From the Adelphi Stage to the Hit Drama, The Pitt: An Emmy Winner Shares His Story

In a recent interview with Adelphi, Iverson reflected on the success of The Pitt and how his BFA in acting from the Adelphi University College of Arts and Sciences helped him.

Tell us a bit about how your Adelphi training prepared you to win the audition—and nail this role as James Ogilvie?

Iverson: The gift of Adelphi was that it instilled qualities in me by which I now define myself. I learned curiosity, ambition, tenacity, hope and drive. Grad school at Yale taught me camera training, but Adelphi professors gave me the foundation I needed as an actor.

Do any professors stand out?

Iverson, left, as a theater student in a 2017 production of Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs. Iverson credits personal attention from professors and early productions like this one with launching his acting career.

Iverson: (Associate Professor) Maggie Lally ’82 was very important to me. (Professor Emeritus) Brian Rose taught me Shakespeare. And (Professor Emeritus) Nick Petron, MA ’70, literally saved me. I only had a 1.9 GPA in high school—I was a terrible student—but Nick saw my audition and saw something in me. You’d have to ask him what it was.

Later on, Nick would take me into the city to see my first Broadway shows. Brian Rose shaped everything I know about Shakespeare. After I graduated, I was able to work all over the country doing Shakespeare—it was my bread and butter. I am very indebted to Adelphi.

What was a specific point in your early career where staying in this industry felt almost impossible—and what kept you from walking away?

IVERSON: I didn’t really have that moment. I worked at a restaurant in Union Square, carrying sides (excerpts of a script) in my pocket, then I coached debate, then I did auditions and then I fell into my bed at 1:00 a.m. I was intoxicated with the grind. I was in pursuit of a life that I wanted—a life as an artist.

For our theater students: What was a risk or choice you made in creating your character that felt terrifying at the time, but ultimately paid off?

Iverson: I think the best choice is to not try to “make” a choice and not take a risk. You have to trust that you yourself are exciting; you are unique—and the role will come from within you.

For our students: Which actors really inspired you and taught you more about the acting craft on The Pitt?

Iverson: Everybody! Patrick (Ball) and I had overlapped for two years at Yale. He was sort of my landing pad.

Beyond that, I love everyone so much. Gerran (Howell) and Noah (Wyle) especially helped me. Noah was an inspiration and a mentor; he would whisper acting advice in my ear. I take those lessons forward.

Can you share a note about The Gilded Age?

Iverson: I had never done TV work before, and the first day was terrifying … you need to intuit that the camera is there, but not look at it. I got it on the third try, I think.

Did you know, when you began filming, that there was something extraordinary, or Emmy-winning, about this show, The Pitt?

Iverson: I remember getting the job and then realizing this show is bigger than I thought. The genesis of the show is for healthcare workers. It is all for them. Everyone else comes second. They are the heroes of the modern world, and they can never get enough credit. It is the greatest honor in the world to share this show with the healthcare community.

Who was the very first person you texted or called after your win?

Iverson: My mom. I wrote “OH MY GOD” in all caps.

Please share a word of advice or encouragement for our theater students.

Iverson: First, be a sponge. Exhaust yourself. Then wring yourself dry, and wake up and do it all over again. Adelphi can set you up with an opportunity to do that.

Second, be deeply grateful for the gift you have been given, and then do something with it.