10 THINGS with JR Bourne

You’re a native of Toronto, Canada. When did your love for acting begin?

At the ripe old age of 10, I’d say. But, I kept it kind of quiet, till around the age of 24. And, when I say quiet, I mean more like talking about it 24/7 and being in every school production I could be in and even those at other schools. Yup! All girls private schools, sometimes need a boy for a role here and there.

You’ve done a lot of film and quite a bit of television work as well. What do you like about both platforms?

Well, right now, I like how the two platforms are merging. Very little difference between some of our shows on TV and what we’d see in the theater. But prior to this happening, I always enjoyed TV, being more of the spectacular, gun toting, space exploring type of roles in my career and the film world being the roles where I could go a little deeper and a little further with the exploration of a character. A little more time was allowed for this, in the film world.

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Canada breeds some of the most talented actors and performers. Additionally, many TV & film projects are shot in your country. How proud are you to be a part of this?

Tremendously! Especially of those I’ve been so lucky to be a part of. A lot of little indie films I did when I was living there that I’m very proud of. On The Corner, told the story about a very specific area in Vancouver, BC. Well-known to those who live in British Columbia. But, what I love about that film, is that the director/ writer told a universal story. Main and Hastings Street in Vancouver was the authentic setting for it, but the story, it’s plight, the people that live there….exist everywhere in the world.  

Let’s talk about your current show, MTV’s Teen Wolf. How did this opportunity come your way and what made you decide to jump on board?

It came to me as a regular audition. Originally for the role of Deaton. They brought me back for Argent. I went in and filled the character with some backstory and had a blast reading for it, and then, got the role. I was very happy about it!! I had actually just finished working on this film called Little Birds, and at the time, Teen Wolf was considerably lighter in nature and tone, then that project. It’s, however, grown so naturally and nicely into something of a darker nature, but still holding true.

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As mentioned, you play the role of Mr. Chris Argent. What is the good and bad parts of Chris and what do you enjoy about playing him the most?

The guns can be both the good and the bad parts of playing Chris! Ha! Seriously though, I love navigating the two worlds he lives in. The hunter and a loving, caring father. Also, all that has been thrown at him from both of those worlds in the last four seasons. Jeff has shown him no mercy…but I appreciate that. I truly welcome the challenge and the only thing I ask for….is more challenge.

The chemistry we see with the cast is pretty remarkable. What’s it like working with the rest of the gang?

Exactly that. Truly. We really are all very good friends. Lucky to go into work everyday with this group. I’ve watched them all grow into not just young adults, but talented artists and great friends. I’ve grown along side of them as well, I hope. I don’t think we’re ever supposed to stop learning.

Last season, Allison died, which means things are about to get heated. What can fans expect to see this season?

Confusion and frustration as to what to do and where to direct his pain. The new code his daughter came up with last season, “we protect those who cannot protect themselves”, comes into question for him. This will just open the doorway to a whole lot of trouble. He’s reminded what the real code is, “we hunt those who hunt us”. That may possibly make his current situation in life, an easier one to live in.

You’ve been on many sets playing a variety of characters. What would be your dream role and which actors would it be with?

There are some incredible people I hope to work with one day. Anything with Meryl Streep would be an amazing start. I’d also love to do an Almodovar film with Gael Garcia Bernal and of course Penelope Cruz. I absolutely love everything they do!!

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Tell us about your work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

My niece was born with the life threatening inherited disease 15 years ago. I’m so very grateful to all the people that have helped me raise money over the years for the foundation and it’s goal in finding a cure. We’ve come a long way in 15 years and are so close. I’m hoping to do more and more with the foundation here in Los Angeles. My niece is a very accomplished dancer and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s a real source of inspiration to me.

We look forward to seeing more your work on MTV’s Teen Wolf. What other projects do you have coming up?

There are a few things I’m working on. One of them is a real passion project of mine that’s been percolating in my head for way too long. It’s finally time to let it out and I can’t wait to share it with y’all. Also the fundraising efforts I hope to do for Cystic Fibrosis this year.

Twitter: @iAmJRBourne

Instagram: @JRBourne1111

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Riker Brothers & MTV