Charles Shaughnessy [Interview]

Today we have some words from an absolute legend in the world of acting. Charles Shaughnessy has been a master of the world of theatre, cinema, television, voice over acting….basically any avenue of performance that exists, Charles has mastered it. Some of you may remember him as Maxwell Sheffield on the seminal classic sitcom The Nanny. Or maybe his 8 year run on Days of Our Lives during the heyday of Soaps. Or just because he is EVERYWHERE! As he very well should be!

We were fortunate enough to be able to learn a lot more about this amazing man, and we are so happy that he was willing to tell us a bit more about himself. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from the brilliant Charles Shaughnessy!

When did you first realize you wanted to join the world of acting? Did you grow up with a desire to perform, or did you just somehow find your way into this life?

It was, first of all, the “family business.” My mother had been an actress when I was very young ( it took a very back seat to bringing up my brother and me,) and my Dad was a screenwriter and playwright.  My personal epiphany happened when I was about five and despite being by far the best “reader-out-loud” in my class was passed over for the role of Peter Rabbit in our first ever school play. I was overwhelmed at first by green-eyed jealousy of my friend Peter Robinson who was Peter, closely followed by the thunderous self-awareness that this REALLY MATTERED! I went on to “star” in just about every school play from that moment on playing roles like Prospero, Richard III, Willy Loman and Lawrence of Arabia : all before I had turned 17!

You’ve been appearing on scattered runs on the legendary Soap Opera, Days of Our Lives, for over 30 years, including a run that ended in February of last year. What is it like to revisit that world, that character after years pass? Is it any easy transition to make your way back into that world?

My first eight years on DOOL were synonymous with the beginning of my life in America so it was a profound experience. I spent as much time with my DOOL “family” as I did at home with my wife, Susan. It was during the Golden Age of SOAPS in the 80’s, so the money and celebrity took some getting used to! But we had so much fun! Going back to the show every now and then has been very easy and fun: like going back to visit your old school only all your friends are still there! The work is faster and requires a lot more serious concentration and focus now, but the skills and MO are still the same.

We have spoken to a lot of folks who were involved with “TV families”, either as a parent or a child. You famously portrayed one of my most favorite TV Dads of the 90’s, in The Nanny. So, what was it like to work on a show of that nature, and literally watch your “family” grow around you? Do you feel a bond when you are working in a setting like this?

I have always felt slightly paternal to “the kids” and can’t help but feel a bit proud of the way they have all turned out ( not that I had anything to do with that!) I had a very visceral and upsetting reaction, in fact, to seeing Madeleine Zima’s wonderful performance in the pilot episode of “ Californication” where she was stark naked on top of David Duchovny! I had this sudden and irrational urge to go and beat the shit out of him!

One area of performance that you have seemed to flourish in quite a bit is the world of voice overs. You have appeared in some of pretty great stuff! How do you enjoy this line of work? Is the “showing up in pajamas” stereotype a real thing?

Sadly, I don’t get to do as much in that field as I would like. It really is wonderful to not have to worry about make-up or looking neat and tidy – and it so much fun. There is something very liberating about being just you and a microphone in a little booth: free of your own physicality, you are only limited in terms of characterization by your own imagination! It can also be very well-paid: two or three nice national advertising campaigns can make life VERY comfortable for a while!

You received an Emmy for your work on the animated project Stanley, and we always like to ask our statue holding friends one simple question: Where do you keep your Emmy/ And does its location have any sort of significance?

No where particular actually. Maybe there’s a bit of inverse “showing off” in that. It’s actually rather cool when someone admires it to say : “ Mmm? What? Oh, that old thing. Yes, can’t even remember what I got that one for actually” 🙂

As a veteran of so many different mediums, from stage to television to film, voice overs, etc. What would you say is your favorite medium to work in? As in, if you were for some reason only allowed to perform in one of them for the remainder of your career, what would it be?

Even though it is considerably harder work in many ways, I would have to say the stage. It is the excitement of live performance and playing off an audience that got me started in this and I would miss the adrenaline and challenge of that. But then it’s hard to make a living at it. That was the great thing about The Nanny: I could make a ton of money during the season and then go off and do theatre in the summer. In fact, when I worked at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, after renting a house there and flying my family out etc. it ended up costing me about five grand!!

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

In this business you’re not working until you are! Right now I have just finished a couple of episodes of a FOX TV show called Ghosted with Adam Scott and Craig Robinson and in July I will be appearing in  42nd. Street in Scottsdale, AZ. By this time next week I might be the star of a new TV show or in a big, blockbuster movie, but then again……I might not!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Last night – Our dog slowly inching up the bed from her place at the bottom until she’s literally sleeping between Susan and me with her head on the pillow: she is completely unaware that she’s a dog and thinks this is one of those modern  “menage a trois” arrangements!!

Kirk Fox [Interview]

They say that “patience is a virtue”, or “good things come to those who wait”. I’m sure there are many other clichés out there, but these are the first two that come to mind. The point is, these were the first things I could think about when I finally managed to get some answers from the brilliant man who is Kirk Fox after a whole lot of back and forth. And it would be remiss of me if I didn’t admit that I was partially flattered by the fact that a world-famous comedian was even willing to go back and forth with a guy like me. I wasn’t sure that the interview would ever happen, but in the end, I can hands down say that I now have the best interview that has, and possibly ever will be, appearing here on Trainwreck’d Society. Even though it comes to us with the spite of Mr. Fox deciding to become a whole new, and possibly more “professional” person (which we here at TWS would NEVER condone), we are extremely excited about his presence here on our digital pages. He may just be looking to help create a better life for his beautiful wife and pending child, which is, again, just the sort of justifiable yet futile gesture that I simply can not condone.

Nevertheless, I can not tell you how excited I am to be able to share these amazing words from one of the finest comics of these modern times. I was a fan of his work as a comic and an actor years before I had any interaction with him, but I have built an immense amount of respect towards this man as an artist. And yes, I definitely respect the new man he has managed to become on the back of the career of being “That Guy” for oh so many years. I actually said all that shit in the last paragraph to be funny, but then realized by the time I reached this paragraph, that I am not a comedian, and I should really just stay in my own fucking lane.

So, with that, please enjoy some words from one of the finest comedians in the business and my new friend, Kirk Fox!

I understand you did not start out with a direct path to the world of comedy, but obviously had a natural talent for it. So, can you tell us a bit about your journey into the world of comedy? And do you feel as though you were destined to make people laugh for a living?

