Here’s what we know about the pilot so far: At the start of the Civil War, a Virginia family, led by their West Point bred son, John Rhodes (played by Nathan Parsons, True Blood), makes the controversial decision to defend the South while freeing all of their slaves. At battle against his northern brethren and his best friend and brother-in-law Robert Sumner (played by Christopher O’Shea, Baby Daddy), John leaves his three strong-willed sisters at home to run the plantation that is now without a free labor source. The choice to protect the life they have always known and defend the moral high ground will pit the family against one another and test their strength, courage and love. An hour-long drama shot entirely on-location in historic Virginia, Point of Honor also stars Annabelle Stephenson (Revenge) as Kate Rhodes, Riley Voelkel (The Newsroom) as Lorelei Rhodes, Hanna Mangan Lawrence (Old School) as Estella Rhodes, Patrick Heusinger (Revolution) as Colonel Palmer Kane, Luke Benward (Ravenswood) as Garland Rhodes, Adrienne Warren (Black Box) as Abby, Lucien Laviscount (Waterloo Road) as Elijah, and James Harvey Ward (Low Winter Sun) as Cutler. The pilot was directed by Randall Wallace (Braveheart), written by Carlton Cuse (Lost) and Wallace, and Executive Produced by Cuse, Wallace and Barry Jossen (Sex and the City). Point of Honor is a co-production with ABC Signature Studios.

This month, HBO is airing “Dark Knight Rises,” which features Cullen as a seedy congressman. He also has a recurring role as Nathan Ingram on CBS series “Person of Interest.”

This weekend, his latest project premieres. Original Lifetime series “Devious Maids” debuts at 9 p.m., June 23. The pilot also can be viewed online.

The show follows five ambitious maids (Ana Ortiz, Dania Ramirez, Edy Ganem, Judy Reyes, Rosalyn Sanchez) who oversee the households of California’s most powerful families. Cullen plays Beverly Hills lawyer Michael Stappord. The show also stars Susan Lucci, Grant Show (“Melrose Place”) and Tom Irwin (“My So Called Life”).
The show’s team of producers is a who’s who of Hollywood veterans including the talents behind “Desperate Housewives – Marc Cherry, Sabrina Wind and Eva Longoria.

Creative Pride: What should audiences expect from “Devious Maids?”

Brett Cullen: They should expect a lot of laughs, some great storytelling and another great show from Marc Cherry and Sabrina Wind. It’s basically about these maids in Beverly Hills, and they all have dreams. One wants to be a singer. Another one is trying to get her son from El Salvador. And, two work for Susan Lucci’s character’s son, and one of them is in love with him. And my character’s maid is not actually a maid…but I can’t say much more about that.

The pilot episode is really good, but it just gets better with each episode.

CP: Tell me about your character.

Cullen: I play a Beverly Hills attorney with a trophy wife, who has a secret of her own…and an ex-wife who is completely nuts.

CP: What kind of research did you do for this character?

Cullen: Living in California, I know quite a few lawyers. So, that wasn’t difficult.

The interesting thing to me about my character is that he’s ruled by the women in his life. I’m used to playing stronger characters, so this appealed to me. I had to look sharp in this role and dress well. He’s got a trophy wife, so I have to look the part.

CP: Several other TV veterans are in the cast.

Cullen: Yes. Grant (Show) is a buddy of mine. We play golf together. And Tom Irwin from Steppenwolf Theatre Company is in it. He’s just amazing and very funny. Everyone is really good.

CP: Is it serialized like “Desperate Housewives?”

Cullen: Yes, but it’s going to be very different. It’s really about social structure. It’s kind of like “Upstairs Downstairs.”

CP: What is working with Susan Lucci like?

Cullen: She’s a gas. She is one of the sweetest, funniest women I’ve worked with. Marc Cherry said, “I love writing for her.” She delivers. She brings it to the set every day.

CP: You bounce back and forth from film to TV. What’s it like to be back on a series?

Cullen: Playing a regular character is harder work in the sense that you have to be there every day. As a recurring character, you’re on the set for just a few days, then you go home.

The tough part for me is being away from my wife and my daughter, who just finished high school and is about to enroll as a Cougar.

There’s not a big difference between TV and film except that in TV, you have to work more quickly. There’s not a lot of time for retakes.

Some films, however, move quickly. I’m about to start work on a film in North Carolina, and it will wrap in 18 days. That’s pretty quick for a movie. It all depends on budget and other factors.

CP: How did your experience at UH help prepare you for your career as a professional actor?

