How did you get the role on Passions?
I auditioned in New York and several weeks later got the call that they wanted me to fly to Los Angeles to screen-test. And then, four or five days later, I found out I got it. I had to move in two days!
What was your first day at Passions like?
It was very testosterone-driven. I had three fight scenes! For me, that was a good thing because I didn't have time to think. I literally had to physically jump right in.
What was it like being the new kid on the block?
It's been cool because everybody's been really nice-the production people and the cast. Everyone's been warm and inviting and open.
How did you get started acting?
I went to the Conservatory at Boston University. They have a classical training program for acting. I did my first play during my sophomore year-a three-person play, so I had one third of the play to carry. I've done a lot of regional theater and a couple of feature films. I did GI Jane with Demi Moore, which was directed by Ridley Scott. I also did a film called Low Life. I got inspired to act when I was in high school, during my first high school play my freshman year. That's when I was like, wow-I really like this.
What are your initial impressions of the character of Chad?
What I hope happens with this character is that it will become a collaboration with the writers. Obviously, the writers have a vision for the character, but I'd like to think that they'll eventually incorporate what I've brought to him. As for my initial impressions of Chad-he's angry! On the surface I understand why he's angry, but there's a lot more to him that I don't know. I'm excited to discover more about him.
What's it been like adjusting to the pace of daytime?
That's been a challenge. I come from primarily a theater training. In theater, you've got four weeks to polish your character and even after the show opens, you're continually trying to get things better. In soaps, the producers try to get it in the first take-that's their goal and it should be yours too. I want to get to the point where I'm not worried about lines or blocking and can just really be in the moment.
Did you watch soaps before you got the job?
Actually, I watched the NBC soaps. When I was a kid, I had a babysitter who wouldn't let me watch my cartoons until she saw all the soaps! I would sit there begrudgingly while she watched, but then I started getting hooked.
If you couldn't be an actor what would you be?
A rock star, definitely. I play guitar. I'd love to get up in an arena and rock. I also write and would eventually like to turn that into a professional thing as well.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I want to be artistically independent-in that I'll be able to make decisions about my career and not have obstacles in the way. I want to be doing a lot of films. I see myself as an accomplished dramatic actor, someone like Samuel L. Jackson, whom I admire very much and actually had the chance to meet.
How did you get to meet Samuel L. Jackson?
He spoke at the actor panel at the Urban World Film Festival in NY. Afterwards, I told him I was in a dilemma because I was up for a soap, but there was also a chance that a play I was doing might go to Broadway. I didn't know if I should take a chance that the play would go to Broadway because I've always dreamed of working on Broadway. Samuel said to me, "Man, you gotta get out there and do that soap. You have to make that money, because you can always do Broadway." So, I'm here because of Samuel L. Jackson!
If you had to write your autobiography tomorrow, what would you call it?
Either Burning the Candle at Both Ends or Work Hard, Play Hard, because that's been my life philosophy. Ever since college, I believe in doing things to the fullest. Working hard, and at the same time enjoying life.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Ambitious, talented, and fun.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Crazy or wild, energetic, and cool. For some reason, my friends get this impression of me that I'm this cool "mac daddy" kind of guy and I'm like where are they getting this?
If you had a one wish, what would it be?
To be a rock star and just tour around for a year playing good 'ol American music!
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