Being an actor that has grown up right before our very eyes over these past few decades, Shawn Hatosy’s rise to Hollywood stardom and becoming a household name has been a long time coming. Previously known for his acting work on such projects as “The Faculty” to “Southland” and “Animal Kingdom” – Hatosy continues to shine and stand out within a gifted ensemble cast on the hit HBO Max series, “The Pitt.”
Playing Dr. Jack Abbot, viewers have been able to witness this compassionate yet assertive doctor quietly struggle with his own inner-trauma, while striving to save the lives of strangers at a Pittsburgh emergency room. After winning the Emmy for “Guest Actor” last year for Season 1, Hatosy is now Emmy-nominated for “Supporting Actor” for his outstanding performance in Season 2.
Sitting down with Hatosy, he reflected on his special Emmys moment last year, what he continues to cherish most while filming “The Pitt” Season 3 right now, his priorities beyond his acting career and much more.
Jeff Conway: Well, Shawn, again, I’m Jeff, and I’m doing this for Awards Buzz. First of all, congratulations on a second Emmy nomination for The Pitt, this time for Supporting Actor. I know you won last year for Guest Actor. Actually, I saw you on the way out of the Creative Arts Emmys and thought, “Man, it’s so good to see you,” because I had interviewed you briefly on the Televerse red carpet before that. It was really cool to congratulate you in person, my friend.
Shawn Hatosy: I remember that very well because, as you know, the Guest Actor Emmy is second-to-last—or sometimes the last—award of the night. It’s a three-hour show, so you’re sitting there waiting and hoping. Obviously, things turned out really well for me with my friend Ron Howard announcing my name. I couldn’t believe he got it right. It was very surprising.
Then suddenly you’re on stage, hoping you don’t embarrass yourself. After that you’re rushed off to do all the press, and honestly I just wanted to see my wife and my friend because I was still processing everything that had happened. I was thinking, “Oh my God, I can’t believe this.”
Jeff Conway: Instead of getting your wife, you got me.
Shawn Hatosy: (Laughs.) I got you!
Jeff Conway: Well, congratulations. Before we even talk about this year’s nomination, I’d love to revisit that Guest Actor Emmy win. You’ve been acting and creating work in this industry for so many years, and I’ve followed your career for over twenty years now. Did receiving that honor bring you any sense of ease moving forward? Maybe a feeling of validation?
Shawn Hatosy: I still feel like a hustler, man. I still feel like I’ve got to work hard, but I think that’s a good thing.
I love that this is happening with The Pitt. I’ve never been part of a show that’s done anything like this. It’s one thing to have critical success. It’s another thing when it feels like everyone is watching the show. But then there’s this third level, where it’s actually changing how people view our healthcare system. It’s showing what healthcare workers go through, giving them a voice, and inspiring young nurses to enter the profession.
I’ve just never been part of something so special.
Being recognized by the Television Academy is incredible, and I’m deeply appreciative. Even more this season, with thirteen actors from the show being nominated, it feels less like an individual achievement and more like a celebration of our entire ensemble. I love actors. I’ve always believed that great television begins with great performances from a great ensemble. To be one of thirteen recognized from this cast is incredibly humbling.
Jeff Conway: I love that. Along those same lines, what does it mean to have both Patrick and Gerran nominated alongside you in the Supporting Actor category?
Shawn Hatosy: I think it’s wonderful. These are actors I work with very closely—not only as an actor but also as a director. Watching how they approach scenes, the work they put in to make everything feel authentic, and seeing how their lives have changed from Season 1 through Season 3… it’s remarkable.
I’m very proud to stand alongside them.
Jeff Conway: I love that you mentioned directing, because I wanted to ask about that. What does directing give you creatively that acting alone doesn’t?
Shawn Hatosy: That’s a really good question.
As a director, you’re actually looking for many of the same things you look for as an actor. You’re breaking scenes down, asking what’s at stake, what each character wants, where they’re coming from, and where they’re headed. The difference is you’re doing that for every character, every department, every camera angle.
It’s incredibly consuming. Directing never really leaves you. But I find it very similar to acting. On The Pitt, you’re choreographing everything while also trying to make it feel completely spontaneous—as though none of it was planned. That’s really the same goal we have as actors too.
I think I’m discovering just how similar they really are.
Jeff Conway: I’ve spoken with other actors who have transitioned into directing. Do you think actors have an advantage behind the camera because they understand the acting process?
Shawn Hatosy: Absolutely.
Especially on a show like The Pitt, where there’s so much complicated medical terminology and prop work, I understand what the actors are dealing with because I’ve been there.
Every actor also has a different process. What works for one actor might not work for another. Directors who haven’t been through actor training sometimes miss those nuances.
My number one priority as a director is creating an environment where actors feel safe enough to take risks, to experiment, and to truly experience the moment.
Jeff Conway: You’ve had such a long career now. Looking back, how would you describe the highs and lows—the ebbs and flows—of your creative journey?
