Let me tell you something about Tony Shalhoub and the cast of Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie. For them, it was like slipping back into a pair of old, comfortable shoes. This new TV film, streaming on Peacock, brings back Adrian Monk, the beloved investigator with obsessive-compulsive disorder, over a decade and a half after the original Monk series finale. “By the end of the first day of shooting, it felt like we'd never left,” says Tony, now 70, sharing exclusively with Closer. Of course, time doesn’t stand still, and Tony admits there were adjustments to make. “Now that I’m 14 years older, the physical parts were definitely more challenging,” he confides. “I joked with the writers, ‘Can we skip the scenes where I’m running around or chasing someone?’ It’s just not as easy as it used to be.”
Why Did Tony Decide to Revisit Adrian Monk?
What convinced you to return to playing Adrian Monk again?
Let me tell you, it wasn’t just any old story. They came up with a script that was absolutely brilliant. This movie takes the boundaries of the original series and stretches them in both directions. The dramatic parts are darker than we’ve ever gone before, and the comedic elements are wilder. But it still holds true to everything that made the show so special—the relationships, the charm, and the heart. Fans of the original series will absolutely love it, and newcomers will find themselves hooked. It’s a true labor of love.
Getting Back Into Character
Was it tough to step back into Adrian Monk's shoes after such a long break?
Oh, absolutely. At first, it was a little strange, a little intimidating. We wrapped up the original series 14 years ago, so diving back in wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch. But you know what? The script was so engaging, the energy from the crew and the cast was so invigorating, and the creative team was so passionate that it quickly became a labor of love. It wasn’t long before it felt natural again.
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Memories of the Original Show
Do you have any favorite moments from shooting the original series?
You bet I do! There were so many incredible moments. One thing that stands out is the amazing guest stars we had. John Turturro, who played Monk’s brilliant but troubled brother, was unforgettable. And then there was Stanley Tucci, Laurie Metcalf, Alfred Molina—so many incredible actors that I’d worked with before. It was like a who’s who of talent. Those collaborations were unforgettable.
Shaping Tony Shalhoub: From Childhood to Stardom
How did your childhood influence who you are today?
I grew up in a big family—I’m the second youngest of 10 kids. That kind of upbringing teaches you so much about teamwork, collaboration, and patience. It also gave me a built-in audience! We were always entertaining each other, and that early exposure to performing really shaped who I am today.
How did you get into acting?
Well, acting kind of runs in the family. One of my older sisters and one of my older brothers got into acting before me, so they paved the way. But beyond that, I’ve always been a huge fan of movies and theater. It’s something I gravitated toward naturally, and I’ve never looked back.
A Life-Changing Role: Wings
Was starring in Wings a major turning point in your life?
Absolutely. Wings was my first steady TV gig, and it changed everything. Before that, I was primarily doing theater. It came at a time when my kids were very young, and the sitcom schedule was perfect for balancing work and family. You see, sitcoms don’t require long hours, and you get a week off every three weeks. That allowed me to be there for breakfast with my kids, take them to school, and tuck them into bed almost every night. It was the perfect work-life balance.
Goodbye to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Was it hard to say goodbye to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?
Oh, it was incredibly tough. The cast and crew were such a tight-knit group that saying goodbye felt like losing a part of yourself. We all hoped it could go on for another season or two, but the final season was so perfectly crafted that it’s hard to imagine improving on it. The writers really knocked it out of the park.
Did you keep anything special from the show?
I did, actually. I was lucky enough to keep a few mementos, including one of Abe’s pipes and lighter. And I also got to take home some of the stunning period costumes. Those outfits were works of art, and I’m thrilled to have them as reminders of such a fantastic experience.
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Life Beyond Acting
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Family keeps me busy. I have two daughters and two grandchildren, not to mention nine siblings! But beyond that, I love to read. I try to maintain a good balance between my work and personal life. It’s all about finding harmony.
What do you love most about being a grandparent?
It’s pure joy. You get to spoil them rotten and then hand them back when you’re tired. [Laughs] No, seriously, they’re the light of our lives. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Secret to a Happy Marriage
You’ve been married for 31 years to Brooke Adams. What’s the secret?
It’s all about mutual respect and patience. A successful marriage, in my opinion, is one where both partners apologize equally. You have to be humble, forgiving, and willing to admit when you’re wrong. You can’t hold grudges. I’m incredibly fortunate to have Brooke as my life partner. She’s truly the right one for me.
What’s on your agenda for the new year?
I want to stay healthy and keep working. I absolutely love what I do, and I plan to keep doing it for as long as I can.
Do you have a preference for TV, film, or theater?
I love them all equally. My decisions are always
