Asher Grodman’s Unconventional Path to Success

“Ghosts” star Asher Grodman recently revealed a surprising element of his career breakthrough: a frequent lack of pants. During an appearance on “Obsessed: The Podcast,” the 38-year-old actor discussed how shedding clothing led to greater recognition after years of fleeting television appearances.

From Costumes to Comfort

Grodman explained that most actors achieve success “with pants on,” making his experience an anomaly. He reflected on a long journey filled with gratitude for the unique concept of “Ghosts,” its dedicated crew, and its receptive audience. For years, Grodman supplemented his acting work by lecturing at Hunter College.

“Ghosts” and Existential Themes

Grodman noted the show’s ability to tackle difficult themes like death, mortality, and loneliness, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone. He emphasized, “I think something that’s unique about our show is that we’re dealing with stuff that’s really hard to deal with…but I’m not wearing pants.”

The Origin of Trevor’s Pantless Persona

Revealing Trevor’s Backstory

The reason behind his character, Trevor’s, lack of trousers is revealed in the first season. Trevor gives his pants to a friend after a nude hazing ritual, cleverly covering the situation by claiming he had a romantic encounter with a “hot limo driver.” Grodman plays Trevor, a ghost of a 1990s stockbroker haunting a New England bed-and-breakfast with a diverse group of spectral residents.

Audience Connection and Comedic Timing

Grodman believes the show’s appeal lies in the audience’s ability to anticipate the ghosts’ reactions to modern life. “At any given moment in this show, the audience is so far ahead of where these ghosts are,” he said. He likened watching the ghosts navigate new concepts, like movie projection, to “watching toddlers trying to figure out how to be human.”

Embracing the Comedy

Finding Humor in Discomfort

Grodman even finds comfort in his character’s discomfort, joking that his “pasty thighs” can save a missed joke. He shared that fans often describe the show as a “warm hug at the end of a long day,” a sentiment he deeply appreciates given his own past struggles.

Typecasting and Past Roles

Despite playing a character with a somewhat unlikeable “finance bro” personality, Grodman doesn’t mind the typecasting. He drew on his experiences at Columbia University, where he knew many individuals who fit that archetype. He has played similar roles in previous projects.

A Breakthrough After Two Decades

After 20 years of seeking consistent acting work, Grodman found his niche on “Ghosts,” which has become a highly-watched show. He admitted he had never done comedy before and was “thrilled that I wasn’t going to be wearing pants.”