Explore every episode of the podcast Darektor's Cut
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Episode 480 | "Quantum of Solace", "Narcos" and "Midnight Family" | Actor: Joaquín Cosío |
Episode 480 "Quantum of Solace", "Narcos" and "Midnight Family" Actor: Joaquín Cosío
Joaquín Cosío is one of the best actors on the planet. His work in Narcos alone is some of the best acting you will ever see on screen. It still gives me chills.
Joaquin Cosío was born in Nayarit, Mexico. His training as an actor began in 1983 and has continued growing and developing ever since. In 1994, Cosío wrote his first stage play, titled Tomochic: Or the day the world ended, which was awarded the National Literature Prize. Performing in over 50 plays and over 600 live performances, his stage career reached a new milestone in 1999 when he was hand selected to join the National Theater Company. This led Cosío to make the decision to move to Mexico City permanently and focus on becoming a full-time actor. He has been working non-stop ever since as one of Mexico's most respected actors of stage and screen.
He made his film debut in 2001 in the film The Blue Room and he has since participated in over 30 feature films and several shorts. Cosío played a multi-episode role in the HBO comedy Eastbound & Down. He played General Medrano, one of the main villains in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and acted alongside Benicio del Toro in Oliver Stone's gritty thriller, Savages. Cosío appeared in Robert Duvall's A Night in Old Mexico, and in Disney's 2013 filmThe Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.
He is absolutely unnerving and terrifying as Don Neto in Narcos. Role after Role he is truly a treasure on screen.
We talk about his newest role as Ramon in Apple TV+ "Midnight Family" dropping September 25th.
Episode 479 "Midnight Family", "Babylon" and "Saw X" Actors: Renata Vaca and Diego Calva
Renata Vaca is a very talented actress who was just terrific in Saw X. Diego Calva is also a phenomenal actor stealing the show in "Babylon" along side Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt and Tobey Maguire.
Both star in the intense and extremely watchable "Midnight Family" premiering September 25th on Apple TV.
Inspired by the award-winning documentary of the same name, “Midnight Family” follows Marigaby Tamayo, an ambitious and gifted medical student by day, who spends her nights saving lives throughout a sprawling, contrasted and fascinating Mexico City aboard her family’s privately owned ambulance. Along with her father Ramón and her siblings Marcus and Julito, Marigaby serves a population of millions by tackling extreme medical emergencies to make a living.
Two wonderful actors who I enjoyed speaking with. Great show.
Three time Emmy winning Cinematographer David Mullen stops by @mondaymorningcritic to talk about his career, projects and his journey.
M. DAVID MULLEN, ASC studied filmmaking and cinematography at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he received his Master’s Degree. Since then, he has photographed almost forty independent feature films, plus several television series and pilots.
He was nominated for the IFP Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography in 2000 for Twin Falls Idaho and again in 2004 for Northfork, both films by Michael and Mark Polish. He won the Dublin Film Critics Circle Award for Best Feature Cinematography in 2017 for The Love Witch.
In 2000, he photographed Jackpot, the first 24P HD feature to be released theatrically in North America.
In 2004, he became a member of the American Society of Cinematographers; in 2007, he joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Projects released theatrically in the past few years include The Love Witch (2016) and 90 Minutes in Heaven (2015). Recent television work includes The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Get Shorty, and the pilot episode of Designated Survivor.
Many of his features have played at major film festivals over the years. Twin Falls Idaho, Northfork, Two Brothers & A Bride, Assassination of a High School President, Manure, and Big Sur were shown at the Sundance Film Festival. Stay Cool played at the Tribeca Film Festival and Jennifer's Body at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Love Witch was shown in many festivals worldwide in 2016.
He also updated the classic textbook Cinematography with original author Kris Malkiewicz, and has written a number of articles about his own work for various filmmaking magazines.
You can currently find Jamie McGuire in the hit series "FROM" and MGM+ Original Series. Jamie plays "Smiley" an absolute fan favorite. Jamie and I talk about his character "Smiley", the mass appeal he has with the fans of "FROM", Jamie's love of Christmas and Christmas Movies, how he evolved from Background actor to an audience favorite and so much more. Enjoyed speaking with Jamie. I found him humble, kind and just a solid human being.
