Josh Segarra: Peeling Back the Layers of Sheriff Mark Mylow in ‘Best Medicine’
Sheriff Mark Mylow, portrayed by the incredibly talented Josh Segarra, initially appears as the quintessential friendly face of a small town. However, Segarra cautions viewers: there’s far more beneath the surface of this seemingly easygoing officer. As Fox’s latest dramedy unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Louisa’s former fiancé harbors hidden depths.
The Sheriff’s Search for Connection
Segarra reveals that many of Sheriff Mylow’s decisions stem from a deep-seated desire for connection. “It probably is like, ‘Oh, he just really wants to be liked by this person. He just really wants to be welcomed in by Doc,’” Segarra explains, referencing Dr. Martin Best, played by Josh Charles. “It’s like, ‘OK, Mark is lonely right now. He’s sad. He’s going through a breakup. And he knows everybody in town, but right now, everybody in town knows his business really intimately.’”
When Mark encounters Martin, he sees a kindred spirit – someone who, like himself, might be misunderstood. However, Segarra admits there are moments where Mark seems “a little lost in the sauce,” prompting him to collaborate with showrunner Liz Tuccillo to ensure the character’s motivations remain grounded and believable.
Deja Vu: Echoes of Past Roles
The role of Mark Mylow might feel familiar to viewers who remember Segarra’s performance as Lance in “The Other Two.” Both characters share a certain endearing naiveté. “I always have a lot of fun taking characters that might be seen as some form of dim,” Segarra says. “I can look back now and say that I just have a lot of fun in those characters, and they bring some levity into my life.”
Heartbreak and Healing
But beneath the humor lies a profound vulnerability. Mark is still deeply affected by his broken engagement with Louisa. “When you meet Mark, he’s 0% over her,” Segarra previews. “And throughout this first season, we’ll definitely see him going through the stages of grief.” The actor hints at a long road ahead for Mark as he navigates the pain of heartbreak.
The Complication of Martin and Louisa
The arrival of Dr. Best and the growing connection between him and Louisa adds another layer of complexity to Mark’s emotional turmoil. Segarra relished the opportunity to portray Mark’s heartbreak as he witnesses their blossoming relationship. “That was some of the most fun I had this season, was playing the heartbreak of it all,” he shares. “You’ll see that he finds out about what’s going on between them, and that’s just, how many different colors can one show how hurt they are?”
Physical and Emotional Challenges Ahead
The challenges for Sheriff Mylow aren’t limited to the emotional realm. Segarra reveals that his character will face a physical injury, assuring fans that despite the hardships, Mark will ultimately persevere. Co-star Cree, who plays Elaine, even expressed excitement about Segarra’s performance in the aftermath of the incident, inspiring him to explore a wide range of emotional and physical expressions.
Segarra’s approach to the role is a testament to his dedication and artistry. He draws inspiration from diverse sources, from “The Sopranos” to “Schitt’s Creek,” to create a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Sheriff Mark Mylow.
Don’t miss ‘Best Medicine,’ airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.
