TV Tattler: Celebrity Interviews

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Dec. 4 -- Most people got to know Taye Diggs after his breakthrough role in the '90s romantic film, 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back.' Similar roles followed for the star, who got his start in Broadway musicals. He became the go-to-guy for romantic comedies like 'The Best Man' and 'Brown Sugar.'

But now Diggs is working on his action star chops.

On the new ABC suspense thriller, 'Day Break,' Diggs plays Detective Brett Hopper, who is framed for the murder of an assistant district attorney and lives the same day over and over as he tries to solve the conspiracy mystery.

During an interview with AOL Television, Diggs weighed in on his decision to return to TV, how the show challenges him as an actor and how success has changed his nights out on the town.

What's the biggest challenge you face on this show? Continuity? Finding different ways to play the same material?
The schedule. I'm working quite long hours ... and then sustaining emotionally where this character has to be because of the circumstances he's stuck in. Day after day, with stakes so high, it's kind of a challenge emotionally.

What was your worst day? And what's a day you'd want to live over again?
I don't have an answer for the first one. I know that the latter would probably be my wedding day.

Did your Broadway background help at all? Even with the action scenes?
No ... no dancing, no singing. (Laughs) I can only assume that it helps. But as you know, it's quite a different type of character for me to play. But it probably did help.

How did you decide to come back to TV?
For me, it wasn't necessarily about what medium. I just continue to make decisions based on scripts. You know, I've done 'Ally McBeal,' I've done some work on 'The West Wing,' 'Will & Grace,' -- each one of those shows, I thought were high-quality. I continue to make decisions based on the writing more so than where it is. When this script came along, it was like nothing I had ever read before, and I had to be a part of it.

In what way was it different?
A lot of the characters that I have played have not been as hard-edged or action-driven as this character. So that was definitely a draw.

What do you enjoy most about working on the show?
I have an amazing cast that I'm very proud of. And outside of the fact that it's a grueling schedule, they make the day go very quickly. And it's a blessing to have such great writing. And it's cool to play a macho dude. (Laughs)

In an article shortly after the 'The Best Man' was released, you said you could go out to a club completely unnoticed. How has success changed your life?
There are still plenty of clubs I can go into where people don't recognize me. (Laughs) I'm sure I probably don't get as much time to spend with my wife, [Idina Menzel], as I'd like. But it's a two-edged sword. It's good to be working; she's working as well. So it's part of the business.

When you're not working, what do you like to watch on TV?
I'm as big fan, as is everyone, of 'Grey's Anatomy.' And I'm really digging 'Heroes.' 'Ugly Betty,' I think, is pretty impressive.

So with this repeating day, it would likely have to reach some sort of conclusion. How will that be handled?
Yeah, but that's what people said about '24,' and a lot of other shows that are doing well. But the writers have guaranteed me that we can have a good run. The fact that the day is repeating is a device, but the stories are endless.

In what ways has the series pushed you, and what challenges have you faced as an actor?
Well, as far the perception of me, the characters that I've played have been a little more sophisticated, a bit more debonair -- the suit-wearing, kind of romantic comedy situations. And the character I'm playing now is far less sophisticated, a lot more rugged and on his toes. As far as the character goes, that's been a stretch and a welcome challenge.

Your show is occupying the spot vacated by 'Lost.' Are you feeling any pressure?
It's the exact opposite. I feel it's a gift, and I feel amazing support from the network in giving us this opportunity to make a mark. We're up to the challenge and pretty confident and hopeful.