Shawn Hatosy: There have definitely been plenty of ebbs and flows.
I think it’s important, especially when you’re young, to say yes. My manager used to tell me to always do table readings because you never know where they’ll lead.
I remember moving to New York and doing a lot of table readings. Eventually I wondered if they were leading anywhere. Then one day my manager called and said, “Guess who was at that reading? Scott Rudin.”
He invited me to another table read for a film called In & Out. They were seeing if Kevin Kline was interested, and they wanted me to play one of the parts. I did the reading, got the role, and that’s how things started happening.
Later in my career I was convinced I was a film actor. Television hadn’t fully become what it is today. Then my manager sent me an audition for a guest role on ER, directed by John Wells.
I almost didn’t go because I thought, “I’m a film actor.”
Thank God I went.
If I don’t go to that audition, maybe I never end up on Southland, maybe I never do Animal Kingdom, and maybe I’m not sitting here talking to you today.
My advice is simple: say yes.
Make the self-tape. Do your friend’s short film. You never know what’s going to change your life.
Jeff Conway: Absolutely. Put yourself out there.
Shawn Hatosy: Exactly.
Jeff Conway: This Emmy nomination is for Season 2 of The Pitt. You’ve continued portraying Dr. Jack Abbot across multiple seasons now. What has been the greatest joy in continuing to explore this character?
Shawn Hatosy: The thing that surprises me the most is when people stop me and tell me they decided to become nurses because of Abbot.
That completely blows me away.
I never imagined this job would inspire young people to go into medicine.
There’s never a day on set when I’m not thinking about real healthcare workers and what they experience every day. Abbot and Robby are incredibly competent doctors, but when it comes to their own mental health, they’re completely unequipped.
Abbot reaches a point where he can’t fix someone anymore. That’s difficult for someone whose entire identity revolves around solving problems.
Sometimes all you can do is let someone know they’re not alone.
That final scene in Season 2 means a lot to me because so many people have told me how meaningful it was to hear men talking openly about mental health.
Jeff Conway: I actually asked fans on social media what they’d like me to ask you, and one question really stood out.
You often play characters who carry enormous amounts of stress. How do you leave that behind when filming ends?
Shawn Hatosy: I’m actually not a method actor.
I don’t really have trouble leaving work behind. I go home, I’m a dad, I take out the trash, drive my kids to basketball practice—that’s my life.
I show up, I do the work, and then I leave.
Jeff Conway: I love asking actors this question because audiences have watched you grow for decades.
Who is Shawn Hatosy in 2026? What brings you the greatest passion and purpose these days?
Shawn Hatosy: Right now, spending time with my family.
I’ve been away filming for a while, so being home has meant everything.
I have three boys, and time moves incredibly fast. Suddenly you look up and they’re eight, thirteen, and twenty years old.
At the same time, I genuinely love acting. When I’m not working, I actually become a little irritable because acting is my creative outlet.
Right now I’m getting opportunities to explore very different kinds of roles, and I love being challenged. I love looking at something and thinking, “I don’t know if I can do that,” and then trying anyway.
Hopefully that’s what 2027 has in store.
Jeff Conway: Congratulations on the growing family.
Last couple of questions. You’re filming Season 3 now. Without giving anything away, how do you all return after so much acclaim without letting egos get in the way?
Shawn Hatosy: Well… I bring juggling balls to set.
(Laughs.)
It started because someone told me I couldn’t juggle rolls of tape. Then I realized I could rehearse my complicated medical dialogue while juggling.
It actually helped.
Now other people on set are trying to juggle too.
Jeff Conway: You’re starting a trend.
Shawn Hatosy: I think Noah Wyle might be getting a little tired of it.
Jeff Conway: It’ll keep him grounded.
(Laughs.)
Lastly, I asked you this question on the Televerse red carpet after Season 1, but now we’ve had two more seasons with Dr. Jack Abbot.
If you could speak directly to Jack Abbot today and offer him either advice, a warning, or a comforting message, what would you say?
Shawn Hatosy: Advice?
Don’t change.
I think Abbot has become an inspiring leader without ever trying to be one. His leadership style is something I admire, so I’d tell him to stay exactly who he is.
A warning?
Keep your shirt on when you’re fixing a bullet wound because you have no idea what kind of reaction that’s going to create out in the world.
(Laughs.)
And a comforting message?
The night crawlers are going to unite. Those are your people.
Stay dark, my friend. Stay dark.
Jeff Conway: Hopefully brighter days are ahead for him too.
Shawn Hatosy: Well… it would be a pretty boring drama if everything got too bright.
Jeff Conway: Fair enough.
Well, congratulations again, Shawn. Great seeing you again, my friend. Congratulations on the nomination, last year’s win, the growing family, and everything happening with The Pitt. I look forward to sharing this Awards Buzz interview.
Shawn Hatosy: Thanks, Jeff. I really appreciate it. This was fun.
Watch the full interview with Shawn Hatosy below:
