5 Questions With Josh Banday of ABC’s ‘Not Dead Yet’

© 2023 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Credit: ABC/Frank Micelotta

Josh Banday is everywhere these days! Along with voicing Bigfoot’s dad on the Apple TV+ kids show Slumberkins and playing the hilarious digital afterlife assistant/secret revolutionary Ivan on Prime Video’s dystopian comedy Upload, he is now costarring in the new ABC comedy Not Dead Yet (Wednesdays at 9:30pm ET/PT), where he plays Dennis, a newspaper editor and old friend of the new obituary writer (Gina Rodriguez).

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— Joshua Banday (@josh_banday) February 16, 2023

It’s Banday’s favorite role to date, as well as a funny addition to the show. Banday himself is incredibly funny, too. When the laughter finally subsided, we were able to discuss our “5 Questions.”

1. How did you get into acting?
I lost a bet in college to a friend of mine, and we didn’t have any money. I think the bet was on getting a girl’s phone number. And so, of course, I failed. I don’t know why I made this bet. I didn’t have any money. So, I asked, “What am I going to give you?” And he’s like, “You have to audition for the school musical.” I had to audition in front of the director, and all my friends showed up with popcorn. It was a whole thing. But I ended up getting a really small, insignificant part in the ensemble [of Candide], and I just loved it.

2. What are some jobs you had prior to becoming an actor?
I was a dog washer. I can’t say groomer because I didn’t have a license, so I gotta say “dog washer.” I was also a graphic designer; that was my least favorite. I was a longshoreman for about two and a half years as well, unloading ships. That’s what my family does. They’re all longshoremen in Long Beach.

3. Can you tell us about a time when you were starstruck?
Allison Janney. We did Mom together. I had a nothing role; I was leading the trivia night. I walked by the dressing room where they were rehearsing and kept walking because I thought, “They don’t need me. I’m just in the way.” And Allison Janney called out, “You! Get in here.” And I said, “What?” And she’s like, “Come and sit.” So I just sat and watched these amazing actresses rehearse the episode while they’re getting their hair done. It was the best thing ever.

4. What are your three favorite movies of all time?
Ooh. The first one is definitely Hook, the Steven Spielberg one. It’s incredibly good. I think it’s his least favorite, but I loved it. Then, Kung Fu Hustle. Third, I’m going to say The Departed.

5. What’s an ideal day like for you?
I’d say getting up around 9, get to a coffee shop, do about three hours of writing, then go home. See the fam, work out, video games, then more writing and then baking.