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This week we’re talking to members of the cast of “Arrested Development,” leading up to the return of the series, on Netflix, on Sunday. Previously we spoke with Jason Bateman. An interview with Jessica Walter will appear on Tuesday afternoon.

'Arrested Development' Season 4 Reports on the cult comedy’s return, including cast interviews and more.

Jeffrey Tambor had created several indelible characters over a decades-long career even before “Arrested Development” gave him what has become his signature role(s), at least by public acclaim, in the Bluth paterfamilias, George Sr. and and his hapless twin, Oscar.

But the show business veteran admitted that things got a bit emotional when the Bluths finally got back together for the new episodes. “All nine of us were asked to come in for an evening shoot in the Bluth living room,” he said recently. “For about a half-hour, in a very nonsentimental group, everyone was very, very moved.”

True to form, the actor has stayed busy since “Arrested Development” ended, performing in the “Hangover” movies and in series like “Archer,” opposite Jessica Walter, his “Arrested” ex. He also recently starred in “Onion News Empire” on Amazon. In the new “Arrested Development” he makes room for another George Sr., with Seth Rogen playing the character as a young man.

In conversation, Mr. Tambor is a sunnier version of characters like George Sr. and Hank Kingsley, evincing all the kooky excitability without the caustic narcissism. He called recently from his home on Long Island to discuss why he loves working online and why he’s certain the “Arrested Development” movie will happen. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Q.

You just returned from the London premiere. How did it go?

A.

It was amazing. I’m a little behind the revolution here. I did not know it was as big as it is. It was very, very cold that evening and people had been standing for some time.

Q.

The fan base is fervent.

A.

It’s the reason we’re back. Otherwise you and I would not be talking — or not about this subject. But it’s quite fervent, I must say. My goodness. A fellow — very well dressed, seemed to have his stuff together — stopped me at the airport a couple months ago and said, ‘I don’t want a picture and I don’t want an autograph. I just want you to say, “There’s always money in the banana stand.” ‘ I did, and he said, ‘Thank you,’ and walked away. People respect it so I don’t find it troubling. I don’t mind if someone yells a motto out of their car at me. “No touching! No touching!” No harm is done.

Q.

Do people approach you more often about “Arrested Development” or “Larry Sanders”?

A.

“Arrested.” The “Hey now’s” are delivered as people pass me. As I just get near ear range I hear, “Hey now!” and that’s very funny.

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Q.

With “Arrested” coming to Netflix, and your “Onion News Network” on Amazon, you’re really out on the platform frontier.

A.

I am the Internet guy. But the reason the “Onion News Empire” was such an easy decision to make is I so trust that side of the fence now. It’s a little like being Off Broadway — that sort of excitement of not knowing what it is going to be. The fervency of it all.

Q.

I saw you did a Reddit IAmA interview recently.

A.

My God! I didn’t even know what it was! I’m so dumb I couldn’t even do the technology — I had to dictate to someone else.

Q.

You’re entitled to dictation at this point in your career.

A.

If I had to type it, we’d still be on the first question. But that’s an amazing platform. My goodness, I had no idea.

Q.

What was the biggest difference between this new version and the first iteration of “Arrested Development”?

A.

It approached Newtonian physics, what Mitch had to do. The construction of the episodes was such that sometimes you’d be shooting Episode 1, and you’d change your clothes and go into Episode 9 and back to 4. But I love that as an actor. I used to be the opposite. I was the guy who got to the theater at 5:30 and did it twice before I went on, and now I’m at the other end of that spectrum. I love not knowing exactly where I’m going.

Q.

What’s the theme of your episode?

A.

Would you boo me if I said survival? That’s it. That’s what he mistakes for love and that’s how he operates his business. He likes to get it done. I’ve heard a lot of people bring up people in business and go, “Oh he’s this person.” I don’t know that there’s any of that intent, but he is of the times. The guy buried himself disguised as Saddam! I mean, come on!

Q.

That was a memorable one.

A.

I will never forget that episode. As they were lowering me in there I went, “This doesn’t happen in a career.” And you’re talking to the same guy who did Liza as Hank Kingsley.

Q.

So you’ve been around the block, as far as outré acting assignments go.

A.

I love your word choice today. Iteration. Outré. Who are you? I think I’ve always had that sort of bent. I cross-dressed as the judge in “Hill Street Blues,” you know. So come on, it’s been sort of a thing. The ante has been upped here.

Q.

What’s the most ridiculous thing George Sr. has done on the show?

A.

None of it seems ridiculous to me. It’s the Bluth way.

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Q.

The show had such an afterlife and there were always rumors of its return. Did it ever feel like it went away?

A.

Well yes, because it went away. But no, and I’m not an optimist, but I was always sure we could come back in some form.

Q.

How about more?

A.

Now that we’ve done these 15, I’m sure we’re going to do more and I’m sure we’re going to do a movie. Do we have a movie deal? No. Do we have another deal? No. But I am positive. Yesterday I came back and there was a huge backup in getting through Customs and we were all in these lines. One after another, people would come up: “Big fan of the show, can’t wait.” It had an age range to it; an economic range to it. It was amazing.

Q.

Could you sustain that manic “Arrested Development” pace for a feature-length film?

A.

I think the groundwork is already there. The scenes look filmic. That may be my Pollyanna showing but I have no problem with it. And remember: we have nine go-tos, and now there are other characters. So we have a lot of ways to go before an audience will get tired of us.