Interview By: Bruce Bluett
BruceBluett@TheCinemaSource.com

It's been a while since ABC has released a family sitcom of wide appeal. I can think bank to the golden days of Full House, Family Matters, and Step by Step. For this generation of young, pajama-footed kids, 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter is becoming a widely recognized symbol of the times. After winning the 2003 People's Choice Award for Best New Comedy, and the Family Television Award for Best Comedy, 8 Simple Rules' has a lot to be proud of in its two seasons.

Although the premise may be tailored to favor the two older daughters, there still is room for the youngest member of the Hennessy family to shine. Martin Spanjers plays Rory, the youngest of the Hennessy clan. Seventeen year old Spanjers is constantly remembering back to the not so distant days when he was going through changes like thirteen year old Rory is now.

'I haven't really dealt with the cracking voice thing on the show yet. I don't know if we're going to put that in there. I remember when I was going through my voice change'it was horrible. I would crack every other word. The show might be different', says Spanjers. 'I can see myself, my coming of age, in Rory'especially with the whole girl thing. He's starting to be attracted to girls. He had a fling with an 'older woman', one of his sister's friends. It was funny because I had a crush on one of my brother's friends in real life. I can relate to that'she was a cutie. I guess I still do have a crush on her'mmm, she's a hottie'.

There is one aspect of the whole process that Martin is looking forward to more than others, 'I didn't grow up with sisters like in the show. So, it will be different going through my coming of age being the little pain in the neck younger brother. I couldn't do that in real life because I had an older brother. I mean, I could be a pain in the neck little brother, but I would get beaten up for it.'

The onscreen chemistry that the stellar cast displays has had a profound effect on Spanjers since day one. Even the audience can notice the genuine friendships that exist, right down to the very last person. 'It's definitely a family atmosphere on set. Even if we went to the set right now, the construction guys would be very nice. It goes from them all the way up to the producers and the director', he explains. 'Everyone is really tight knit, and the person who started that was John Ritter. He really put his family life into it. He brought his family stories, he brought his kids. He made it all very open; we could talk about anything on set. He made it a relaxed set, he left it that way, and that's the way it continued'.

With the tragic loss of John Ritter on September 11, 2003, the cast had to mourn the loss of one of their most beloved friends and mentors. As the country waited to see what would become of his series, the show stepped up to the plate to honor the memory of John Ritter. Spanjers has found it hard to deal with the loss, but realizes that the experience may have brought the cast together.

'Now it's different, it might be even tighter now that we lost him. But there's not as much laughter, he would always make us laugh. But I've go to say, ever since David Spade came in he's been making us laugh a lot. But, how do I explain David Spade' He's a lot like his character, except less creepy', Spanjers comments.

The introduction of stars such as David Spade and James Garner has revamped the show, while still dealing with the reality of all of the situations. Although Spanjers has had to adjust to his on-screen family, he knows that his off-screen one will always offer their love.

'My family is very supportive. My Dad and my brother have stayed in Tucson all of the years that I've been here in Los Angeles, and my Mom has come with me. My parents are still married, they've made it through. My Mom is still going to be here until I'm eighteen. My Dad has had to work longer hours because it' like having two households. It's been hard on him, business-wise and family-wise. I couldn't have done it though, without separating, and having my Mom come here with me to take the chance and go for something'.

Martin Spanjers has a lot on the horizon at the age of seventeen. While he plans to put his Hollywood career on hold to attend the University of Southern California, Spanjers can't wait to continue with 8 Simple Rules' until he can't anymore. Catch 8 Simple Rules' on ABC, Tuesday's at 8, or check your local listings. Get Spanjercised!