Scott Foley, 42, is no stranger to TV love triangles, from vying for the affections of Felicity on the 1998-2002 series of that name or wooing Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) away from the president on ABC’s Thursday-night smash, Scandal. You can also see him promoting Bausch + Lomb’s Biotrue contact lens solution.

Which character is closer to you in real life, sweet Noel from Felicity or tough-guy Jake on Scandal? “I am no longer ashamed to say that Noel is much closer to my heart and my real personality. I have three kids now, I have a minivan; I’ve become that guy. But that’s the great thing about Jake: even though he’s a tough guy and super spy, there’s a sensitive side to him when he’s around Olivia.”

Do you have any daredevil hobbies? “I did triathlons for a long time. I am very athletic and outdoorsy. I sort of live on the outskirts of L.A. We have a bunch of hiking trails around us. I am a big tennis player.

What TV shows are you binge watching these days? “Game of Thrones,House of Cards and The Americans—which I have fallen in love with. I love that I can catch up on a whole season of a show in one or two nights.”

Speaking of The Americans, any chance you might guest star on the show with your former onscreen love Keri Russell? “How great that would be? A mini Felicity reunion! I doubt it, with our shooting schedules. But I am a huge fan. My wife was actually on Brothers & Sisters with Matthew Rhys [Russell’s co-star]. We know both of those people pretty well. But I’m just blown away at the work they are doing.”

The whole Scandal cast interacts with fans on Twitter. What’s that like?“It’s really cool. I watched Little House on the Prairie when I was a kid. If I could have talked to Melissa Gilbert or Michael Landon while that show was airing, I would have flipped out!”

Can you give us any hints about what’s in store for Jake this season?“I’m just hoping to stay alive—it’s a different world now as a TV actor than it was 10 years ago. You can never be too sure!”