Brad Sherwood is best known as a member of the ensemble cast of the Emmy-nominated hit TV show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Following a successful solo tour, Brad joined up with fellow “Whose Line is it Anyway?” cast member Colin Mochrie to launch a nationwide improvisational comedy tour titled, “An Evening with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood.”
Brad was a regular on the British version of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” 1 on Comedy Central, and has appeared on the “Drew Carey Show” 1, “The Green Screen Show”, 1 VH1’s “I Love the Millenium” 2 series and over 100 sketches on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” 3 Other past credits include a season on “LA Law” 4, “To Tell the Truth” 4, “The Newz” 5, guest hosting “Talk Soup” 5 and hosting “The New Dating Game.*” 1
Brad was born in Chicago, Illinois and later grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He began acting at the age of eight and graduated from Wright State University with a BFA in acting.
Currently, Brad continues to sell out shows on his tour of North America with Colin in their very successful and critically acclaimed two-man improv show.
Brad Sherwood’s Take on “Behind-the-Counter Encounters”
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) sat down with comedian Brad Sherwood to talk about Behind-the-Counter Encounters, a new educational program he helped launch with the APhA which is sponsored by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the makers of TYLENOL® COLD, SUDAFED® and ZYRTEC-D®.
Q. Why did you become involved in the Behind-the-Counter Encounters Campaign?
A. October is American Pharmacists Month, so when the APhA approached me to create a fun and exciting way to celebrate all the dedicated pharmacists across the country, I was happy to partner with them. Behind-the-Counter Encounters is a campaign designed to highlight the role of the pharmacist. Not only does this give me an opportunity to learn more about pharmacists, but I get to pass along what I learned while having a great time. As an improv actor, my role is constantly evolving, so I always need to respond quickly and be prepared for anything. After spending time with actual pharmacists, I got to see what they do everyday. Their jobs are changing and expanding all the time. Like most people, I had no idea about all the responsibilities pharmacists have behind-the-counter, and I think it’s great to recognize their work.
Q. How is the role of the pharmacist changing?
A. I learned that pharmacists are an extremely valuable resource and they wear different hats throughout the course of the day. In addition to speaking with physicians and insurance companies, conducting inventory and a variety of other responsibilities, pharmacists are tasked with helping customers who have questions about how to access ‘BTC’ products as some cold, sinus, and allergy medicines that used to be found on store shelves have moved behind the pharmacy or service counter.
Q. So what kind of “encounters” occur in Behind-the-Counter Encounters?
A. The “encounters” in Behind-the-Counter Encounters are three online vignettes that portray a “day in the life” of a pharmacist and demonstrate how pharmacists can serve as trusted counselors for consumers. My favorite part of the project was hearing some of the interesting stories that pharmacists shared with me about their experiences. Some stories were really eye-opening, while others demonstrated that pharmacists are vital members of the communities they serve.
Q. What is your role in the Behind-the-Counter Encounters Videos?
A. I play a variety of roles in the vignettes. However, regardless of whether I was playing a quirky customer or helping unlock some of the mysteries behind the pharmacy counter, the best part of this experience was gaining a greater appreciation for my local pharmacist. The best way to find out about the vignettes is to view them at www.BTCcenter.com!
Q. What was the most interesting thing you learned while filming the videos?
A. I learned that more consumers have a closer relationship with their hairdresser or mechanic than their pharmacist. I was really surprised that most people don’t know the individual who is responsible for making sure that they receive the right medicine and who provides helpful healthcare information. Learning about what pharmacists accomplish everyday has been a great experience. I’m really proud of these vignettes and feel they are a great way to showcase these unsung individuals in our communities.
1 Property of the following: Warner Brothers, Television and ABC Family.
2 Property of the following: MTV Networks
3 Property of the following: NBC, Television
4 Property of the following: CBS, Television and the Game Show Network
5 Property of the following: Columbia TriStar Television
6 Property of the following: E! Entertainment Television