Michael Shannon is not here to entertain you or amaze you with the awesomeness of his performances (though that’s usually what winds up happening). So why go into acting, let alone do ten films this calendar year? In the beginning, theater was a way to get a few things off his chest without being told to shut up. Even though he maintains that it’s a mystery how anyone acts, time and experience have taught him why: Plain and simple, he’s here to help somebody tell a story; and if that story can provide a fuller experience of life for him or his audience, all the better. To do that, “You have to be able to understand people that you otherwise wouldn’t even attempt to understand.” These days, maybe that’s not bad advice for any of us. Shannon shares how the art he found to avoid pain turned into a career, and what he loves about it today. He still has a few things to get off his chest (like people who watch Hitchcock films on iPhones), so read on before you invite him to your next fish fry.
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be actors. At least not until they’ve had a nice chat with Mackenzie Davis. A late bloomer who was always “too loud, too tall and unable to figure out the secret potion of femininity” would seem a ready-made victim for an industry that tells aspiring actors they should be “grateful for whatever garbage role we give you, until you become famous.” Instead, Davis has managed to become famous (and rather quickly) in roles that crush the Bechdel Test, and in the process, set an example for any artist who loves and values both herself and her work. It hasn’t been a bump-free road, and as the Halt and Catch Fire star has barely left the starting gate, it’s one she’s still navigating. That’s what makes it all the more interesting – and inspiring – to watch.
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be actors. At least not until they’ve had a nice chat with Mackenzie Davis. A late bloomer who was always “too loud, too tall and unable to figure out the secret potion of femininity” would seem a ready-made victim for an industry that tells aspiring actors they should be “grateful for whatever garbage role we give you, until you become famous.” Instead, Davis has managed to become famous (and rather quickly) in roles that crush the Bechdel Test, and in the process, set an example for any artist who loves and values both herself and her work. It hasn’t been a bump-free road, and as the Halt and Catch Fire star has barely left the starting gate, it’s one she’s still navigating. That’s what makes it all the more interesting – and inspiring – to watch.
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be actors. At least not until they’ve had a nice chat with Mackenzie Davis. A late bloomer who was always “too loud, too tall and unable to figure out the secret potion of femininity” would seem a ready-made victim for an industry that tells aspiring actors they should be “grateful for whatever garbage role we give you, until you become famous.” Instead, Davis has managed to become famous (and rather quickly) in roles that crush the Bechdel Test, and in the process, set an example for any artist who loves and values both herself and her work. It hasn’t been a bump-free road, and as the Halt and Catch Fire star has barely left the starting gate, it’s one she’s still navigating. That’s what makes it all the more interesting – and inspiring – to watch.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Malibu, CA was something of a farm team for hot young movie talent, and Rob Lowe was on the right bench at the right time. The kid who took 60-mile bus rides into Hollywood (as an unaccompanied 11-year-old) to pursue his dream of acting got recruited for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders on his 18th birthday. Mega-fame ensued, along with plenty of film and TV offers, but Lowe often found himself fighting for the more interesting roles he knew he could play—if only casting directors and agents could see past his star status and screen-idol looks. The ones who did (thanks Aaron Sorkin, Steven Soderbergh and Amy Poehler) gave us a glimpse of what he can do with a character, a line and a great sense of timing. The star of one of the longest and craziest careers in the business talks (and writes) about it all with grace, perspective and a sense of humor we hope he’ll continue to bring to the screen.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Malibu, CA was something of a farm team for hot young movie talent, and Rob Lowe was on the right bench at the right time. The kid who took 60-mile bus rides into Hollywood (as an unaccompanied 11-year-old) to pursue his dream of acting got recruited for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders on his 18th birthday. Mega-fame ensued, along with plenty of film and TV offers, but Lowe often found himself fighting for the more interesting roles he knew he could play—if only casting directors and agents could see past his star status and screen-idol looks. The ones who did (thanks Aaron Sorkin, Steven Soderbergh and Amy Poehler) gave us a glimpse of what he can do with a character, a line and a great sense of timing. The star of one of the longest and craziest careers in the business talks (and writes) about it all with grace, perspective and a sense of humor we hope he’ll continue to bring to the screen.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Malibu, CA was something of a farm team for hot young movie talent, and Rob Lowe was on the right bench at the right time. The kid who took 60-mile bus rides into Hollywood (as an unaccompanied 11-year-old) to pursue his dream of acting got recruited for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders on his 18th birthday. Mega-fame ensued, along with plenty of film and TV offers, but Lowe often found himself fighting for the more interesting roles he knew he could play—if only casting directors and agents could see past his star status and screen-idol looks. The ones who did (thanks Aaron Sorkin, Steven Soderbergh and Amy Poehler) gave us a glimpse of what he can do with a character, a line and a great sense of timing. The star of one of the longest and craziest careers in the business talks (and writes) about it all with grace, perspective and a sense of humor we hope he’ll continue to bring to the screen.
Like a lot of superpowers, the chip on Mike Colter’s shoulder isn’t visible, but it’s there when he needs it. Cursed with a stable home and supportive parents, he often manufactured his own chips to keep himself motivated as an actor (which he planned on being from the age of eight). But later, the chips got real: Acting teachers who told him he wouldn’t make it. Years of broke-ass struggle pursuing his art. Agents who said he could only play one kind of role. Well, throw obstacles at a guy like Colter and he’ll thank you for them – before smashing them to pieces. He’s at a point now where he could be kicking back and enjoying the ability to pay for groceries, but he has something else to prove: If you think you know who Luke Cage is, you don’t. We’d add that if you think you’ve seen everything this actor can do, you haven’t. Not by a long shot.