Cullen: It’s real simple. Cecil Pickett groomed myself and so many other actors including Dennis Quaid. He gave us the tools that we use on a daily basis. Working with him and Sidney Berger is why we’re all working today. Learning Shakespeare from these guys gave all of us the discipline necessary to learn lines and perform to the best of our talents.

Cullen played a detective on “Desperate Housewives” and worked again with Cherry and Wind on a pilot for a proposed series titled “Hallelujah.”

A Houston native, Cullen honed his acting talents under the tutelage of UH professors Cecil Pickett and Sidney Berger. Since leaving Cougar Country for Tinsel Town, Cullen has appeared in dozens of films and television series.

Recent roles include “Guilt Trip” (with Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen) and the remake of “Red Dawn.”

Creative Pride caught up with Cullen to get a preview of “Devious Maids.”

Starring Jordan Ladd, Adrienne Barbeau, Kyle Massey, Brett Cullen

Jordan uncovers an unsolved crime scene with the help of the menacing spirit of the murder victim; Adrienne witnesses her deceased grandmother comforting her dying mother and later discovers they have been reunited in the afterlife; Kyle and his family are terrorized by a spirit who winds up saving their home; Brett and his family are shocked when they find out they are being haunted by ghosts from the Civil War.

Read more about Brett’s encounter with this ghost in my 1999 interview with him »

Upcoming Airings

Saturday August 25 at 9:00PM EDT
Sunday August 26 at 1:00AM EDT

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Watch the Trailer~!

In the episode the owner of Drake’s Magic Shop in New York is found drowned in Houdini’s famous water torture tank, and Castle and Beckett must venture into the world of magic to find the killer. The duo meet master magician Tobias Strange, played by Gilles Marini.

Meanwhile, the magicians aren’t the only ones keeping secrets, as a new romantic relationship is revealed for Esposito and Lanie.

Brett: Dear Sandra: Yes, I’m sure I’ll do some more TV movies in the future but right now I have nothing to tell you to watch out for. I’m looking for a good western right now but they are awfully hard to get the networks or the studios to make them because for some reason they don’t believe they’ll make any money. Take care, Brett

Question: Brett, I have one question to ask you. What do you do when you go to public places and fans recognize you? I mean, if you and your family go out for dinner, how do you avoid fans coming up to you? Rachel

Brett: Dear Rachel: Thanks for writing and it’s an interesting question. Generally, I’m not recognized by people out in public but when it happens I tend to say hello and answer whatever questions they may have, sign an autograph and then get back to my family and our meal. If I was constantly being barraged by autograph seekers I don’t think I would go out in public so much because it’s very difficult to have a meal with family or friends while being scrutinized every single moment. But I don’t have that problem and I must say I’m relieved to retain my privacy. I must say that when I hear celebrities complain about being bothered by their public it makes me think that they should be thankful that they have a public who admires them and not be rude to them because without an audience we don’t have a job! Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, My name is Tina. I love Legacy. It is my favorite show. I was wondering if you are still in contact with the other Legacy cast members?

Brett: Hi Tina. I’ve stayed in touch with Sarah Rayne, who played my youngest daughter, and her family. Ron Melendez and I try to get together occasionally but not enough and I see Jeremy every once in a while. I’m glad you were a fan of Legacy and thanks for writing! Happy Holidays! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, really enjoyed your performance in ‘From the Earth to the Moon’ as Dave Scott – had the pleasure of meeting Dave a few years ago in the UK. Pretty awesome guy – one of the true astronaut greats! What were your favorite memories of ‘From the Earth to the Moon’? All the best, Brian

Brett: Hi Brian, I had the extreme pleasure of first getting to know Dave Scott on “Apollo13” when he was Astronaut Technical Advisor on the movie and then had the honor of playing Dave in “From The Earth To The Moon.” One night after shooting a scene in Barrego Springs out in Palm Desert…having had a few cocktails…I started to explain to our waitress in a voice that was a tad bit loud, that the gentlemen talking to our producer two tables away was an American hero who had driven the Lunar Rover on the moon. Now I must explain that Dave doesn’t like the limelight and most certainly doesn’t like to draw attention to himself…that being said and picking up where I was describing Dave’s accomplishments, Dave very quietly, and without looking up at me, said out of the side of his mouth,” Shut up, Brett.” And I did because he is a true American icon who just did his job and didn’t want everyone heralding his accomplishments. Dave also invited me and my family over to watch the episode that recounted his Apollo 15 mission and it was a night I will never forget. We barbecued and then I sat next to Dave while we watched the show. After the show he turned to me and very quietly said, “Thank you.” That moment made my year and I’ll never forget it! Happy holidays! Brett Cullen

Question: After appearing on the Incredible Hulk did you ever have any other times spent with Bill Bixby? Did you enjoy working with him? Little was told about him except he was a strong personal actor. Jill in Florida

