Tahj Mowry is “Moog” in Disney’s new series The Muppets Mayhem

Tahj Mowry is back at Disney with another smash show, which is now available on Disney +. He plays the character “Moog” in The Muppets Mayhem. He insists we’ll all enjoy this new series since it’s just a good time and will make us laugh. I had a great time talking to him about the new show, his character, and why this was a project and role he couldn’t pass up.

Cox: Tahj now I know you are excited about your upcoming role as Moog on The Muppets Mayhem on Disney +, especially because you have been part of the Disney family. But tell me, what drew you to the TV Show and the role? 
Mowry: There are so many things that drew me to this project. I mean, the Muppets themselves are just iconic. You know what I mean? I instantly knew I wanted to be part of it. It’s just an honor and privilege to work with an iconic group of characters and franchise. 

It was a no-brainer when the opportunity was presented, and the script was just so hilarious. Moog as a character was just so fun and quirky to me. He was a character that I had actually never played before. He’s one of those characters you root for throughout the entire show. I’m excited for people to meet him. 

Cox: What is it about the Muppets that you love? 
Mowry: They are a family, and they are all about celebrating the unique qualities each of them represents. They are all so different, and they come together to create their own unique family. There is so much we can learn from them. 
   
Cox: It looked like a movie from the trailer; I thought it was a movie at first. 
Mowry: I’m excited that you said that because it’s very cinematic for a ten-episode series. It looks like a movie, but it’s a TV show. We have this incredible cast, and it was created by Adam F. Goldberg, of “The Goldberg’s”, Bill Barretta & Jeff Yorkes. So, you know the writing is incredible. The writing team was spot on with this show because it’s remarkably funny. There is just the right amount of silliness, and you get the heart and drama with it all. It’s a joy ride for the entire family. 

Cox: Moog is so different from the characters you have played and who you are as a person. Tell me more about your thoughts about Moog. 
Mowry: He is one of those people you have to say, “Man, read the room. You have to let him know it’s not the right time to say this or do that. He’s confident in his skills as an audiophile and he’s confident in his feelings for the band. The Electric mayhem is his thing and he’s they are number #1 for him. But he lacks some confidence in the girl department. The Muppets Band is his thing, and he is their number one fan. There is nothing more important to him than that band. 

No, he isn’t like a crazy superfan, but rather a heartfelt superfan who really cares deeply and wants the best for them. It’s going to be very interesting for people to meet him. You know it’s funny because his name is really Gary, but no one calls him that. They all call him by his nickname, Moog. 

Cox: Moog treats The Muppets like they are real people in the show. 
Mowry: The Muppets universe, Muppets may not be human, but they are real beings. Moog just wants to be around them and part of the process of getting their first album together. That’s how deeply he cares for them. It’s funny because he really just wants to hang out with them, and the icing on the cake is being able to help them make their debut album. 

Cox: This show is going to draw an audience of all ages. Why do you think that is? 
Mowry: I think that’s what’s so special about it. There is a nostalgia to it, which is again a privilege and blessing to be part of. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of so many shows, but this is one of those special ones. 

This show brings freshness and a nostalgic feeling to the screen. Even the look and feel of it will do that for viewers. It’s aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. It looks so real. And it’s grounded in life lessons about friendships, relationships, and family. All of this happens with music at the center of it. 

Also, there is so much color in the show, which I love. The Electric Mayhem/Muppets themselves all come in a variety of colors and in the same way it’s refreshing to see a main cast that’s full of people of color as well. It’s all going to be a breath of fresh air for TV. 

Cox: Why do you say a breath of fresh air? 
Mowry: I just feel like right now TV is kind of flooded with hyper- realistic shows with super dramatic scenarios. The Muppets Mayhem is a joyride. The Electric Mayhem themselves are all about joy – having fun and jamming out. That’s why I keep saying the best way to explain the show is just that it’s a true joyride.” 

Cox: You are back with the Disney family, where you got your big start. How does this feel for you? 
Mowry: You know, just to be honest, I’m just grateful that I get to do what I love to do as a job. I give all thanks to God, and my faith plays a big part in what I do. I love getting to bring joy to people’s lives through the screen in this art form. 

And any time I’m blessed to be able to make magic with Disney again, I’m in. 

Cox: You have played many roles on different networks and series. What’s something that has taught you about getting roles as an actor? 
Mowry: I have allowed space for God to move and bring those roles to me because, as an actor, what’s for you is for you, you know? That’s how I look at it. The roles that I eventually ended up getting were meant for me. I feel like no one else could have played them, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. And that goes for the roles that I didn’t get and that another actor got instead. 

Cox: As an actor, what are some important principles or values to you?  
Mowry: For me, it’s about staying humble, committed, grounded, passionate, and inspired. 

Cox: Being inspired is important. As a child star, how did you stay inspired in an industry that sometimes sees you only in one way? 
Mowry: I think what helped me stay inspired was stepping away from acting during my high school years. I was able to take a break from my acting life and then come back to it as an adult. Taking that break was a breather for me, and it allowed me to live life. I came back from that break understanding what my true passion was – acting. And stepping away allowed me to go away for a bit and come back as an adult – which made the transition into an adult actor smoother. 

Cox: Speaking of taking a break, social media has become a way for actors to stay connected with fans. What are your thoughts? It’s a huge branding tool now compared to when you first started. 
Mowry: Social media is a great way to stay connected to fans. You can be connected instantly. It’s a very special tool if used properly. But of course, like with everything there are cons as well. I think stepping away from social media regularly is healthy and beneficial. I think everyone should do it, outside of actors. I think we can get so locked in on this app that we forget to live. And sometimes we need to take a break. That break can be however long you need it to be. 

My experience has been amazing whenever I take a break from social media. I honestly feel incredible by the time I come back and log in to the app. Doing this regularly helps me. 

Cox: I’ve enjoyed speaking with you, Tahj. Before we go, I want to know what a normal day looks like with Tahj when he isn’t working or between auditions. 
Mowry: It can be so many things. I love to travel and do things like go to museums. Adventures are fun for me, but I can also be a homebody. I love being at home and just watching movies all day. 

Photo Credit: Storm Santos