LOS ANGELES – Australian actor Shabana Azeez, known for her role in the medical drama "The Pitt," said stand-up comedy was her initial passion. She previously worked as a simulated patient for medical schools, gaining insight into medical procedures.
Azeez described several scenes from "The Pitt" set, including one with a de-gloved leg and another depicting a full vaginal birth. She also recounted drilling into a prop skull during filming, an action she called "horrible."
During a skull-drilling scene, Azeez broke a US$75,000 rig. She said she initially faked the drilling for her close-up shots. For the rig's coverage, she applied the force she believed necessary for a real human skull, based on discussions with doctors.
However, the prop skull's interior was made of styrofoam, causing her to drill directly through it. Azeez said she experienced more adrenaline than in a car crash and regretted the incident.
Her new show, "The Airport Chaplain," stars Azeez as an airport chaplain. She also discussed having multiple birthdays. She joked that Elmo, laughing for 15 hours, would be a terrible plane companion, as would a recently divorced Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Azeez recounted a cringe-worthy encounter with Quinta Brunson, creator of "Abbott Elementary." This occurred during the filming of "The Pitt" season one in Los Angeles, a period Azeez said was quiet due to the post-strike and post-COVID environment.
When Brunson walked past her, Azeez screamed and fell to her knees. Jalen Thomas Brooks, who plays Mateo in "The Pitt," ran from his trailer, asking, "What happened? Who died? Who's hurt?" Azeez said she admired Brunson, adding she loves "Abbott Elementary" and finds Brunson amazing.
If given the choice, Azeez said she would pick director Martin Scorsese to sit on her shoulder as a willing companion, believing his presence would help her direct. Her most recently played song is "Machu Picchu" by The Strokes, a childhood favorite she said "nobody likes."
