date published: May 21, 2007

Victor Garber
by Josh B. Wardrop

Four-time Tony Award nominee Victor Garber has portrayed everyone from Jesus (Godspell) to the Devil (Damn Yankees), but is best known for playing Jack Bristow on the spy series “Alias,” and for films like Legally Blonde and Titanic. This month, Garber stars in Huntington Theatre Company’s production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter.

Q: What attracted you to Present Laughter?
A: Well, [director] Nicholas Martin is one of my best friends, and we’ve been looking to do a show together for years. I’d always been curious about Present Laughter, and when I read it, I thought, ‘Oh, there’s no question.’ It’s Noel Coward, we’ve got a wonderful cast…I’m thrilled.

Q: Have you had much occasion to visit Boston before?
A: Actually—I’m so old!— I was here for the original tryout of Deathtrap, which got canceled because of the Blizzard of ’78. So, I was snowed in…but I didn’t mind because Boston is the most beautiful city.

Q: Anything specific you’re planning to do while you’re in town?
A: I’m really looking forward to the Edward Hopper exhibit at the MFA.

Q: You spent five years on “Alias.” What was it like participating in such a cult hit?
A: A show like “Alias” is so intense that you don’t realize at the time the effect it has. I’m always impressed how avid the fans were and still are. That’s why we do this— to reach and entertain people. So it was a great, rewarding experience.

Q: You performed the wedding ceremony for your “Alias” co-star Jennifer Garner and her husband, Ben Affleck. What was that like?
A: A huge honor, and really one of the most beautiful bonding experiences I can imagine with someone I love as much as Jen. It was a very emotional and beautiful thing…something I’ll cherish forever.