Let me start out by saying I’m not sure I have a natural talent for anything. I often say, “I’ve worked hard to get where I’m not.” My dad was funny. He was a handyman. People seemed to like having him around. Not so much for the shelves but more for the laughs. He often said he was a housepainter by trade. I’m a tennis pro by trade. When I came to Los Angeles I taught tennis to directors. Every acting job I think I’ve ever gotten has been a result of fixing someone’s backhand. I didn’t start out to be a comedian. I remember being runner-up in high school for class clown. Didn’t think at the time it was a possible career choice. My guidance counselor actually said I should become an ambulance driver. I laughed at the time but now I think she was probably dead on. Looking back I don’t seem to remember being that funny. I always had a dry wit. I can’t remember ever doing impressions.

Was I destined to make people laugh for a living? Good question. I’m not sure yet what I was destined for. I’m having a daughter in May. I’d like to think I was destined to be a father. But having a mouth to fill besides my own might cause me to rethink my approach to stand-up comedy. Definitely the making a living part. I’m only answering these questions because I’m having a child. I think we’ve been talking about doing this interview for two years. Why now then? Because I have to start taking this profession seriously. In order to monetize anything you have to get the word out. This is certainly a step in the right direction. Not sure how many people will read this but if I can get even one to be interested enough to purchase a ticket next time they see that I’m doing stand-up in their town then it’ll be worth it. I prefer giving tickets away though. I’m a terrible businessman. I think I get that from my father. He invented the headstand machine and forgot to get a patent. That’s why he drove a Honda Accord. I remember he took out the passenger seat and put a little table in its place. He’d cut up cheese and apples on that table during long drives. Ted Bundy also took out the passenger seat in his VW so he could transport victims below the eye line of other motorists. Sometimes I rode in the backseat when my father would drive me to soccer games and tennis tournaments. I remember trying to slide down below the eye line of passing motorists as well. My dad may have actually been the first Uber driver. Why else would anyone be in the backseat of a Honda with an empty table in the front? I definitely got my dad’s business sense. Damn. Dad missed out on the Uber patent as well.

My journey into stand-up was late. I didn’t tell a joke onstage until I was in my 30’s. November 10, 2002 was my first time onstage. I loved it. I enjoyed thinking of jokes during the day and saying them at night. I suddenly felt like I had a reason to wake up in the morning. Stand-up comedy made me a better actor as well. It taught me how to listen. One of the keys to comedy for me is talking with the room and not at it. Stand-up comedy allowed me to start auditioning for comedies instead of simply westerns that didn’t require much hygiene. I’ve always looked homeless. I like to think that if I became homeless at any moment of my life I wouldn’t have to go home to change. I’m always dressed for comfort and possibly falling asleep in an alley. Not afraid of denim. I actually even booked my first audition for a sitcom. The show was called Rodney and it was on CBS starring comedian Rodney Carrington. Rodney liked the fact that I was a comedian as well and gave me the job. I never told him that I was just starting out and was soon opening for him on the road. I went from an open mic for ten people in a coffee shop on Wednesday to an arena on Saturday.
Okay, let’s move to the next question or we may never finish this.

Bottom line, I did not have a direct path to comedy but clearly had been training for it my whole life. I had a wonderful childhood so I was not propelled into it. I had nothing to complain about. By the time I hit my thirties I still had nothing to complain about except that everyone I knew had a house and family. I began to get concerned about my future. How will I eventually feed a child if it happens? Well it’s about to and I think at this moment comedy will be it. Luckily my wife is a CPA so the kid will always have food. Me is a different story. Lastly, making people laugh feels better than making them cry, so if I am destined to make people laugh, I’ll gladly accept my destiny. Next question please.

Close followers of the stand up comedy world know that you are a regular face down at the famed Comedy Store in L.A. It seems as though the last five years has brought a lot of attention to the comedy scene, and the Store specifically. And you have been appearing there for a very long time. So, in your obvious expert opinion, how has the scene around the Store changed since you first began hanging out there?

I’m a creature of habit. I think the main reason I’m always at the Comedy Store is they provide parking for the comics. My whole life has been predicated on parking. I think every job I’ve ever had in Los Angeles has never been outside of three miles. I lived in the center of Hollywood for most of my L.A. days. I’m now living in Laurel Canyon but that’s only because my wife has a house and I moved in with her. I’m no dummy. Once again, she is very close to the Comedy Store so it worked out. If she had lived in the valley, it’s safe to say we would not have married. She was very convenient to the Comedy Store. She’s also gorgeous, young, and smart. But the location certainly raised her stock. I also like that she has never laughed at any of my jokes. When she does laugh, I know it won’t work onstage.

You are correct. The last five years has seen a spike in comedy. What has changed for me at the Comedy Store? The shows are now always sold out. I used to be happy with half a room. There were periods when twenty people was plenty. What has caused the spike in comedy? I can only guess, but the world definitely needs things to laugh about. The Comedy Store is magic to me. It’s my home. Over the last few years some big specials were shot there. The store just slowly got hot. Podcasts got the word out. Marketing became a priority. Social media. It was a perfect storm. The store also got a new booker and with him came some of his famous friends. With huge names on the lineup huge crowds would follow. I also saw comedians that had been growing at the store hit hard. Timing. All comedians that had been at the store during the lean years are now a huge reason why it’s filled. It’s the Comedy Store. It’s where you want to be onstage or where you want to be in the audience. I could post the lineup of any night of the week and you will see that the best comics in the world are performing there. If a comic is working on a special they are trying their jokes there. It’s a great time to be a comedian.

How has the scene changed for me? The scene has changed only in that the rooms are now filled nightly. It’s still comedy. You have to be funny. Now that I think of it, maybe in the past you could spend a bit more time on some new thoughts. Drift a bit. Not much room for drifting now when a room is sold out and you’re wedged between killers. Keep the laughs coming or you might not have a spot next week.

Much like our dear friend and past guest Alison Becker, you had an absolutely hilarious re-occurring role on the acclaimed series Park and Recreation. How was it working on a show like this? Did it differ in any way from other works you have done?

