Former Rooney Drummer Ned Brower Lands Role on ‘The Pitt’
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Ned Brower, once known as the drummer for the band Rooney, has taken on a new role – this time on the hit medical drama series ‘The Pitt’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Brower shared insights into how his background in the medical field influenced his portrayal of a nurse on the show.
Brower, 46, brought a unique blend of talent to his character on ‘The Pitt’. With 13 years of experience in the medical field, starting as an EMT and later becoming an ER nurse, he stands out as the only working medical professional in a series regular role on the show. Born in North Carolina, Brower initially pursued a career in acting and even appeared in films like ‘Not Another Teen Movie’ and ‘The Princess Diaries’ while drumming for Rooney.
After the band disbanded in 2012, Brower transitioned to becoming an EMT with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Following that, he pursued a degree in nursing at UCLA School of Nursing. Brower found similarities between the excitement of working in the ER and the thrill of being in a band, noting the unpredictable nature and teamwork involved in both fields.
His journey to ‘The Pitt’ took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Joe Sachs, MD, a writer on ER who eventually became one of the producers and writers of the medical drama. The show sought authenticity by incorporating real medical professionals into the cast, leading Brower to seamlessly merge his performance and medical backgrounds in a “full circle” opportunity.
As Brower stepped into the role of Jesse on ‘The Pitt’, he found it gratifying to combine his medical expertise with his acting skills. Drawing from his real-life experiences in the ER, he added a unique edge to his character by infusing a “punk-rock” vibe, complete with a nose ring and tattoos – challenging traditional stereotypes of nurses on screen.
One of the highlights for Brower was the opportunity to contribute to the accuracy of the series. Given his keen eye for detail and medical knowledge, he provided valuable insights during filming, ensuring that the medical scenes were portrayed realistically. His ability to resonate with the medical jargon and equipment on set added an extra layer of authenticity to his performance.
While Brower’s focus has shifted to acting in recent years, music remains a significant part of his life. Apart from his role on ‘The Pitt’, he continues to perform in music projects such as a Fleetwood Mac Rumours tribute show and leading Marc Maron’s band in Los Angeles. Balancing his passion for both acting and music, Brower remains dedicated to honing his skills in both fields.
Looking ahead, Brower is grateful for the success of ‘The Pitt’ and aims to explore more opportunities in film and television. As he immerses himself in his character on the show, he embraces the challenges and nuances of portraying a seasoned trauma nurse, reflecting the depth and complexity of the character with each performance.
With his multifaceted background and dedication to his craft, Brower’s journey from a rockstar drummer to a skilled actor on ‘The Pitt’ showcases his versatility and commitment to delivering authentic performances that resonate with audiences. As he continues to evolve in his career, Brower’s contributions to the world of entertainment serve as a testament to his passion for storytelling and connecting with viewers on a profound level.