Welcome, Jamie McGuire.
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You can currently find actor Molly Dunsworth as Jasmine in "FROM". Molly's sister (Sarah) and father the legendary, John Dunsworth are actors in the hit show #trailerparkboys
Molly and I talk about her path as an actor, FROM and so much more. Great talk!
Welcome, Molly Dunsowrth.
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You can currently find Avery Konrad as "Sara" in the MGM+ hit, "From" Avery and I talk about her role in "From", her career and so much more.
Avery Konrad is an actress from British Columbia. From bringing characters to life in film and television to performing on stage, Avery Konrad is quickly becoming "one to watch" in the entertainment industry. This year, Konrad can be seen starring in Epix's contemporary sci-fi horror series, "FROM". The series unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town in middle America that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest - including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down. Konrad shines as Sara Myers, a true wild card among the town's residents: some think her mind was simply fractured by the residents of the town; others wonder if, in her madness, Sara is closer to the secrets of this place than anyone else. "FROM" premieres on February 20, 2022.
In film, Konrad is set to star in Paramount+ "Honor Society", alongside Angourie Rice (Mare of Eas*own), Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things, Prank Encounters), and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Super Bad, Kick-Ass). The film tells the story of Honor (Rice), a high school senior whose sole focus is getting into Harvard. Willing to do whatever it takes, Honor plans to take down her top three student competitors, until things take a turn when she unexpectedly falls for her biggest competition. "Honor Society" is slated to release in late 2022.
Additionally, Konrad was recently seen as Chance Sinclair, leading Amazon's horror-thriller, "Broil", opposite Timothy Murphy and Jonathan Lipnicki. The film premiered in fall 2020 and follows Chance after she is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather (Murphy). As she seeks to uncover the true origin of her eccentric grandfather's exorbitant wealth-and a mysterious familial health condition going back generations-she is caught between two warring factions of the family. Konrad was also seen portraying Roan Harper, sister to Juliette Lewis, in the acclaimed Facebook Watch series, "Sacred Lies: The Singing Bones". The series received rave reviews and was included in Paste Magazine's, "12 Best TV Shows on Facebook Watch". Additional credits include recurring roles in ABC's "The Good Doctor, Neelix's "Van Helsing", and CBC's "Unspeakable".
Born in Vancouver, Konrad was bit by the acting bug at a young age, when she took an intensive at the Vancouver Film School and performed her first monologue. The experience felt magical to her and that spark s[ll remains to this day. Konrad landed her first role as Gina Sarland in R.L Stein's "The Haunting Hour" series (2012) and has been working ever since.
Welcome, Avery Konrad.
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(Episode 381) "The Pursuit of Happyness" Actor: Brian Howe.
Episode 381. "The Pursuit of Happyness" Actor: Brian Howe.
The wonderful (and seriously underrated) Brian Howe (The Pursuit of Happyness, Catch Me If You Can, K-Pax) joins me to talk about his impeccable filmography, his New England Roots, Steven Spielberg, The Movie Loft and so much more. Brian is one of my favorite actors. He is a part of so many classic and iconic movies and shows.
Welcome the awesome Brian Howe.
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(Episode 380) "The Karate Kid" Director: Harald Zwart.
Episode 380. "The Karate Kid" Director: Harald Zwart.
Harald Zwart is a Norwegian director spending his time between directing movies in Hollywood and directing commercials and music videos. Known for movies such as Pink Panther, The Karate Kid and The 12th Man he is the first Norwegian to become a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA).
Born in the Netherlands but raised in Norway Harald was obsessed with filmmaking at an early age. Harald made his first films (cell and pappet animations on Super-8) when he only 8 years old and it was also as a child that he discovered his love for painting, illustration and playing multiple instruments.
Harald returned to Amsterdam to study at the Dutch Film Academy and before breaking into feature films cut his teeth as director on high-profile commercials for companies such as BMW and with music videos for A-Ha who still list him as a personal friend.