People sure seem to love “Sewage Joe.” This was my favorite job. There was no one on that show that wasn’t kind to me. Maybe it’s just because I’m so cool. Maybe they weren’t nice to anyone but me. You’ll have to ask them. What I liked about that show is everyone was having fun. All of the actors were great at improvisation. So if someone went off script it could lead to something magical. I have been fortunate to do mostly comedies so the shows are all pretty painless for me. But I’d definitely say Parks and Rec spoiled me. Lately I’ve done a couple episodes of The Mick on Fox and it was also a blast. Everyone is loose and funny. I play a loan shark. My wheelhouse. I seemed to have a penchant for sex offenders and finger breakers. I also did an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and it was easy for my brain as well. I guess I haven’t really had to work with too many pricks. Man I’m fortunate. Okay, next question.

I understand you have a special coming out on Showtime this April. Can you tell us a bit about it? What can fans expect from this upcoming special that may be new and exciting to them?

It’s called ‘That Guy” and we all know one. The friend who doesn’t seem to be growing up. Spends too much time chasing girls. Doesn’t seem to have many worries. Wishes he was a cop. All the usual. It’s an interesting chapter in my life. It’s my first hour special. I had a half hour special on Comedy Central in 2008 but hadn’t really put the effort in since then. Yes, that’s something “That Guy” would do. I definitely had enough material but I couldn’t stick the landing. But eventually I managed to stay in the pocket long enough to let the cameras capture an hour of jokes. It’s interesting because since filming “That Guy ” last year I’ve now become “This Guy.” “This guy” is now married with a daughter on the way and two puppies. We got them a week before I found out my wife was pregnant and I immediately asked if it was too late to abort… the dogs. It was. So now most of my days are spent walking two puppies. They are brother and sister and were rescued from Mexico. They are Narcos dogs. I know this because they only bark at cops, DEA agents, and hookers. That’s Narcos in a nutshell. They are part beagle, shar pei, and termite. They love to eat wood. My dad left me a musket from the 1800’s that is now a pistol. Eventually it will just be a civil war toothpick. They have taught me patience.

People will like this special. It’s funny. Not much about politics, religion, or relationships. Just my brain dancing for an hour. Watch it. April 13th on Showtime. 10:00 pm. I usually wouldn’t promote anything but with a baby on the way I’m forced to care about something. This is the new Kirk Fox. Nice to meet you.

When you are not out there making people laugh all over the globe, what would we find you doing for a little “me time” or a vacation maybe?

My life is a vacation. It’s only been “me time.” That’s the beauty about where I’m currently positioned. Right now my life is spent planning for a human being to be comfortable. “Me time” is being replaced by “Addison time.” That’s her name. I’m excited. Sometime in May I will have a daughter. I will finally put someone before me. I’ve been training my whole life to be a stay at home dad. I hope Addy doesn’t get in the way of it. But what will I be doing for the next month? The same thing I’ve been doing my whole life. Tennis. Some golf. Work on the new jokes and then deliver them at night. Build another hour special. I’m also on a mission to make the world a better place. When I take the stage it’s always with the hope that these jokes will benefit all sentient beings. My wish is to replace suffering with happiness. I also do Pilates a couple of times a week. I’m working on my posture. My wife got me into that. She is a saint. She keeps me alive. Makes sure I have food in my belly. She also likes me to have facials every few months. She loves her old man and wants to keep him from aging. She is young. She will be around a lot longer than me. She will keep an eye on Addy and the dogs after my exit.

What else does the future hold for you? Anything else coming up that you would like to plug to our readers?

Plug to your readers? I can really only plug one thing at a time. Showtime special, April 13th. 10:00 pm. They can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram. I like hanging little pieces of art there. I think of my tweets and Instagram posts as little pieces of art. I respect the followers who take the time to look at them so they are not hung lightly. I care about humans. And animals. If I don’t say animals also I have to deal with the vegans. I made a joke once on Twitter that all those animals vegans don’t eat wouldn’t hesitate to eat them if they were given the chance. That was two years ago and a day doesn’t go by that I’m not reminded by an angry vegan that cows don’t eat people. And once again, maybe if they were mad enough they would. I love vegans and don’t even really know what they stand for. I just eat what’s put in front of me.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I definitely need to smile more. I know this because as I think about the question I can’t pinpoint it. I smile a lot internally. I think I smiled the other night onstage when I said, “I’m against marriage. And I have the ring to prove it.” The room laughed and so did I. It will be a part of the next special. I never wanted to get married. Always was against it. I had my suspicions why. Now I can confirm them. That to me is a funny angle. But in all honesty I like being married. It’s good for me to try to grow up. I was tired of being “That Guy.” Except I still wish I was a cop. The only thing that has really changed for me since I got married has been foot massages. My wife used to always rub my feet before we were married. Once we got married it stopped. She started to rub them once after we got married and then stopped and said, “were your feet always this big? I don’t remember there being this many toes.” I laughed. So that was maybe the last time I laughed. If you made it this far thank you very much. I hope to see you out in the world sometime. And if you don’t enjoy “THAT GUY” hopefully you’ll still give “THIS GUY” a chance. At least for Addy. If not I will be driving ambulances. Which at the end of the day, might actually be my destiny.

Be sure to check out Kirk Fox’s aforementioned comedy special that will airing April 13th at 10:00 p.m., and will be available On Demand from Showtime on April 14th. For more details, go HERE. And also check out more info and hilarity at kirkfox.com. Also be sure to catch Kirk’s hilarious Twitter and Instagram accounts!

Sandra Hess [Interview]

Adam Ambruso [Interview]

We are wrapping up the week here with some great words from one of today’s brightest stars on the rise. That star is Adam Ambruso, and we love him. Last year, he appeared in the amazing and harrowing film Trafficked, which featured the likes of Ashley Judd, Sean Patrick Flannery, and Jason London. And not only that, he was also an executive producer on this incredible, and dare I say important, project.

Ambruso is a man who has worn several different hats in his career thus far, and we firmly believe that he is only just getting started in this business. With each and every project he puts out or appears in, he is simply cementing his deserved status as one of the best in the game. And we are so excited to continue following his wonderful career, and seeing what he will graciously give to the world next.

So, let me stop rambling, and let you all enjoy some amazing words from the great Adam Ambruso!

What drew you to the world of acting? When did you first realize you wanted to play pretend for a living?

I always wanted to act and talked about it as a child. This desire became real when I took my first drama class while attending The University of Texas at Austin. Being a “latchkey” kid reared by a single mother, I was raised largely by television shows, movies, and music so there were countless actors and moments that inspired me to become an actor. I definitely resonated with Tom Cruise, Burt Reynolds, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Harrison Ford and their stories growing up, as well as countless others. However, my drama professor at UT really had the greatest influence on me taking the plunge into acting in Hollywood. One day in class he asked me to stay after so that he could talk to me. In that meeting he said pensively, “I’m not sure, but I think you might want to consider this as a profession”. That’s all I had to hear. I decided right then and there that I was going to move to Hollywood and make that a reality.