Brett: Hi Jill, I only worked with Mr. Bixby the one time but I found him to be a very interesting and giving actor. He never tried to do anything but help his fellow actors. One day I asked him if he would run the dialogue in our scene with me. He turned and looked at me with a very severe glance and said “I don’t run lines…that’s the script supervisor’s job…if you want to rehearse with me let’s do it but don’t waste my time just running lines.” I knew immediately I was working with a professional who wanted me to be as good as I could be but also someone who expected me to do my homework and be prepared! I know that I’m making him sound tough but I must add his son had just passed away a month or so before and I’m sure being on a TV set didn’t really fit into his top five priorities. He was very kind to me and gave me some very valid advice and led by example and I’ll never forget how supportive he was to me during what was probably the worst personal crisis a parent could go through.

Question: Hey Brett. Do you have Jeremy Garrett, Ron Melendez, and Grayson McCouch’s email address? And are you done with your Christmas shopping? Rachel

Brett: Hi Rachel! No, I don’t have their e-mail addresses but I do have their phone numbers. Would they get mad at me if I gave them to you? LOL…LOL…And yes, I have finished shopping! YEAH! Happy Holidays!

Question: Brett: What do you do all day if you don’t have a “regular” job? Mow the lawn, take out trash? I know actors don’t work everyday…but what do you do in between? I just can’t picture you taking out the trash….sort of like trying to picture Babs taking out the trash or mowing the lawn….nah, just can’t see that. Love ya, Rosie

Brett: Yes, Rosie, I take out the trash. I wash the dishes. I pick up my daughter at school. I take her to school and I go to the gym. I play golf. I go surfing and sometimes I just stay home and read. We actors are no different than you are and if someone believes they are better they are full of BULL! We just get paid to act and the rest of our lives are EXACTLY the same. So have a happy holidays and when you are taking out your garbage this holiday season think of me and KNOW I’m doing the same! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett! What do you think of fan fiction (where people write stories based on characters from movies or TV shows)? I was kinda surprised to see that there’s so much of it on the Internet and actually quite a few stories based on the characters from Young Riders! Was just curious what you think about it. See ya, Bobbie

Brett: Hi Bobbie, I have no idea what fan fiction is. I’ve never read any and wasn’t aware that it was anywhere on the net…sorry! Happy Holidays! Brett Cullen

Question: Happy Holidays, Brett! I was wondering if you have any special Christmas traditions at your house? Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? What did you ask Santa to bring you? J Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Marie

Brett: Hi Marie. We celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day, but we also open one present on Christmas Eve! That’s about it! Happy Holidays!

Question: Dear Brett: Have you been naughty or nice this year? LOL. Your fan, Deb

Brett: What kind of question is that? Of course I’ve been nice!

Question: Dear Brett, I am curious to know please how your Yellow Rose production company projects with Meat Loaf (of whom I am also a big fan too) are coming along. Can you give an indication of when we will be able to see them? Good luck with Yellow Rose and everything else you are doing and are going to do. Thank you. Shane

Brett: Hi Shane. We are currently trying to find a director for one of the projects and the other one, called “Flamenco,” is sort of on the back burner until we attach a star to it. Thanks for asking!

Brett: Anne, I have NO idea what will become of that film…I really don’t…..Sorry. Brett

Question: Hi Brett, I just got back from seeing “The Replacements” and had a question. I was wondering where the stadium scenes were shot. I am a native of Denver and the stadium looked like Coors Field from the outside? Also, I thought you were GREAT in the movie, very convincing! Thanks, Tom

Brett: Hi Tom, We shot the football sequences in Baltimore Ravens stadium. It was quite a thrill to be playing on that field where the real games are played. Thanks for writing!

Question: Hello. I’m a big fan of westerns and would love to see you in another Western genre project. So my question is: Is there a character in history that you would love to play… ie. Wyatt Earp, Bowie, etc. or perhaps a character from the Civil War? Thanks for your time. Raydeen from Las Vegas

Brett: Hi Raydeen, I would love to play a character from the history of the Alamo such as Davy Crockett but there is a western book called Monty Walsh and I would love to play him. He’s not a historical character but it’s one of the finest books I’ve ever read about the West.

