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At the Pop Spot at New York Comic Con 2025, Popverse’s Ashley V. Robinson got the chance to sit down with actor Michael Chiklis for a conversation about conventions, his various roles, and many other topics besides. Chiklis, the star of shows like The Commish and The Shield as well as movies like 2005’s Fantastic Four, had plenty of thoughts to share with Robinson. And these included the revelation of which movie made him sob to a barista after seeing it in theaters.

The topic came up because of one of Chiklis’ costars in the 2023 movie The Senior, in which he played the role of football player Mike Flynt. Among the other actors in the movie was Mary Stuart Masterson, who had previously appeared in the 1991 movie Fried Green Tomatoes.

Chiklis recalled, “My wife dragged me to Fried Green Tomatoes years and years ago in Vancouver, Canada. I don’t know why, I just didn’t want to see this movie. And I went to it and cut to me, right after the movie, we walked across the street to a Starbucks, and here I am — the poor barista,” Chiklis said. Then he imitated himself sobbing and advising the barista to go see Fried Green Tomatoes. “Like, hand-up, baby crying. And that was it: I was a Mary Stuart Masterson fan from then on.”

Then Chiklis continued, “You know what’s great, is when you meet someone and they eclipse your expectations and what you’d hoped they be? Mary Stuart. Just a quality human. Yeah, a great actress. Extraordinary human.”

Do you want to hear the rest of the information that Chiklis shared with Robinson during the interview? Popverse has you covered with the whole conversation on video, available for you to watch right now:

Comic Conventions and how to enjoy them more

Popverse aims to be a comprehensive guide to the best of pop culture - and a big part of that is conventions. To that end, we have a series of articles exploring different facets of these events and how you can plan for, enjoy, and take part in them. Read on!

• Cosplay and conventions: how being a fan helped me rediscover myself
• Convention essentials: Almost everything you’ll need for a great convention!
• The best dollar bin treasures to look for on your next trip to a comic store or convention
• Upcoming comic conventions schedule
• How to navigate conventions with a disability
• Why volunteering at San Diego Comic-Con is the best way to enjoy It