Read our exclusive interview with actor Clifton Collins Jr. (Menace II Society, Capote, Extract). Along with being a prolific actor, Clifton has also directed music videos, be sure to check out his latest “Betty Jean” from The Soul of John Black here.
1. Tell us about yourself, where are you from, and what is your background in acting?
My mom says that a Tex-mex Stork brought me to Cali via San Antonio, but I found out later that a doctor brought me into this world at St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica. I was mostly raised in Culver City. I spent some time growing up in my early teens in Canoga Park with my mother and step-dad. I ran away at 16, not being able to deal with my step pops, eventually landing back at my grandparents place in Culver City. If it weren’t for them, I’d probably be sharing a cell with one of my many friends that are doing time.
Because my Grandfather, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez made it out of poverty through being an entertainer, he was adamant about all seven grand kids having both a creative and academic education. I started tap dancing with my cousin Chris Craig (now a Sgt. for Oakland P.D.) at the young age of seven, which coincidentally is the same age that my grandfather started performing. The exception being that he HAD to do it to earn money for the family to eat, and to survive. I had heard many tales of the family not eating on days when money just wasn’t coming in. This is probably one of the main reasons that my mother fought so hard to keep me out of the family business, telling me things such as; I’d starve to death, never make it, etc. etc.
My acting background really just comes from being around performers my whole life and having a work ethic instilled by my grandfather. The big saying before a school performance and/or a talent show was “Don’t embarrass the family!” It was very much a George M Cohen, Yankee Doodle Dandy family thing :) In regards to acting school, I can’t honestly say that I ever really studied anywhere, maybe a 6-week course here or there and maybe 3 months at Stella’s Acting Conservatory while Benecio Del Toro and Mark Ruffalo were there.
2. Who has been your biggest influence as an actor?
My Grandfather. I mean really; to be a Mexican/American true entertainer in the 30’s and 40’s, not being able to read, the only known contestant to one up the greatest comedian at that time (Groucho Marx) on his own show in my Grandfather’s 2nd language, and then to become a contract player for the biggest star at that time (John Wayne). That’s not just the American dream, its the American lotto!!! I’ve learned a lot from him and I miss him dearly. I’ve also been blessed with many great mentors, like Samuel L. Jackson, who coincidentally was very instrumental in helping me get my grandfather his star on the Hollywood walk of fame.
3. You’ve had an extensive career in film and television ranging from “Freddy’s Nightmares”, “Menace II Society” to “Traffic” and “Capote”. What has been your favorite role to date?
That’s a tough one, being that I’m an actor that’s not typically known to take a money gig (which is probably why I’m agent less, or maybe I’m just difficult to work with? Not sure. :) I take roles mostly for their creative fulfillment. First, the roll, then Director, and talent attached. So all that said, I really love soo many of the roles that I’ve played. Some of them you have to go deep to those painful places and other times it’s just research for truths. They all end up being jobs that take up a lot of my time, and I love doing it. The down side being that often friends and family are neglected as a result and that makes me sad. To answer the question, I love most of the roles that I’ve been privileged to play for one reason or another. A better question may be which roles did I not like doing.
4. How do you prepare for a role?
I prepare every role with love and attention that one would give to a growing child, only this child usually grows to full blown adult with in a week to 2 months; if you’re so fortunate to have 2 months (Capote).
5. What aspects of that character did you identify with?
I try to find a little something to identify with in every character, that’s a great starting point. From there one can work out or in, depending on one’s process. Then there are those occasions where you really don’t relate too much. At that time one has to get uber creative so that it can be personal, I’m rambling now, I can go on and on about this stuff.
6. Tell us about your latest role as Step in Mike Judge’s “Extract”?
Step is an awesome creation by your honor Mike Judge and the cast is truly insane. For Step, I turned to memories of my hillbilly uncles and episodes of Gunsmoke. It’s really just a state of being instead of the typical 1-2 set up punch line humor. That is what’s so brilliant about your Honor. He gives you a slice of life.
7. What was it like working with director Mike Judge?
The Honorable Mike Judge is the Fucking Shit!! Talk about a humble caring guy!? It was sheer fun working Judge, Bateman, Kunis, J.K. Simmons, etc. Mike is really collaborative and is not a screamer. He works with his actors and loves the process; so you get to laugh a lot, both on and off set. He’s boss!
8. You’re also in “The Boondock Saints II” can you tell us a little about that?
Boondock Saints II, finally out in theaters is Apparition’s highest grossing film to date theatrically. They and Stage 6 at Sony really took care of this one, and thank God! The role of Romeo is very much based off the antics of Troy, the band, and me, gallivanting about town during the first phase of Boondock. I got to work with one my best friends and many of my other friends; Sean, Norman, Rocco, the insanely talented Billy Connolly, Bob Marley etc. It’s pretty sweet, and I’m really proud of Troy, this is his time man!
9. From an actors point of view, what’s the most important thing a director should bring to the set.
Be prepared and collaborative. Learn to identify a good idea when you hear it, regardless of where it comes from, you can’t make a movie by yourself! With a great informed crew by your side one can move mountains and I don’t mean the CGI kind!!
10. Any advice for aspiring actors?
It’s a bad time right now, so don’t do it, you’ll starve to death and you’ll never make it! Now for those of you reading this who are still not deterred, go out there and go after it!! If you love what you do, then you’ll never have to work, only play hard!! Make sure you know why you want to do it. Is it for the fame? Or is it because you genuinely like to tell stories and entertain? If it’s for the fame, one’s probably best off being a reality STAR, short-lived careers in general, but at least you’ll get what you want. If you love to entertain, you’ll be happy every time you leave an audition, if you’ve done the proper homework (studying at HOME and not 5 minutes before your meeting). There is not too many things that are so gratifying as rocking an audition after researching and preparing for days on end, when that bulls eye is hit and the people in the room are crying or laughing etc, you can’t help but smile all day!
11. When all is said and done, what would you like for people to remember about you?
How I’ve entertained them…that’d make me feel good.
12. Any future projects in the works? Give us the scoop!
The Experiment, The Perfect Game, and my new TV show SOUTHLAND. Also, keep your eyes peeled on some of the new music videos that I’ve been directing. Jamey Johnson’s HIGH COST OF LIVING song just got two Grammy nominations; and BETTY JEAN for The Soul Of John Black, which I’m hoping will get to have a sweet premiere for 1 week on Myspace before hitting the TV Channels here in the next week or two; definitely before the end of Jan. I would love to get your thoughts and support about it. Directing has become my new love, so I’m hoping to continue to entertain the same fan base that’s been so loyal over the years. Tack as a director?? It could happen!!! :D Thanks for your
time!
