a genuine conversation with a representative from the Jaguars organization. During the airing of Ghosts‘s first season, the team contacted him to verify his outspoken fan status, particularly regarding the team’s management decisions. "Hiring Urban Meyer was the dumbest decision in the history of professional sports," Grodman candidly recalled.

This authentic fan interaction led to his integration into the Jaguars’ inner circle. The exceptionally successful 2022 season, marked by a division title and playoff appearance, provided the perfect backdrop for a humorous exploration of widespread conspiracy theories suggesting the NFL is a staged spectacle. Grodman proposed a mockumentary that would satirize these theories. The organization’s response was an invitation for him to "write and direct it."

Despite the comfort of his established role on Ghosts, Grodman embraced the challenge. He acknowledged the risk involved: "If you’re going to blame anyone when it fails, you’re going to blame me." However, the creative endeavor proved to be immensely rewarding. "We did it and it was the most joyful creative experience I’ve had in my life," he stated. The project, involving approximately 42 scenes shot in just two days, required immense efficiency and collaboration, even securing a brief appearance from star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This experience, Grodman noted, reinforced the lesson learned from Ghosts: "to shoot fast." The success of this series, which garnered millions of views across platforms, demonstrates Grodman’s versatility and his ability to leverage his unique persona and creative vision beyond his primary acting role.

Advice for Aspiring Creators: Confidence, Resilience, and Presence

For aspiring creators still striving to break through, Grodman offers advice that transcends the simplistic adage of "stick to it." He emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and self-care, recognizing that the path to success is often a numbers game, requiring numerous "at-bats." "You can have a hundred auditions and get one. That’s not a reflection of talent," he stated, underscoring the many uncontrollable factors at play.

Central to his advice is the development of a robust sense of confidence, coupled with an absence of ego. This means embracing uncertainty and the possibility of failure while maintaining an intrinsic belief in one’s self-worth. "A sense of confidence without ego. A sense of embracing the unknown and embracing being wrong and being foolish, but also holding on to the confidence and the self-worth to keep trying," he articulated. This ability to "feel comfortable in failure" is, in his view, paramount.

Furthermore, Grodman stresses the value of presence and active engagement. He described the thrill of walking into an audition room and connecting with a reader, transforming written dialogue into something that feels spontaneous and alive. This ability to be "in the moment" is a key skill for any performer. The energy generated from such interactions, he believes, is "electric" and "thrilling." This philosophy of embracing challenges, maintaining resilience, and staying present in every opportunity are the underpinnings of Grodman’s own unconventional yet highly successful career. His journey, from a pantless ghost to a viral content creator, serves as a testament to the power of embracing absurdity, fostering genuine connection, and approaching every role, on and off-screen, with unwavering commitment and a dash of playful foolishness.