Welcome, Harald Zwart.
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(Episode 379) "John Wick 4" Cinematographer: Dan Laustsen.
Episode 379. "John Wick 4" Cinematographer: Dan Laustsen.
Dan joins to me (For a second time) to talk all things "John Wick 4". Keanu Reeves and what it was like to shoot one of the most gorgeous action movies ever made. Dan talks Keanu's kindness, Director Chad Stahelski's vision, those iconic scenes in Germany, France and Japan and so much more.
Welcome, Dan Laustsen.
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You can currently find Katherine in "Yellowstone" as Christina. I had a wonderful time speaking with Katie about family, acting, Star Wars, Yellowstone and so much more. Fun interview. Fun person.
Katherine Cunningham was born and raised in Elk Grove Village IL. As a child she joined her parents and siblings on stage, entertaining audiences in a variety of local theatrical productions. After studying acting and biology at Illinois State University she began an acting career in theatre. She has worked on various productions including but not limited to Picnic (Writers' Theatre), Honest (Steppenwolf Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and the world premier Big Lake Big City (Lookingglass Theatre) written by Keith Huff, directed by David Schwimmer.
She made her television debut in "Detroit 1-8-7" (ABC) where she played a black jack dealing confidant to a womanizing police officer. Other television credits include guest spots on "Shameless" (Showtime), "The Playboy Club" (NBC), "The Mob Doctor" (FOX), "Underemployed" (MTV), "Chicago Fire" (NBC) and "Mind Games"(ABC)
Welcome, Katherine Cunningham.
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(Episode 377) "The Butterfly Effect" Actor: June B. Wilde.
Episode 377. "The Butterfly Effect" Actor: June Wilde.
June B. Wilde was born in Vancouver and is an award winning performer who has been acting professionally for over 30 years. She always knew she wanted to act and when she was 8 years old she stood on stage in a play that required she throw a teddy bear in the air. Everyone laughed and June was hooked. After that she found any reason to be in front of people to entertain them including entering her school talent competition and pretending she knew how to play the piano. June went on to perform in all the school plays throughout her younger years. With over 95 Film & Television credits to her name and over 50 stage and live entertainment shows, June has been honored to work with amazing people like Colin Firth, Greg Kinnear, Michelle Monaghan, John Hamm and Minnie Driver. Her feature film credits include Blood, Corner Office, The Butterfly Effect, Good Luck Chuck and Hope Springs among others. She also appeared as Joan in Netflix’s hugely successful film To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and its sequels, To All The Boys: PS I Still Love You and To All the Boys: Always and Forever.
On the small screen June has had guest spots and recurring guest star roles in The CW’s “Batwoman”, “Riverdale”, “iZombie” and “Charmed”, CBS’ “Fire Country”, FOX’s “The Exorcist”, and UPN’s “The Twilight Zone”. Her most recent theatre credit includes Mental The Musical which toured in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver.
Welcome, June Wilde.
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(Episode 376) "More than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story." Civil Rights Activist: Guy Aoki.
Episode 376. "More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story" Civil Rights Activist: Guy Aoki.
You can find Guy in the wonderful documentary "More Than Miyagi The Pat Morita Story." A wonderful and sometimes heartbreaking story about the life of Pat Morita.
Guy shares his experiences dealing with television networks, movie studios and radio stations while pushing for more inclusion and sensitive portrayals of Asian Americans.
Welcome, Guy Aoki.
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(Episode 375) "Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid III" Actor: Sean Kanan (Mike Barnes).
Episode 375. "Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid III" Actor: Sean Kanan.
Sean Kanan is a long time actor, stand up comedian, author and motivational speaker. He is best known for his iconic role as "Mike Barnes" in The Karate Kid Universe. Sean and I cover a multitude of subjects including bullying, acting, The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai and so much more. Fun interview, good dude.
Welcome, Sean Kanan.
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Episode 469 | "Sugar" | Cinematographer: Richard Rutkowski.
Episode 469 "Sugar" Cinematographer: Richard Rutkowski.
