EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Glee's Max Adler - The Kiss That Still Has Lips Flapping

Max: "It came as a total surprise. When I got cast originally, all I knew was that it was for a one episode gig, with two lines, throwing a slushy at Finn. So, the fact that they have chosen to expand my character to have so much depth and so many layers is just an honor and so incredible, but to answer your question, (as for my knowledge at least) this was not planned from the very very beginning. The only thing I was told was at the 2nd season premiere, (Glee's creator) Ryan Murphy came up to me and excitedly said 'we just wrote some really good stuff for you for episode 6'. I had no idea what that meant, until I read it! And I was surprised, yes, but I thought it was so awesome that they would allow this character to go there. And it is a true blessing and honor to be able to play such an important role at this time in the world with all the bullying and gay rights activism happening."

Radar: When you kissed Kurt, I felt that in an instant, I completely changed my opinion of you, and your character changed from being somewhat one dimensional to complex, and I actually felt sorry for you. How did people react to your character before the game-changing kiss, and  how do they react now?

Max: "People reacted in the same exact way you did. They told me they saw me as a one dimensional dude, with not much depth, who was almost, to them, seen as a glorified extra who's scenes would be predictable and he would be bullying just to bully. Of course, I had viewed this differently in my own head, haha, but I can see the audience's point from their perspective. But now, again, they are reacting the same as you. They feel sympathetic towards Karofsky, and see he has a heart and he is just a scared, fearful, confused guy who isnt really quite sure how to deal with his emotions and where to even start."

Radar: In last week's episode, you winked at Kurt, and then threatened to kill him - which was incredibly disturbing to watch. What was your feeling about that line?

Max: "I thought it was very powerful. Chilling, terrifying, horrifying, yet, at the same time, heartbreaking. Again, thrilled that the writers went there. Because there are kids who have messaged me since that episode saying they used to hear that line spoken to them day in and day out at school, and how they wished they didnt have to wake up in the morning and go to school and hear it again, and they were so afraid to go from class to class that they changed their routes every day, it's very real. So, to get to play that role and show the audience what is really going on out there and not watering it down and to show people how students (both the victim and the tormentor) are dealing with it, is an honor."

Radar: Most people can relate to the feeling of not wanting to be different - or perceived as being different - in high school. What were you like in school? Were you a theater kid or jock? Any experiences with being bullied - or bullying?

Max: "In high school, I was very active, and fairly popular. Senior Class VP, involved with the jazz choir, show choir, drama club, National Honor Society, charities, etc...But, in elementary school, I moved to a couple different ones within a short time, and I was picked on for being the new kid because everyone had known each other and developed cliques and relationships and inside jokes, and they reminded me I was the new kid every single day, and it definitely sucked. Luckily, I had a very open relationship with my parents and they would tell me that I did nothing wrong and I do not deserve this and these other kids are just insecure with themselves. And it stuck with me. And helped me to get through it, hence, my It Gets Better video, to hopefully relay this same message to others out there, who arent as fortunate with the parental advice I was lucky enough to receive."

Radar: Wouldn't it be great if your character comes out and joins the Glee club? Do you sing? Would you like to perform on Glee, and if so, what song?

Max: "It is certainly possible, as is anything else. I do sing, and dance in real life. I was very involved with my school and communty theaters and show choirs. If the writers write that in, I will gladly go there. If not, so be it! If I did have to sing, I love the crooners. Sinatra, Buble, Dean martin etc. Those styles of songs I could have a lot of fun with."

Radar: The list of guest stars on the show has been amazing - Britney Spears - Kristen Chenoweth, John Stamos - Gwyneth Paltow - Carol Burnett.  Although your character really hasn't had interaction with them on screen, did you have a chance to meet any of them?  Who would you love to see guest-star on the show - maybe someone playing your parents?

Max: "The only person on this list I actually met on set was John Stamos, and he is awesome. Super nice,open, talented, friendly, guy. And you know, I grew up watching him as Uncle Jesse on Full House, so to be sitting next to him in the makeup trailer chatting it up, was a very surreal moment. My dad has already been cast and will appear in the November 23rd episode. He is Daniel Roebuck. Excellent actor, and a true gentlemen. As far as who I'd like to see guest star, I think a Justin Timberlake appearance could be fun. Respect his work so much, and the fact that he can act, sing, and dance well would be a pretty easy fit."