A first-class View: actor Joshua Malina talks about flying with Gwyneth Paltrow in View From the Top and how he took over for Rob Lowe on NBC's The West Wing - film - Interview

Joshua Malina has a penchant for playing the new guy on the block--with parts from the inexperienced television show producer on ABC's Sports Night to newbie presidential speechwriter Will Bailey on NBC's The West Wing, he has had his share of characters who are green around the edges. "It's sort of jumping on a speeding train," Malina says of his newcomer roles.

For his latest endeavor, Malina trades in that train for a speeding jet. In View From the Top he plays a unseasoned gay male flight attendant named Randy who befriends several bungling wanna-be stewardesses, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Christina Applegate, in the hope of malting it big in the realm of international first-class flights. The movie follows the trio's journey to the top of the flight attendant world as they overcome obstacles like training school and impressing a stewardess superstar played by Candice Bergen.

Malina describes Randy as a "free spirit with no self-consciousness who is pursuing his career for the fun of it: meeting guys and traveling." His performance--including a scene in which Randy hits on Bergen's husband--ended up being more stereotypical than he anticipated, Malina says. "There was definitely a push for my character to be played more flamboyantly," he says. "But it's an over-the-top movie. I think that happened when Mike Myers was cast as the [flight attendant school] instructor. That totally shifted the film. In the end, it ends up being a less nuanced portrayal."

His performance isn't intended to offend anyone, he adds. His life may be at stake if he does: "My best gay friends will just slay me if they don't approve of my performance. Hopefully it's funny." Indeed, the 37-year-old actor revels in playing unconventional roles--especially the gay ones. "I think I somehow lend myself to it," he says. "I think of myself as a character actor."

The aptly named Randy might find something in common with The West Wing's Will Bailey, who has a similar disregard for authority. The role was developed after Rob Lowe decided to leave the series, and Malina jumped at the opportunity: "I read that Lowe was leaving, so I dashed off an E-mail to [series creator] Aaron Sorkin saying, `I'm just pitching, but what about someone who's less good-looking, with less of a career, who will work for less money?'"

His pitch worked, and his initial five-episode deal turned into a regular gig on the Emmy award-winning show. "I'm used to wondering if a series will be on for a few weeks," Malina says. "And the idea of having any kind of security--like I'll have a job for several more years--it has to be a first for my career."

And if he ever finds there's not enough job security in the White House, there's always Air Force One.

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