Breaking Through in Hollywood—With a Twist of Pantlessness
I’ve interviewed countless successful individuals across various industries, but Asher Grodman stands out as the first to achieve fame largely without wearing pants. Grodman stars as Trevor, the eternally pants-free finance bro on CBS’s hit comedy Ghosts. The unique wardrobe choice ties directly to the show’s backstory: Trevor died without pants, so his spirit remains forever pantless in the afterlife.
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On the eve of Ghost’s much-anticipated Halloween special (available on-demand), I connected with Grodman over a video call from his trailer. Our conversation delved into the mindset, skills, and determination required to break into Hollywood—an industry notoriously difficult to penetrate. His surprising secret? The willingness to look silly sometimes, embracing vulnerability as a path to success.
The Perks and Challenges of Being Pantsless
My first question was unavoidable: “Are you wearing pants right now?” Grodman laughed and admitted, “I am at this moment wearing pants, but I’ve got about two hours left of pantness in my life.” The perpetual pantlessness of his character Trevor is both a comedic trademark and a challenge.
When asked if there are days he wishes the writers would dress his character differently, Grodman was candid. “There are never days that I wish they wrote it differently, but there are certainly days where you’re just like, pants would be so lovely. When I get to do something else and I get to wear pants, it feels like such a power move.”
Interestingly, Grodman revealed that his character’s lack of pants became a comedic safety net in his early days on the show. Having never done comedy before, he found that if a joke fell flat, revealing his thighs would at least get a chuckle. This playful self-awareness highlights how embracing imperfection can be a powerful tool in any creative endeavor.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Comedy
Imposter syndrome is a common hurdle for many creatives, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory. Grodman recalled auditioning for Ghosts and being questioned by showrunner Joe Port about his lack of comedy experience. His response was both insightful and grounded: “Comedy is just drama but more serious. You’re just committed to being an idiot, to some degree, or whatever the thing asks you to be.”
The first line his character delivers perfectly encapsulates Trevor’s persona: “We scooped a copter to beat the traffic out to the Hamptons because that’s how we roll.” Grodman emphasized that his approach was actor-centered, focusing on embodying the character’s heart rather than just aiming for laughs. This mindset shift—from trying to be funny to being authentic—helped him find his footing in comedy.
Life Behind the Scenes: The “Hollywood” Trailer
Contrary to the glamorous image one might expect, Grodman shared that the cast hasn’t used traditional trailers since season two. Instead, the crew built a “cast village” in Montreal featuring individual rooms and offices with couches. The centerpiece is a long Thanksgiving-style table where the cast gathers to work, play, and unwind.
Guest stars on Ghosts are often invited to join this close-knit group, fostering a warm, collaborative environment. Grodman noted that this dynamic is rare in television, where actors sometimes feel sidelined after their scenes. “We want it to be a really welcoming place,” he said, describing the table as one of his happiest places in the world.
From Jaguars Fan to Viral Creator
Beyond acting, Grodman has cultivated a unique creative voice, particularly as a passionate Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He gained viral attention with his “NFL is scripted” mockumentary series, a humorous take on conspiracy theories surrounding the league. The idea originated during the Jaguars’ surprising 2022 playoff run and was encouraged by the team itself.
Despite initial hesitation—concerned about jeopardizing his insider access—Grodman wrote and directed the project, describing it as “the most joyful creative experience” of his life. Filmed in just two days across 42 scenes, the mockumentary features Trevor Lawrence prominently and showcases Grodman’s ability to shoot quickly, a skill honed on Ghosts.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
When asked for advice for creators still striving to break through, Grodman acknowledged the importance of perseverance: “The stick-to-it thing is not wrong.” But he also highlighted the necessity of self-care and managing expectations, noting that success often depends on “how many at-bats you get.”
He stressed cultivating “a sense of confidence without ego,” embracing the unknown, and being comfortable with failure. “Show up,” he urged. “For auditions, I get such a thrill walking into a room and meeting a reader who I don’t know and figuring out a way to take this thing that’s written on the page and making it feel like we’re improvising. It is just an electric, thrilling thing. Be in the moment.”
Asher Grodman’s journey—from an inexperienced comedy actor to a beloved pantless character on a hit show—demonstrates the power of authenticity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the absurd. His story offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the unpredictable terrain of creative industries.