One of the latest films you both performed in and executive produced, is the amazing and controversial Trafficked that I have heard so many amazing things about throughout 2017. So what drew you to work on and produce this project? What inspired you to help create this project?

That’s an interesting question. I’ve been asked that many times because of the subject matter. Honestly, when looking for projects my main objective is to find a great story, but I also have a strong desire to leave a positive imprint on this world and send impactful messages through my work. However, I believe the script finds you. That was definitely the case with “Trafficked”. My producing partner and mentor Will Wallace dropped it on my desk and asked me to give it a look and see if it moved me. Well, it definitely did that and more. I was saddened and enraged that such a terrible and disgusting human rights violation could be happening right underneath our noses. I felt that I didn’t really have a choice whether to make the film or not. This film had to be made, and I was going to see to it that it did.

Another recent project you worked on is Manny Rodriguez Jr.’s Butterfly Caught, which also features our old friend Dominic Bogart, looks to be absolutely fascinating. So, again, what drew you to this project? And what should our readers be looking forward to watching you do in this film?

I like Dominic a lot although I didn’t get to directly work with him, unfortunately. We were on set the same day but were in different story lines. My acting coach and mentor Will Wallace brought me this project as he often does. He let me know it was a Hollywood story and that he normally didn’t like stories about Hollywood, but that this one was different. As usual, he was right. I felt that the story was relevant and needed to be told and that the subject matter was important. The characters were rich and interesting and had depth. Right away I resonated with the character of Randy and knew that I had to play that role in the film. This began a long battle of me fighting to play that role. It was the first time I took some big risks and really put things on the line to get a role. The story of how I finally got the role is almost as interesting as the role I had in the film. That will be for another time. Here’s what you can expect to see when you watch the film. After tragically losing his fiancée, Randy becomes a cop in an attempt to avenge or “right” her death and ends up getting tangled in a sticky web on his way to the top of his career.

When your off set, and find yourself with that occasional bit of “free time”, what do you find yourself doing to occupy your time? Beyond the world of film, what makes you happy?

When I’m not on set, I am really trying to enjoy all life has to offer. I work a lot at this stage of my life. I am building a new house in the Hollywood Hills, managing several rental properties, and run a couple of businesses. When I’m not working I love to watch films and listen to music as well as play my guitar and sing. I love all things athletic…from hiking to lifting weights to Snow boarding, which is my favorite thing to do. I would be remiss if I didn’t include spending time with my family, friends, and that special someone whenever I am in a relationship.

What does the future hold for you? Anything else you would like to plug to our readers?

This year I filmed the Great Race starring Treat Williams and a movie for Lifetime called Who Took My Daughter, both of which will be out this year. I am currently gearing up to play my most difficult role yet, which is the lead role in a true life story of a real savant that is alive today. I also plan on playing the lead role in the big budget super hero film that I am writing with my writing partner called 13: The Search For Peace.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

That last thing that made me smile is when my buddy Griff Furst just told me over the phone that he goes to auditions and pitch meetings sweaty immediately after running sprints or working out. I think that’s just plain awesome.

Alfred Sole [Interview]

Today’s interview subject is a guy who is unique for many different reasons. First of all, he is probably the first full fledged Production Designer we have had featured on the site, and checking that box is pretty damn cool. Also, he is one of the best in the game, who has worked on just about everything you love most likely. Secondly, he is the filmmaker behind one of the most terrifying films I have ever seen. That film is the cult classic project Alice Sweet Alice, also famous for being the breakout role for one Brooke Shields.

One thing not so unique to this site, but absolutely amazing either way, is his involvement with a project we adore and have spoken with several folks in the past about, and that would be Friday the 13th: The Series. I’m not sure how many writers and actors from this short but sweet series, but I know it is certainly not enough!

So Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from the brilliant artist we should all know and love, the wonderful Alfred Sole!

Have you always had the passion to create, or did you just find yourself in this line of work one day?

When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be Salvatore Dali.

When did you first discover that you had a passion for the world of film and television?  

When I was a kid, my father took me to the movies, and I saw a film called Diabolique. I kept on thinking, “how do you do that? How do you make that?”

The 1976 thriller Alice Sweet Alice, which you wrote and directed, was my earliest experience with being scared out of my mind. Going back to it as an adult, I find it to be just brilliantly made, and a truly strange tale. So where did the inspiration for such a frightening tale come from? What made you want to tell this strange story?

It started from the Catholic mass- Take my Body. Take my Blood. Of course, I was raised Catholic. I kept reading about low budget features, and how directors got started. Then I went to see the movie Don’t Look Now, which I thought was brilliant. I started thinking about what it would be like, for a storyline, to kill someone- a little angel during her first Holy Communion, while everyone was taking the host, which is supposed to be the blood and body of Christ.

Alice Sweet Alice has built a cult following amongst avid horror fans. I know why I love it so much, but what do you believe it is about the film that has kept audiences interested in the film for over 40 years?

I just think it’s a good story. It was made with a lot of love and passion.

Another project that we have discussed at lengths here at TWS is Friday the 13th: The Series, having talked with several writers and actors from the series. I understand you worked on this highly underrated program as well! How was your experience working on a project like this?

I worked with the Producer at the time, who was very supportive of my writing. They were looking to do Friday the 13th. She needed to figure out a way to do it as a TV series. Eventually after many conversations, I came up with the idea of the pawn shop.

Beyond writing and directing, you are also a very accomplished production designer, having worked on very popular television series like Veronica Mars and Castle. For those of us who may be a bit more ignorant to what actually goes into make a film, can you tell us the importance of production design? And what are the specific duties that pertain to being a production designer?

I remember reading about David Lean and Alfred Hitchcock, how they started out, as Art Directors. Originally people were called Art Directors which evolved into Production Designers, and I was studying architecture and design. I remember when I was doing Communion I had found my own locations and almost all of the costumes. It’s very hard for me to let go and give that kind of work to someone. What a Production Designer does is, whenever you see an actor, behind him is the sets. Whether digital or built, I really have a passion for that.

One film that you worked on happens to be a classic that I watched as a teen repeatedly. It was Rich Wilke’s Glory Daze. So, I have to ask, what was set life like on that film? You also had a brief cameo as well. So how was that? Was it as fun to be a part of as it was to watch almost weekly as I did?

