David Hornsby’s turn as Mythic Quest‘s David Brittlesbee bears little resemblance to his actual life. Hornsby, an accomplished writer and actor, exudes confidence that often escapes his character David. He’s also married in real life (to Emily Deschanel) while Mythic Quest‘s David struggles to connect with women over its second season.
But that’s what makes David Hornsby’s work on Mythic Quest so brilliant. He creates such a vivid, timid, and occasionally gutsy character in David Brittlesbee. David emerges across the entire series as the butt of most office jokes. Yet he keeps going. He serves as the executive producer of the video game, yet he commands no respect at all. Yet he keeps going.
His growth as a character and presence over Mythic Quest‘s two seasons becomes one of the series’ greatest joys. He’s the eternal underdog with a can-do sensibility. Despite all odds.
Here, in a conversation with AwardsDaily’s Clarence Moye, Hornsby (cousin of the great Bruce Hornsby) talks about what makes David tick amidst the intense antagonism he faces. He also discusses how to make a comic character not only the butt of the joke but also a source of great empathy. Finally, he dives into the growing split between Ian (Rob McElhenney) and Poppy Li (Charlotte Nicdao) and how that impacts David’s separation / divorce anxiety.
Mythic Quest streams exclusively on AppleTV+.