Josh Sussman's dream of becoming an actor began at age 5.
He recalls his mom asking him who he wanted to invite to his upcoming birthday party, and he replied, "the Muppets." When his mom broke the news that that wasn't possible because they lived in the television, he decided "I need to figure out how to get into that TV,'" he said.
Sussman performed in community theater during his high school days in Teaneck. N.J., and went on to study acting at the School for Film and Television in New York City. He then moved to Hollywood, where he booked several TV commercials including Target and Domino's Pizza, and made his L.A. stage debut in a revival of the 1935 Sidney Kingsley play,
Dead End
.
Today, the SAG Award winner is known for his role as Hugh Normous in
Wizards of Waverly Place
and portraying the school gossip Jacob Ben Israel in
Glee
. He also appeared in the film Tangerine and the Nickelodeon TV series
Drake & Josh
, and recently guest starred on ABC's hit show
Abbott Elementary
.
Outside of acting, he is a Birthright Israel alum, an avid tea drinker, and a master Connect Four player.
What was the last book you read?
Be Useful
, by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold is such a great motivator and it's a very positive book.
What's your all-time favorite movie?
Wow! That's a tough one. There are so many! It's always changing, but
Back to the Future
is always very high up on my list.
What's your favorite Jewish food?
There is nothing better than a delicious pastrami sandwich from a kosher deli.
What are you listening to these days?
I enjoy both of the
Full House
podcasts and
Wizards of Waverly
pod. In terms of music, I've been enjoying Eminem's
Death of Slim Shady
and Sabrina Carpenter's new album,
Short n' Sweet
.
Who was the last person you texted on your phone?
I just texted with one of my old neighbors about the latest episode of
Only Murders in the Building
.
If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?
It's always been a dream of mine to hang out with the Muppets. That would be the most amazing surreal thing in the world if I could have Shabbat dinner with Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, and the whole gang!
If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?
I love being a helper and motivator. A lot of my family are teachers so that's probably what I would do.
Who are two of your biggest role models?
Both of my parents, for sure! They are the most wholesome, kind, and integrity-filled people I know. I'm so proud to be their son.
What are you currently binging on TV?
I'm going through Big Bang Theory for my first time. Somehow, I missed it when it was first on. It's so much fun!
If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
Enjoy everything. You don't have to please everyone. It's OK to say no.