Working on Glory Daze was LOTS of fun! There was very little money, but Rich was such a smart director, that I enjoyed the collaboration.

Don’t ask me why I wound up in the film. I usually get very nervous when I have to speak or appear anywhere, but I do think, if I recall correctly, the actor who was supposed to do it, didn’t show up. They asked me to do it. I enjoyed watching Glory Daze, except for my scene. I was embarrassed.

One of the things I remember about that film is Ben Affleck, who was in the film, used to practice his lines. I would hear him saying the same thing over and over, in different ways. He was so young and serious. Matt Damon would come by and they were friends and would hang out. I had a vibe from those two guys that they were going to go on to bigger and better things. There was just something about it. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

Right now, I’m Production Designing MacGyver for CBS, and it’s been hard work but great fun. We get to go 2 or 3 different countries on every episode and we build a lot- from insides of airplanes to insides of ships to Afghanistan. I enjoy the challenge.

I hope someday that they will do a remake of Alice, Sweet Alice. I’ve been approached before to do a “2”, but I turned it down. I want to do a remake of the movie with a rewrite of the first draft.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

This makes me smile: I can’t believe the movie has its own life. People are discovering it.

Justin Nozuka [Interview]

It has been almost 10 years since I first stumbled into Berbati’s in Portland to see this young kid that my wife was raving about. And since that night, the name Justin Nozuka has been a staple in the Trembath household. But some where through the mystery of time, I didn’t hear much of his work beyond his critically acclaimed debut album, Holly.

But as serendipity would have it, Just Nozuka has returned to my world in a major way. Emerging almost a decade since I last really listened to him, he has created a whole new sound that is absolutely impeccable. Not only some of the best work I have heard from Justin, but some of the best work being released now…by anyone.

I talked about how much I love his track “Warm Under the Light” and his High Tide and Low Tide E.P.s at length on last week’s New Music Tuesday, so be sure to check that out as well!

And with that, please enjoy some amazing words from one of today’s most talented singer and songwriter, the brilliant Justin Nozuka! Enjoy!

You kicked off your career at a very young age. What was it like throwing yourself into the world of recording and touring at such an early age? And what sort of advantages do you feel you may have gained from doing so?

It was a thrill touring out of high school. I’ve gotten to see a lot of different places, and been exposed to so many different cultures- it all contributes to my growth as an artist, I’m super grateful to have had those experiences.

Your latest EP’s High Tide & Low Tide are absolutely exceptional journeys in the world of music. I truly can not say enough great things about them. So, coming off your 2014 album that was a bit more experimental, what were you hoping to accomplish with these albums? What did you want the listeners to understand?

With the new releases, I wanted to create something a little more traditional. I was listening to a lot of folk music from artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Young, and felt inspired to create something that had a similar sensibility. Somewhat more straight forward I suppose- and I also wanted to induce an uplifting, comforting, warm experience for the listener, and myself.

I previously mentioned in a review for Low Tide that I first saw you perform live 10 years ago. Obviously time makes us all grow as humans, but what do you believe is different about yourself as an artist than you were around the time I saw you in Portland in the summer of ’08? What has been the most important lesson you have learned?

I’m a lot more careful about what goes into the album, while at the same time I still go with the flow. I have become more careful about not over doing my vocal licks and straining my voice. I take more care with writing lyrics as well. I think like any growing human, my sensibilities are becoming more refined and I know more what I like and don’t like.

I understand you are hitting the road over here in the UK and Europe with a pretty rigorous touring schedule. I am curious as to how receptive audiences over here are to artists from the states and Canada. Have you managed to find a sort of cult following in any particular region on this side of the pond?

We’ve had a lot of support in the Netherlands. I’ve been to Western Europe quite a lot over the years and we’ve had bigger audiences and more intimate ones. For the most part it’s been a really positive experience touring there. We’ll be playing some new territories we’ve never been before which is exciting and a bit scary. All in all, I’m really excited to get back there.

When you are on long stretches of touring, what do you do to really savor the experience? Do you have any traditions or things you like to do while you’re on the road?

Surrender. The tour has a schedule and I just enjoy surrendering to it. Some of the sights (landscapes) are insane… you just feel lucky to get to experience that. Another must for me is vocal rest- I don’t speak much to keep the vocals feeling fresh.

What does the future hold for you? Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I’m feeling really inspired at the moment. I’ll be releasing more music in a few months. I hope to tour for the rest of the year and into next year and in the meanwhile write and start working on another album.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Balam Garcia (our guitarist) is a laughing and smiling man, it’s contagious!

Justin Nozuka Tour Dates – Europe & UK

APR 4 – Ideal Bar, Copenhagen, Denmark

APR 5 – Ingensteds ,Oslo, Norway

APR 6 – Kägelbanan, Södermalm, Sweden

APR 8 – LantarenVenster, Rotterdam, Netherlands

APR 9 – Stadschouwburg, Groningen, Netherlands

APR 10 – 013 Poppodium, Tilburg, Netherlands

APR 11 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands

APR 13 – Kulturclub Schon Schön, Mainz, Germany

APR 14 – Frannz Club, Berlin-Friedrichshain, Germany

APR 15 – Béi Chéz Heinz, Hanover, Germany

APR 17 – Papiersaal, Zurich, Switzerland

APR 18 – Konzerthaus Schuur, Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland

APR 21 – Backstage, Paris, France

APR 22 – Sticky Mikes Frog Bar, Brighton, United Kingdom

APR 23 – The Garage, London, United Kingdom

APR 25 – Thekla, Bristol, United Kingdom

APR 26 – The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, United Kingdom

APR 27 – The Wardrobe, Leeds, United Kingdom

APR 28 – Northumbria Institute 2, Newcastle, United Kingdom

APR 30 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, United Kingdom

MAY 1 – The Caves, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

MAY 2 – Night People, Manchester, United Kingdom

MAY 3 – The Sugar Club, Dublin, Ireland

MAY 5 – Ohibo, Milano, Italy

MAY 6 – Monk Club, Rome, Italy

MAY 8 – Razzmatazz 3, Barcelona, Spain

MAY 9 – Moby Dick Club, Madrid, Spain

Check out this amazing video for an even more amazing song, “Warm Under the Light”:

Ha Phuong [Interview]

Hey Folks! I have cool interview today with the amazing singer, writer, actor, and more, Ha Phuong. It was a real treat to get to learn about this amazingly talented woman, and this very cool contest that she is running in support of the upcoming film Finding Julia, which she will star in and also wrote. And as you would suspect, she contributes to the music as well.