Question: The two characters in The Replacements that got the biggest audience response were Martel and Bateman. What’s it like for you when you’re watching the movie and people are hissing at you and cheering when you’re getting your butt kicked? Sandy

Brett: Hi Sandy, Thanks for writing! Playing Martel and being booed and hissed at just tells me I’ve done my job very well. It’s kinda fun to go to the theater and hear peoples’ reaction to your character. The secret is to get out of there before the lights come up..LOL…Brett Cullen

Question: Hey Brett. Would love to see a sequel to “Stewardess School.” Any chance of that? Opus

Brett: Opus, No NO NO No NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question: Brett, after the screen fades to black do you ever devise your own endings for your characters? For instance did your character lose his job to the scab or did he come back a changed man? Cass

Brett: Hi Cass, Interesting question and one that I think most actors do dwell on. Yes, I believe that your character does go on in your mind but it’s the imagination of the audience that matters most. But I don’t think Martel loses his job to Falco because he’s a pro bowl quarterback and will come back with the rest of the team. Actually Martel just wants to win and in the original script there was a scene where Martel is watching the end of the game in the equipment room he’s locked in. When the team wins you got to see his joy that the team won. Unfortunately, it made him look likable and that didn’t help with what the director was trying to accomplish in the film…I was the villain. Thanks for writing..Brett Cullen

Question: I thought it was awesome how they had a deaf player. It really shows how you can achieve anything, especially when he got the touchdown at the end. His character really impacted me, did he have an effect on you? Alexis

Brett: I thought David Denman did a wonderful job playing his character but unfortunately I was supposed to hate those guys. But I became good friends with David and he is a great guy. I think the efforts of deaf people are amazing. I used to coach an all girls softball team and our best player was deaf. She was incredible and a joy to work with.

Question: Are you a football fan and if so, who is your favorite team? Jan

Brett: Hi Jan, Yes I’m a football fan and was a Houston Oilers fan but now I have to pull for the Tennessee Titans until the Houston Texans enter the League next year. Thanks for writing! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett: I was wondering…what song(s) do you put on when you’re in a good mood? Or if you’re bummed, what music do you put on? If you had to choose your all-time favorite song that always makes you happy, what would it be? Thanks and I think you’re so hot and an amazing actor. Caren

Brett: Caren, Thank you for your kind words and for writing! I don’t have a single song that can pick me up when I’m down but I do love the blues, and Van Morrison can always pick me up. Sometimes when my daughter, wife and I are driving around we listen to musicals like “West Side Story” or “My Fair Lady” and my daughter just loves it. I recently played a song for my daughter that I told her she will always know reminds me of her, and that was Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open.” It makes me remember the moment I found out we were going to have a baby and how amazed I was and blessed I felt. But I also like Santana and B. B. King and Neil Young, Shawn Colvin, Lyle Lovett….the list goes on…Brett Cullen

Question: If you could choose your favorite motto or saying or something that sums up how you approach life, etc, what would it be? Your fan, Caren

Brett: “Work like you don’t need money; Love like you’ve never been hurt; Dance like nobody’s watching!”

Question: Hi Brett, I was wondering if you could tell me how people become casting directors. Do they go to college? Also, what do the letters at the end of their names mean? I believe the letters are CSA. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Kelley

Brett: Kelley, I’m not sure how you become a casting agent but a lot of people who do work in casting start as interns and learn that aspect of the business before getting the opportunity to actually cast. The good casting agents see all the TV and Films that are out there so they know who is good and exciting and will know who’s in the talent pool when someone asks. I think a degree in the arts could help but I don’t think it’s a must. I don’t know what CSA means… Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett: I’m interested in knowing more about you being a surfer. I think that’s way cool. How did you get into it? What boards do you use? Surf clothes, etc? Can you put a picture of you surfing on the web site? Thanks, Adam

Brett: Adam, I started surfing at the age of 8 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. From the time I was 13 I traveled to California, Mexico, Florida and The Caribbean every summer. I would go to one of those places and try to just surf all summer. Right now I have 4 surfboards that I ride. Three are Becker Surfboards and one is an Andy Johnston design out of Hawaii. I have surfed in Australia, Hawaii, Baja California, California; but my favorite place to surf right now is on Kauai. I will try to find a shot of me surfing to put on the site so you can see me in action! LOL…..Brett Cullen

Question: Hey Brett: I have a question. Which of these would you prefer to do? A movie that goes to theaters or one that goes Direct-to-video? Thanks, Kole

Brett: Kole, You always want your movies to open in theaters first…ALWAYS! Brett Cullen

Question: What was the first ‘Hollywood’ premiere you attended as an actor and what was that experience like? Sandy

Brett: Sandy, I honestly don’t remember, but it must have been fun because I keep going to them! LOL…..Brett

Question: I once read that you liked to play baseball. Who would you like to play in a movie about the game? Thanks, Sabrina

Brett: Sabrina, I played baseball until I was twenty and then moved into theater arts. But I would love to do a film about baseball….I would LOVE to! Brett