Shanola Hampton Forms Instant Connection with Mark-Paul Gosselaar After Nickname Revelation (Exclusive)
Discover the captivating chemistry between Shanola Hampton and Mark-Paul Gosselaar on NBC's thrilling series, 'Found' Get an exclusive insight into their instant connection and the journey that brought their characters to life Don't miss this incredible behind-the-scenes account! (349 characters)
Shanola Hampton and Mark-Paul Gosselaar's characters in Found share an intense chemistry, which quickly turned into a genuine offscreen friendship for the actors.
"When I first met Mark-Paul, I found his demeanor to be shockingly arrogant and really not approachable," Hampton, 46, sarcastically told We on Wednesday, November 29. "No, he is the warmest. And you know what? I really loved instantly? After he told me to make sure I called him 'Mark-Paul' or 'MP'?"
Gosselaar, 49, interjected, correcting Hampton by stating that her account was not entirely accurate because "[she] asked" first.
"You said [it] with an attitude. We've had this conversation before," Hampton retorted to her costar. "He had to say, 'Call me Mark Paul.' So just to be clear for anyone out there, whenever you speak to me."
The former Saved by the Bell star responded by stating that it is okay for his co-stars to address him however they please, and that he will answer to almost any name. When a co-star called him "Mark-Paul," he clarified that it is his preferred name. Another co-star mentioned correcting people who call him by the wrong name, to which he replied "Call him whatever you want. He's Mike [then]."
Different recollections aside, Hampton couldn’t help but sing Gosselaar’s praises.
Shanola Hampton and Mark Paul Gosselaar at The Art of Elysium event showed their admiration for his longevity in the business and his humble, family-oriented nature. Hampton expressed her immediate connection with Gosselaar, recognizing their shared Southern values and prioritization of family.
Hampton refrains from labeling Gosselaar as her "best friend," as that title rightfully belongs to her Shameless TV husband, Steve Howey. "I can't call him my best friend, or Steve Howey will get mad, but you can be my dude," she joked.
Gosselaar was completely okay with the arrangement. "Steve has to answer every time she calls. I can just tell her I'll call her back, send a message, because we're not best friends," he joked. "I'm fine with it. I'm okay with that." For Gosselaar, their onscreen chemistry was effortless once he realized they shared the same interests and family priorities.
Shanola Hampton and Mark-Paul Gosselaar Rob Kim/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust
"It becomes much easier to connect, and once we're on set and you realize, 'Wow, she's a kindred spirit, we have so much in common,' it really comes across onscreen," the actor stated on Wednesday. "A lot of what we do onscreen is very fluid and organic, and it truly comes to life when the cameras are rolling."
In the series "Found," Hampton plays Gabi Mosely, a recovery specialist dedicated to locating "America's missing and forgotten people," according to a network summary. To solve cases, she secretly seeks help from her childhood abductor (Gosselaar), who has been imprisoned in her basement for seven months.
“It comes very quickly and it’s just magic,” Gosselaar gushed, noting the duo often nails their scenes in less than four takes. “We have this very fluid relationship onscreen.”
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Found airs Tuesdays on NBC at 10 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