Here are some details on the contest:

“Lost in a Dream,” the theme song for Vietnamese actress, singer and philanthropist Ha Phuong’s new feature film, Finding Julia, takes center stage in a karaoke-style competition. Professional and amateur singers alike are invited to record themselves singing “Lost in a Dream,” which can be found at www.findingjulia.net for a chance to win a $20,000 prize. Performers are asked to edit their performance into a creative video, and send it to findingjulia2017@gmail.com.

The deadline for entries is March 15^th, 2018. Five finalists will be selected to present a live in Manhattan on April 15^th, 2018 where the judges will select the winner. The singer with the overall best live performance, creativity and vocals will receive a prize of $20,000. Along with this prize, the winner’s live taped performance and background information will be sent to numerous talent managers for possible interest in helping to further their career ambitions. Additionally, the finalist with the most unique live performance will receive a $5,000 prize.

****
So if you think you have what it takes to compete in this incredibly cool and unique contest, sign up! Now, please enjoy some amazing words from the great Ha Phuong!

As a person of seemingly endless talent as a singer, writer, and actress, I am fascinated to know what drove you to the creative world? When did you realize you wanted to be an artist for a living? Was it a deep-rooted ambition going back to childhood?

If I succeed people of color, like myself, would be part of the arts in America and would have the confidence to say, “I can do this!” That is the main factor that brought me into the creative world.

As an artist, especially in the world of music, what is the creative community like in your home country of Vietnam? Is there an element of support in this community?

The creativity in Vietnam has a rich traditional background. We enjoy sharing our culture with the world. We had a post wartime where we did not have much exposure, so it was a difficult time. The competition in Vietnam is very high. As a Vietnamese proverb says: “In difficulty, it brings us wisdom.”

What made you decide that you wanted to make the jump over to performing in the states. And while it may seem obvious to some, why did you choose New York? And how has this transition been for you?

I became an American citizen, and I know performing in America can bring a global audience. I think this inspires many other artists around the world. From the time I got married, New York was my homeland. My destiny has made New York feel as though it choose me. I love where my family is living right now, it is where my children were born, and where I have created a solid foundation. I enjoy the international cultural works in New York. I want to be a part of this cultural world we enjoy so much.

Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming film, Finding Julia, that you wrote and will star in as well? What inspired you to create this project?

This is a story of a talented girl whose mother passed away. She does not speak English fluently or understand the American culture. She is confused and disoriented, and has lost the love, support, and closeness from her once caring father. I am embarking on this project to describe how a celebrity whom already established her name in her country has to confront so much difficulty in her new country. This is my own story.

In support of Finding Julia, I have heard you are doing a pretty amazing competition for up and coming artists that sounds absolutely spectacular! Can you tell us a bit about it?

Karaoke is fun for people. I look forward to seeing the entries. To learn more about it please visit, http://www.findingjulia.net

What else does the future hold for you? Anything you would like our readers to know about?

Besides the film, I have future plans for developing more music and working with my charities and helping others.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

The last thing that made me smile would be seeing audiences enjoy my film, my daughter’s excellent report cards, and my husband’s encouraging smile towards me.

Lydia Popovich [Interview]

We have another amazing comedian to showcase here at Trainwreck’d Society! The wonderful Lydia Popovich recently popped up on my radar due to her affiliation and friendship with the great Amy Miller, who I have told you all in the past is the best in comedy right now. And wouldn’t you know it, Lydia is right there with her! Like minded individuals, with totally different acts, yet the same love for Dolly Parton (we will get into that more).

Popovich is a strong voice within the proverbial choir of female comics who are working their asses off to make a living solely from her talent of making people laugh. Talent being the most important aspect of Lydia’s career. She has a brilliant delivery and has a confidence that would be commendable for anyone in any type of field, but especially important in the world of stand up comedy. These are some of qualities that I could only assume drove herself and Amy Miller to create one of the hottest monthly shows in L.A., as well has having a thriving stand up career admits the ridiculous & unnecessary hardships of being a woman in the world of comedy.

So Folks, please enjoy some great words from the brilliant and insanely talented comedian, Lydia Popovich!

What was your first experience like performing comedy on a stage? Where did you kick of your already illustrious career, and how was that experience for you emotionally?

I recently found video of my first set ever. It was in SF at a little theater above the SF Comedy College I did a three minute bit at their open mic. I was absolutely terrified. I remember feeling sweaty all over. Feeling like I might shit my pants. I was the most nervous I’d been in a very long while. Mind you this room was small…like 12 chairs small. It was on the 6th floor of an old theater building the Tenderloin district in SF. The room was filled with other students and maybe 2-3 wayward tourists who had stumbled into someone on the street that sent them up to see “live comedy”.  What I am saying is this was the most safe place to perform for the first time and I was still TERRIFIED. I got on stage and made it through my bit. With each second that passed, so did a little bit of the fear. Each word was easier to say than the one before it. By the time I saw the light I was feeling a level of happiness I had never experienced before. I wrapped up, walked off stage and almost cried. I was so proud of myself. People laughed. I saw them smile. I knew stand-up was something I could be really, really great at.

As a hilarious human being who has performed all across the country, what would you consider to be some of the “hidden gems” across this land? What are some cities that you have enjoyed to work that may not be as obvious as a New York or L.A. scene?

Tennessee is absolutely beautiful. Most folks visit Nashville and Memphis but not nearly enough folks are visiting the gorgeous Smokey Mountains and all of the wonderful cities in Eastern Tennessee. Knoxville, Tennessee is a wonderful city and one of my favorite places to perform. People leave their houses with the intent to have fun and as a result the crowds are warm and appreciative.

With the events that have unfolded recently in the world of comedy and entertainment, it seems almost okay to feel hopeful about how women are being treated in these worlds. Almost, but I would never pretend to know. So, in your professional opinion, do you believe that things have gotten any better in the world of comedy? Have you noticed any sort of shift in attitudes towards women in comedy, for the better?

Women face discrimination, sexual/verbal abuse, equality in pay and opportunity in both personal and professional aspects of life. While increased transparency in the wrong doings of high profile industries like comedy/entertainment will help assign accountability it does not solve all problems. We need to unify as a society to say “THESE BEHAVIORS ARE NOT OKAY”. We need to define and defend equality. We need to stop questioning women and their value.

