Remar fondly recalls missing a table read for Dexter because he decided to go surfing.
James Remar, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Harry Morgan in all eight seasons of the original Dexter series, was the fourth guest on Dexter: Final Cut, the official weekly after-show for Dexter: Original Sin.
The beloved actor, who recently reunited with former Dexter castmates at the red-carpet premiere of the prequel series, joined the after-show to discuss the dramatic twists of the latest Dexter: Original Sin episode, titled "Fender Bender." Remar also shared fascinating stories about his career, including how he landed the role of Harry Morgan back in 2005.
James Remar on Seeing Christian Slater as Harry
"I love Christian, and I love seeing great actors take on different roles. You know, guys like Richard Harris, Peter O'Toole, and Richard Burton used to watch each other perform Hamlet and then critique each other. That theatrical tradition is alive in this show.
Seeing Christian play Harry is awesome. That love scene with him and I Composer was hot. Watching it felt like going home. I saw Angel, Masuka with his hair, and Captain LaGuerta—it was extraordinary.
The costumes, makeup, framing, and attitude—they carried everything through beautifully. That’s the actor’s job, but also everyone surrounding us. It’s really wonderful."
On the Idea of the Prequel
"It’s believable. I don’t think it’s going to confuse, upset, or disorient anyone. I found myself fully invested while watching it."
Remar Reflects on Landing the Role of Harry
"Dexter really means a lot to me. When I got the audition, I had just come off 24 episodes of a canceled show, which was heartbreaking. People don’t realize that when a show ends, it’s like losing a family. Actors love to work, and when we’re not, it’s tough."
He continued: "So here I was, months later, getting the script for Dexter. Deborah Aquila, an incredible casting director and dear friend, believed in me, which I’ll always cherish. I remember reading the script and thinking, 'This is the best television script I’ve ever read.' I still believe that. But I thought, ‘There’s no way they’ll cast me.’"
"I went to the Paramount lot for the audition, dragging my feet, convinced they didn’t care about James Remar anymore. Then I read the scene where Harry talks to young Dexter about how some people deserve it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. And they gave me the part."
"When something is that good, it humbles you. In that moment, it was either step up or fail. I’m grateful I stepped up."
Hit play below to watch Episode 4 of Dexter: Final Cut!