Read our exclusive interview with actor Greg Ellis, who reprises his role of Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves in the upcoming installment of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series, ‘On Stranger Tides.’ Being helmed by new director to the fantasy-action series, Rob Marshall, the film will be released in 3D on May 20, 2011. ‘On Stranger Tides’ follows new character Angelica (played by Penelope Cruz), who is determined to race against Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Ellis discusses with us, among other things, why he wanted to play Theodore Groves again and why the fountain is so appalling.
Shockya (SY): You’re next set to star in the upcoming fourth installment of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series, ‘On Stranger Tides.’ What was it about the script that made you want to reprise your role of Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves?
Greg Ellis (GE): It has a compelling simplicity and clear narrative that reminded me of the first ‘Pirates’ movie.
SY: You first portrayed the Lieutenant in the original ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie, ‘Curse of the Black Pearl.’ Why has his presence been so important to the series?
GE: I’m not sure it has! You’d have to ask the fans that question.
SY: The plot of ‘On Stranger Tides’ follows Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa as they search for the mysterious Fountain of Youth. What is it about the fountain that makes it appealing to everyone around the world, including Jack Sparrow?
GE: Eternal youth. Doesn’t everyone want to stay young forever?
SY: Besides your movie career, you’ve also made a name for yourself on television, appearing on such series as ‘The Boondocks,’ ‘Trust Me,’ ’24,’ and most recently, ‘Gigantic.’ How is acting in movies different than acting on television series, and do you prefer one medium over the other?
GE: I like them both. TV moves at a much quicker pace and you get to switch gears more quickly. Movies are slower paced and more of an ensemble experience, which is enjoyable.
SY: One of your upcoming projects is the action web series ‘The Confession,’ which is set to premiere on Hulu in March 2011. Who do you portray in the series, and what is it about?
GE: Each episode of ‘The Confession’ will be five to seven minutes long, and the plot centers on a hit-man confessing his sins to a priest on a snowy Christmas Eve. The story features flashbacks as the hit-man tells the priest why he came to visit him, climaxing with a twist.
SY: Besides acting, you are also a singer-songwriter. Where do you get the inspirations for your songs?
GE: Melody first. That inspires a lyric, for me at least.
SY: Do you have plans to release an album anytime soon?
GE: No. I simply don’t have the time to record an album’s worth of material. I do love getting in the studio and recording though. It’s where I feel the most alive.
SY: One of your hobbies is participating in triathlons that benefit different charities, including the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Why do you feel it’s important for everyone to become involved with charities?
GE: I like to take part in triathlons because it enables me to fundraise, physically challenge myself and meet people less fortunate than myself who for the most part have an amazing outlook on life. It puts things in perspective. I just agreed to take part in the Miami Beach triathlon in aid of St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital in April.
Written by: Karen Benardello