How did your monthly show at Hollywood Improv with fellow hilarious comedian Amy Miller come about? And what do you believe it is about your chemistry with Amy that makes it work so well?

A year ago me and Amy were drunk at Dollywood. We talked about how cool it would be to have a show called Two Doors Down (it’s a Dolly Parton song we are fond of). Amy moved to LA, we talked to the Improv about the show, they said yes. Amy and I started comedy together, we both love Dolly Parton, we’re both driven & bossy. We share a mutual respect for each other as women, as comics and as friends. That’s why the show works. Also we’re super funny, pretty and charming hosts so like….duh.

I have found two things to be extremely clear after watching your amazing stage act: a couple of things you are very passionate about are brunch and the great Dolly Parton. So, I am very curious to know what would happen if you were to combine the two? So, what do you believe a brunch with Dolly Parton and yourself would be like? Would you want anyone there with you, or would you want Dolly all to yourself? 

Funny you should ask. I actively update this list. I’ve always kept a “dream” guest list. It’s lost a few good folks but they’ll be there in spirit.

Dolly Parton
Oprah Winfrey
Carol Burnett
RuPaul Charles
Dave Grohl
Alejandro Jodorowsky
2Chainz
Teresa Caputo
Rihanna
Laurie
Coach

Prince (RIP)
Joan Rivers (RIP)
Don Rickles (RIP)

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

If you are in LOS ANGELES you should come to TWO DOORS DOWN. Our next show is March 26, 9:30pm at The Hollywood Improv. Me and Amy are super funny and charming. You’ll have a super time.

My dear friend and brilliant comic Marcella Arguello is producing a really special show called, Women Crush Wednesdays. Every Wednesday 8pm, she hosts all female line ups at The Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics. The line ups have been bonkers.

I’ll be featuring at Rooster T Feathers March 8 – 11 with Chris Porter. Tickets can be found HERE.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

A picture of a fat baby foot stuffed into a tiny Havaiana flip-flop on Instagram

Daphne Maxwell Reid [Interview]

I am so excited to share today’s interview with you all! Today we have some amazing words from an absolutely LEGEND! And I do not use that word lightly. Daphne Maxwell Reid has an amazing career as a multi-faceted creator of so many things. You will instantly recognize her as everyone’s favorite auntie, Aunt Viv, from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But, as I have come to learn, There are so many more layers to what Mrs. Reid can accomplish. Photography. Style. Writing. Producing. The list just goes on and on. She is a very multi-faceted human being, and has accomplished so much in her lifetime and should be absolutely proud of it all.

We are truly honored that Daphne was willing to be a part of our digital pages, and we are so very honored to share her words with you today. Also, big shout out to past interviewee and friend of the blog, David Gborie, for chiming in on the questions. The Fresh Prince seems to pop up on one of his podcasts, All Fantasy Everything (featuring another old pal, Sean Jordan) quite frequently. So, when I was awarded the opportunity to chat with Daphne, I thought I would see what he had to say.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from the legendary Daphne Maxwell Reid!

You are a renowned actress, producer, writer, photographer, and more, and have excelled at them all! So, where did this passion to create come from? Did you know from a very young age that you wanted to create art and perform for a living?

Not at all. I was born graced with many gifts. I was encouraged to use my brain instead of my hands, but was guided on a journey that allowed me to express myself using both.

A few years ago we spoke with your former television daughter, the great Karyn Parsons, and she had amazing things to say about being a part of a TV family. So, how was your experience playing a TV mom, the leader of the household if you will, for the seasons you portrayed the beloved Aunt Viv?

The experience of working with a cast that had so much talent and humanity was an awesome one. The relationships engendered were lifelong ones. Truely a wonderful blessing. I felt very much at home when in character or not.

I asked a fine young comedian that I am a huge fan of, David Gborie, who I know was a huge fan of Fresh Prince, what he would like to ask you, and he was curious to know what it was like working with Quincy Jones? Would he pop in onto the set every now and again?

We didn’t get to see him often on set, but he was always warm and proud of the production when we did see him.

And speaking of comedians, I have noticed in your credits that you were an Executive Producer for Paul Mooney’s special Analyzing White America. I am curious as to how you may have linked up with the legendary Mr. Mooney to help bring this project to the world? How did you come to work on this project?

My husband is Tim Reid, who began as a stand up comedian and has known Paul Mooney since The Richard Pryor Show in the ‘70s. Tim and I built a studio in virginia and Tim did a lot of independent productions there. he and Paul created the concept and shot the show. my credit was only because I co-owned the studio and did the paperwork involved with the production.

You have done some amazing work in the world of fine art photography, with 5 books and 5 calendars already published. How did you find yourself in this world? And what is it that you adore about the world of photography?

I have possessed a camera since I was 8 years old. My father was an amateur photographer and constantly photographed our growing up. I found that I have the gift of seeing details that others may miss and I found myself wanting to share my visions with close friends and relatives. At the age of 60, I was challenged by my friends to mount a gallery show of my work, and my professional journey began. It has grown into a little cottage industry that I have been proud to have created. I love the journeys of learning that come with taking a chance on a new venture. it has been fulfilling.

 Another talent you have brought to the world comes in the form of fashion with your custom clothing line called Daphne Style. Where did this passion stem from? What sort of pieces have you been putting out there?

I have been sewing for myself since childhood and found peace and joy working with fabric. I was especially inspired by chinese silk brocade and found a personal style of coat/jacket that people had a strong reaction to. my dear husband encouraged me to comply with folks wishes to make a coat for them. that is how my line of custom made wearable art came to be the journey that i am traveling now.

 You have yet ANOTHER venture you have gotten into in publishing, with a cookbook entitled Grace + Soul Motherwit. Can you tell us a bit about this project? What inspired you to create a cookbook?

The cookbook is a “finally” published version of recipes i have gathered from friends and family over the years. when I finally decided to publish it, i felt it was a great vehicle for a memoir of my life. So, I combined the two ideas.

What else does the future hold for you? Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I am anxious to find out!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

the kiss from my husband on his way out of the door.

Chester Rushing [Interview]

Today I feel very confident in saying that we are interviewing the future of television and film. Inevitably, a new class of actors are going to have to take over young Hollywood, and Chester Rushing is definitely going to be one of the highlights of them all. He has already had some pretty amazing performances in his career, especially on the beloved Netflix Original Series, Stranger Things.

