MANILA – To promote the fifth season of critically-acclaimed sitcom “Community”, FOX International Channels gave media and fans a chance to meet star Danny Pudi in person at their Fort Bonifacio office. Best known for his portrayal of pop culture-obsessed Abed on the series, which follows the lives of a community college study group, Pudi was in town for four days on the Philippine leg of his Asian tour, which included a stop at the Philippines Cable Television Association (PCTA).
“I’m really happy to be here,” said Pudi, who expressed surprise and gratitude at the warmth of the reception he and “Community” have gotten so far from home.
Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez kicked off the event at the FOX offices, introducing Pudi to the gathered crowd, which included print and broadcast journalists, as well as the winners of a contest sponsored by the network to find “Abed’s Super Fan”. Pudi was ebullient and effusive as he answered questions, posed for pictures, and exchanged secret handshakes.
Fielding questions from the floor, Pudi said that fans had a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season, which would see the departure of Abed’s best friend, Troy – portrayed by Donald Glover in an “emotional farewell” that had real tears flowing behind the scenes – as well as the inclusion of a new professor, played by “Breaking Bad’s” Jonathan Banks, and a fully-animated GI JOE-style episode paying tribute to 80s cartoons.
Following the fan meet and greet, which involved many pictures and even more hugs, media outlets conducted individual interviews with the star.
The fifth season of Community premieres exclusively on Fox on April 23.
