Bird on a Wire, Unforgiven, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Walker: Texas Ranger, Alphas, and Burn Notice, are just a few in the laundry list of TV series and films that you’ve been in. As you look back on your career, have you accomplished what you originally set out?
It is a few loads of laundry. It feels good to wash it all off, then get back out there and dirty some clean clothes. Honestly, I just don’t know where the next gig is coming from, until it happens. That’s the life of most actors. Lightning will strike. I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed possible and the greatest is yet to come. I just keep on truckin’.
It seems like you’ve worked with just about everyone in Hollywood. Are there any others that you would love to work with, if given the opportunity?
Countless, just countless. And all those Writers, Directors, Producers, Actors and Artists have a common thread, they love the word “yes”, they are passionate about telling stories well, they intrust you to do your job, and love playing in the sandbox with all the other creative kids. Together we build and create amazing things, we surprise ourselves, we take risks and at the end of day, we make your popcorn taste better, and if we are really lucky, through story, inspire others to do great things.
Throughout your career, you’ve always been able to stay relevant and yet maintain the authenticity as an actor. What has helped you to do so, despite the many changes in the industry?
Hey, thanks for that, I strive for authenticity. I will paraphrase Paul Newman, who said something like, “you take on roles sometimes because you need the money, sometimes to just work, sometimes because the role and/or script are fantastic”. In the end, I think it all comes down to working hard, doing your best, being committed and being invested in the performance and the story. Then, you roll the dice and see if Lady Luck wants to dance.
What advice would you give to up and coming actors that aspire to have the longevity in this industry like you?
Get educated. Read, read, read. Get into a University or Fine Arts program in which you have to be cast. Acting is doing, and like anything, you have to do it, to even begin to be good at it. Get your ten thousand hours baby. Live. Travel. See Art. And, take a business course or two.
You’re now on TNT’s summer hit series, The Last Ship. How were you first introduced to the series?
Yo ho ho! It’s great to be playing an unpredictable character on a dang good TV show that people dig watching. It feels good. Originally, I think they were looking for someone completely different than myself, but my kick ass manager, Leanne Coronel, pitched me for the show to legendary casting director, Denise Chamian, and it sure didn’t hurt that I had already worked with the very accomplished Jack Bender who is one of the Executive Producers. So, they gave me shot. I read for the role, presented my spin and the phone rang a few days later. I think this is known as, the stars falling into alignment or winning at horseshoes and hand grenades.
What was it specifically about the series that made you decide to jump on board (no pun intended)?
It’s Michael freaking Bay! I hadn’t really done anything like this before. Who doesn’t want to go on a great big bold adventure? And as I said, It’s Michael freaking Bay.
On the show, you play the role of Tex Nolan. What are the good and bad sides of Tex and what do you enjoy about playing him the most?
He’s an outsider. I love that Tex has got a mouth on him. At times, he could use an edit switch. He has a sense of honor, fights for what he believes in, and heck why not have a good time doing it, right? He’s a thrill seeker who’s got a great big heart and we really see that in season 2. He has neglected some things in his life and that catches up to him. His impetuousness can lead to trouble. But, let’s face it, he embodies the spirit of Wyle E Coyote, a guy who doesn’t have quit in him, and don’t we all want to have that kind of vitality for ourselves?
What can viewers expect to see in the second season?
The show is bigger, better and even more bad ass. Tons of new characters to get know, good guys, and bad. It’s a brave new world and it’s not a safe place. It’s going to be a heck of ride, from start to finish. It premieres June 21, 2015 on TNT!
When you’re not fighting a pandemic on a war ship, what do you typically do to relax?
Tex leaves the pandemic fighting up to the lady scientist he’s sweet on. A sucker for a damsel in distress and always up for a rescue and/or putting some baddies in their place. When all that hard work is done, and I put Tex in the laundry for the day, I really enjoy kicking it on the golf course with friends and cast mates Adam Baldwin and Charles Parnell. I love the mental challenges that golf offers. Champions walk.
We look forward to seeing how things develop on TNT’s The Last Ship. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
I’m busting out with my own creativity. I started rehearsing with some pals, a few tunes that I have written, then we’ll lay down some tracks. I’m turning up the volume on the imaginary mind. I have accepted a challenge to write a screenplay in sixty days, and teach some scene study classes. Other artists inspire me, all the while I will be keeping my eyes peeled, looking to land the next big adventure. That might be enough to keep me out of trouble. We’ll see…
Twitter: @Johnny_Pypes
Photo Credit: Piper Ferguson