On Stranger Things, Chester is known to be the main bully of the program’s main characters, but my experience with him and the words he shared below, it couldn’t be further from his actual personality. Which is simply further proof that this cat has some pretty amazing acting chops, and is destined to be the next big star, burning even brighter than he already is. He is a multi-faceted human being on top of that! He is an accomplished musician, philanthropist, and so much more!

So with that, I am going to shut up and leave you all with some amazing words from the brilliant Chester Rushing! Enjoy!

When did you first realize that you wanted to play pretend for a living Was it always a passion you had or did you just sort of land in the world of acting?

Honestly, I have always been performing for as long as I can remember. To be able to tap into your imagination and creativity is something powerful that is inside of all of us. I am very fortunate to have grown up in an incredible family that has encouraged me to entertain the world around me and follow my dreams.

I understand you are also an accomplished musician in your own right. Including reaching #2 on the Italian EDM charts! For our readers who are unbeknownst, can you tell us about your life in music?

I remember the exact moment I wanted to take music seriously. YouTube had just launched and I was checking out some videos and clicked on Coldplay’s, “Swallowed in the Sea”. The emotional connection I experienced while watching that video was so intense that it became a turning point in my life. I knew at that moment I wanted to try to recreate that experience for others in my own way so I signed up for my high school Jazz band. Instantly they realized I had absolutely no idea how to read music so they put me in theater class the next day. Music is my great escape and I will always love creating and sharing my music with anyone who wants to listen.

You appeared in several episodes of the runaway success of a show that is Stranger Things, playing Tommy H. How has this experience been for you? What is it like to be a part of one of the biggest television series of our time? What is set life like on a project that fuses so many different genres together?

“Life changing” might be an understatement but seriously, all I can say is life changing. During the first table read the room was full of electricity and everyone fell in love with the story and characters. Being on set was like jumping into a DeLorean and going back in time to some of the classic 80’s movies and shows I grew up watching. We
just wanted people to like the show and honestly no one had any idea that it would become part of pop culture and a global phenomenon. The show has given me the opportunity to connect with so many awesome people of all ages from around the planet and share their passion for the world we created.

It has been well documented that personality wise, you couldn’t be further from the likes of Tommy H, as nobody really should be, haha. It always fascinates me how such nice people can play such mean characters. So what is your process? How to create the mindset of a person like Tommy H.?

GREAT WRITING! I love playing the antagonist and getting the various reactions that come with it. Life gives you plenty of personalities and situations that you encounter everyday to help build a character. It’s always fun and interesting to explore and develop the layers that make a character into a person. You might see a character as mean but, you also need to see the world from their eyes. Tommy
was in a committed relationship, loyal to his friends, and just liked having a good time. The funny thing about playing Tommy is seeing people when I am out and to see them go though the process of elimination in their own heads like, “Who is that guy and where do I know him from?” Then you see it in their eyes and that look when it clicks, the “OHHHH I HATE YOU IN STRANGER THINGS!” look. I always go back to this quote by Gnihsur Retsehc to put it in perspective, “Actors allow themselves to become monsters, so it may inspire others to rise up against them”.

In 2016 you appeared in a brilliantly bizarre film that we have covered here at TWS entitled Cold Moon. I really, really dug this film and it featured two other past guests of the site, Joe Chrest and Laura Cayouette! So how was it making this film? Your character was based around some very dark stuff. How did you enjoy working on a project like this?

Cold Moon will always have a special place in my heart since it was my first real break as a lead in a feature film. A big thank you goes to Brent Caballero for casting me and taking a chance on a kid from a small town. Reading for this movie which was based on the novel Cold Moon Over Babylon by Michael McDowell who created Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas was literally a dream come true. Then when I was on set I stopped dead in my tracks because I heard the iconic voice of Christoper Lloyd, “like REALLY?” Needless to say it was incredible to be around this talented and experienced cast for my first lead role.

Beyond Stranger Things and Cold Moon you have worked quite a bit in the thriller/horror world, to include Don’t Look in the Basement 2 and Jeepers Creepers III. And we love the world of horror around here, so I have to ask…What do you enjoy about working within this genre/ What sets it apart from the other work you have done?

I remember being a kid sitting in my living room with my friends and family watching Steven King’s IT on VHS. I also remember being the only one in the room that was not completely grossed out or frightened. I loved the stories and the costumes as well as all the blood and the overall excitement I got from watching these types of movies. There is nothing like a horror film to elicit a vast range of emotions from an audience around you and I became addicted to the reactions I saw in from the people around me. I knew I wanted to be a part of something that took people on a rollercoaster of emotions. What I love the most is that there is something eerily different about horror and what it creates: that feeling that drives you from the pit of your stomach and the human curiosity that tells us to forever venture into the unknown.

If you were given the opportunity to portray any figure, living or dead, that had a profound impact on American history, who would it be and why?

The Legend Stan Lee… imagine a world without Stan Lee’s imagination. His work gives everyone an escape from reality but also shows us that there is always good in the world and average humans can become superheroes. I was lucky enough to meet Stan on a few occasions while appearing at comic cons and got to sit down and talk with him. He is a very smart guy and a great inspiration to millions of
people. He made Superheroes! What more is there to say?

I read your interview with the Dallas Observer from a couple of years ago, and was very intrigued with your involvement with Brilliant Futures and your work with those on the spectrum. I was wondering if you would care to elaborate on Brilliant Futures specifically? And how can outsiders lend a hand on the organizations efforts?

I started getting involved with the Special Needs program at my high school by playing guitar and making fun videos with them. They will always have a place in my heart and were one of my first musical audiences. I think one of the best things to remember is that the Special Needs community is a strong one that is of full of beautiful, smart, and compassionate people. Spreading awareness and getting involved in your community, at your school, and online is a bigger help than you can imagine.

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

I have some very exciting stuff coming out this year including an original comedy series on Hulu called All Night but since we are on the subject of horror let’s talk about some movies. Party Crasher is from the producers of A Nightmare on Elm Street and was directed by Brant Sersen. Simply put, it’s the best version of a fraternity party that you could ask for in a horror film. I will also be in Monster Party which was written and directed by Chris Con Hoffmann about a secret dinner party hosted by a serial killer cult for the social elite. What could go wrong? There are a few more things that I am sworn to secrecy about right now but follow me on Instagram @chesterrushing and you will be the first to know.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

The thought of food and honestly I wasn’t hungry before you asked me this… why did you do this to me? I guess I have no choice but to end this interview.