Life Lessons

Veteran actor Craig T. Nelson, best known as the star of the 1990s sitcom Coach, is well-prepared to play patriarch Zeek Braverman on NBC’s Parenthood, which airs on Tuesday evenings. While Zeek has four kids and six grandkids all trying to navigate their complicated lives, Nelson, 66, can relate — with three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild of his own.

AARP spoke to Nelson — who also appears in the upcoming film The Company Men, which hits theaters Dec. 10 — about how Zeek’s on-screen life and Nelson’s real one can sometimes blend together.

Q: When you first saw the script for Parenthood, what appealed to you about the show?

A: It was pretty honest, I thought. It was based on the fact that these people are flawed, and I like that. I didn’t see any real heroes in this. I just saw families trying to manage.

Q: Have there been scenes on the show that remind you of incidents you’ve had with your own kids?

A: Oh, yeah. It’s fairly constant. We had a scene in the first show where I’m talking to my oldest daughter about self-esteem and her sense of worth. I’ve had that scene many times with my oldest daughter. I’m a father and a grandfather and I’m in a series that involves kids, so I’m gonna find something that’s close.

Q: When your kids started having kids, what sort of guidance did you give them?

A: Basically, to stay ethical and have integrity. They’ve applied those principles to raising their kids, and when I spend time with my grandkids, that’s what I notice more than anything else — an ability to communicate on a level that’s got some honesty to it.

Q: If one of your kids does something with their kids that you think isn’t the best way to handle something, do you find it tough to hold your tongue?

A: Depending on the age of the child, I’ll talk to them or the parent. It’s about framing it so it’s not harsh or critical, but usually I’ll get right in there.

Q: Are your kids in show business, too?

A: My youngest son is a writer. He wrote for The District and CSI: NY.

Q: Is there a lot of industry discussion between you?

A: Yeah. I try to give him some insight. I read his material, and we critique it together.