Success in the film and TV industry can be a double-edged sword. Someone can grind, hustle, and create to the fullest extent of their abilities. They can work harder than anyone else and, with a pinch of luck, achieve their dream and watch that dream turn stagnant. Some people like to grow and challenge themselves through their craft. One of those people is Tituss Burgess.

Burgess has been working professionally for decades. However, the project that got him the most attention was the Netflix show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Tituss played a version of himself named Titus Andromedon. It was a hilarious, scene-stealing performance that earned him critical acclaim and several Emmy noms. It also came with a bit of a stigma.

On a recent episode of WTF with Marc Maron, Tituss discussed how the success of Kimmy Schmidt pigeon-holed him in a way. “A lot of people when they meet me, because of how I came onto the scene, that has been kind of the only way they can hear me,” said the actor. He’s diplomatic about the situation. He doesn’t blame anyone, but he does explain that people’s preconceived notions about him could be stifling creatively.

This was all brought up for a good reason. Tituss is currently appearing in the sophomore season of the excellent Apple+ show Schmigadoon. Working on Schmigadoon, specifically with one of the creators, Cinco Paul, Burgess was granted a sense of relief. He explained to Maron, “Every day that I showed up to set, Cinco saw Titus.”

Schmigadoon is an excellent show, and it’s exciting to hear that Tituss felt so creatively rewarded by the experience. Tituss is a creative force. He’s a singer, an actor, and a composer. He’s damn good at all three. He is more than a funny character on a sitcom. He is, in his own words, “a grown-ass man, and I make gorgeous, beautiful mistakes, and I have a gorgeous, beautiful mind.”

Damn right, Tituss.

You can listen to the interview here.