An actor who’s so much more than just another ‘Ugly’ face

MICHAEL URIE’S portrayal of Marc St. James, Vanessa Williams’ conniving, sarcastic and flamboyant assistant on “Ugly Betty,” has fans tuning in every Thursday to follow his sassy repartee and wicked shenanigans. Urie used his recent hiatus from the show to produce and direct “Two Down,” a documentary short about high school debate tournaments. The Texas-born, Juilliard-trained actor recently returned to the stage taking on four roles in “Dickie and Babe” at the Blank Theatre in Hollywood. He talked with Liesl Bradner about his pop-culture fascinations.

IN HEAVY ROTATION ON HIS IPOD: The 4 Seasons. After the “Jersey Boys” cast performed at the Emmys, I became obsessed. They were the original boy band, and they’re amazing. My teenage Neil Diamond obsession is creeping back too. I’m a pretty big Fanilow too.

SOUNDTRACK FOR THE COMMUTE: I put my iPod on random in the car. I don’t trust myself to change tracks while I’m driving. Texting is hard enough. (Kidding!)

IN THE NETFLIX QUEUE: All of the Leopold and Loeb movies for when I’m done with “Dickie and Babe.” I’ve been pushing “The Sting” down the list since I’ve had a Netflix account. “From the Earth to the Moon” has been on there for a while, and “The Best of Johnny Carson.”

YOUTUBE PICKS: “Fireman vs. Policeman.” It’s hilarious. Any Japanese game show, especially “Silent Library.” It’s like “Jackass,” but they have to be quiet. “Human Tetris” and “Dramatic Squirrel.”

IN THE BEDSTAND LIBRARY: I am reading Alan Alda’s autobiography, “Never Have Your Dog Stuffed.”

TOP INTERNET DESTINATIONS: Playbill.com; I miss New York theater. RottenTomatoes.com, the best way to find out if a movie is good or not according to critics … if you can trust them … which you can’t.

CULTURAL ADDICTION: “Celebrity Rehab.” Dr. Drew’s a genius. And “Cash Cab,” it’s the best show on TV and I wish I’d thought of it. If I had to choose between my iPhone and my right arm, I’d have to learn to write with my left hand.