‘Supernatural’: Misha Collins Never Got 1 Perk Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki Got
Supernatural welcomed Misha Collins to the show in Season 4. For most shows that could be the halfway point or beyond. Supernatural still ran another 11 years. Collins’ character Castiel became just as integral to the show as Sam and Dean Winchester, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles respectively. Still, Collins never achieved 1 of the perks the series’ originators did.
Collins was a guest on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast on March 22. Rosenbaum knows a thing or two about long running shows, too. Smallville went 10 seasons, and even Rosenbaum was surprised Supernatural never offered Collins this.
On ‘Supernatural’ Misha Collins didn’t have a personal driver
On a previous Inside of You, Ackles discussed with Rosenbaum how he negotiated for drivers for himself and Padalecki. This was important because of the long hours they worked. It would be dangerous to have them drive themselves home. But, Collins revealed the show never extended that courtesy to him.
“Jared and Jensen never drove themselves,” Collins said on Inside of You. “They always had drivers. No, they weren’t going to give me a driver. No, no, no, no.”
Joining ‘Supernatural’ for good actually cost Misha Collins this perk
Castiel was originally a guest star role. Collins clarified that Supernatural did drive all its guest stars to and from set. When they made Castiel a regular, Collins lost that privilege, but it was worth it to him to be permanent on the show.
“It’s funny, as soon as you become a regular, you lose your driver,” Collins said. “It’s kind of ironic. Guest stars get drivers.”
Drivers are no frivolous luxury
Like Ackles previously, Collins explained why drivers are vital for actors. It’s not a prima donna thing to want a chauffeur. On the contrary, Padalecki will confirm that the cast and crew of Supernatural were easygoing. But, production is long and exhausting, and if at all possible, hiring a fresh, alert driver is ideal.
Everyone says it’s not as glamorous as you think. There are so many aspects of the job working as an actor that are amazing. And there are so many pinch me moments where you can’t believe the good fortune you have. And you also have to remind yourself to be grateful for the good fortune you have. But the fact of the matter is, you also are quite often working until 3 o’clock in the morning or 4 o’clock in the morning. And then driving yourself home. Or what we would do often is work until 3 o’clock in the morning on a Friday, drive to the airport and just wait for the 6 am flight to get to the east coast to do a convention. Your body can’t keep up with that.
Misha Collins, Inside of You podcast, 3/22/22