An active cinematographer whose work encompasses indie features, documentary, commercials, and major streaming productions, Richard is based in New York and also works extensively overseas. His photography on the first seasons of FX’s Cold War spy drama The Americans drew widespread critical acclaim. Likewise his camerawork on the wartime drama Manhattan, set in Los Alamos during the top secret creation of the atom bomb, earned glowing mentions and two ASC Award Nominations for Best Cinematography. Recent projects include Apple’s Sugar, starring Colin Farrell and James Cromwell, and the WW II epic Masters of the Air, produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Additional credits include the pilot and three seasons of Amazon’s international action hit Jack Ryan, USA Network’s surrealist drama Falling Water, produced by Gale Ann Hurd, and Hulu’s Castle Rock for producers Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason. Most recently Richard filmed the pilot block of The Hunting Wives, a new series produced by Lionsgate for the Starz Network.
Growing up in Provincetown, Massachusetts; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Water Mill, New York - disparate locations that traced the career of his late father, landscape painter Casimir Rutkowski - Richard developed an appreciation of context, diversity, and the examined details of individual environments. His early ambition was to become an architect.
While attending Harvard College, Richard began making 16mm short films mixing live action, stop animation, and electronic sound composition. One such project was Sunshine Superman, created with the artist Christopher Knowles and screened in festivals and in art gallery exhibition ever since. While working as first assistant to extraordinary cinematographers such as Ed Lachman ASC; Eric Edwards; David Stockton ASC; and the late Freddie Francis BSC, Rutkowski continued lensing short films and indie features for emerging directors. After earning a Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance for Kevin Asher Green's minimalist mini-DV film Homework, Rutkowski shot director Neil Burger’s debut feature, Interview with the Assassin, nominated for Independent Spirit Awards in Best First Feature and Best Cinematography categories.
Working with a legendary mentor, theater maestro Robert Wilson, over 20 years led to Richard filming the artist's initial HD Video Portraits. Meticulously staged, slow-moving images of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Winona Ryder, Brad Pitt, Steve Buscemi, and Robert Downey Jr. sparked a growing collection that has been exhibited internationally ever since. Over a three year period Rutkowski produced, shot and directed The Space in Back of You in homage to Japanese dancer Suzushi Hanayagi, a mesmerizing, eclectic talent whose approach to stage movement deeply influenced Wilson and other avant-guard luminaries. This film premiered at New York’s Lincoln Center and has screened on Arte Channel, the Baryshnikov Center for Dance, and at the Pompidou Center in Paris. Filming groups of workers and individual laborers in painterly long takes, Richard collaborated with artist Sharon Lockhart on Double Tide, Lunchbreak and Exit, projects since screened at MoMA in New York, LA’s Hammer Museum and other major gallery and museum installations over the last twelve years.
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(Episode 374) "Rabbit Hole" (Charles Dance, "Game of Thrones" and Cast)
Episode 374. "Rabbit Hole" Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Meta Golding (Empire) and a great cast join me to talk about a wonderful new show on Paramount+.
In RABBIT HOLE, John Weir (Sutherland), a master of deception in the world of corporate espionage, is framed for murder by powerful forces who have the ability to influence and control populations.
In addition to Sutherland, RABBIT HOLE features a dynamic cast including Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”) as Dr. Ben Wilson, Meta Golding (“Empire”) as Hailey Winton, Enid Graham (“Mare of Easttown”) as Josephine “Jo” Madi, Rob Yang (“Succession”) as Edward Homm, Walt Klink (“The English”) as The Intern and Jason Butler Harner (“Ozark”) as Valence.
Sutherland serves as executive producer for RABBIT HOLE, alongside writer-directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (“This Is Us,” “WeCrashed”), Charlie Gogolak (“The Sinner,” “WeCrashed”), Suzan Bymel (“Designated Survivor”) and Hunt Baldwin (“Longmire,” “The Closer”).
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(Episode 373) "Creed III" Movie Composer: Joe Shirley.
Composer Joseph Shirley recently scored Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut Creed III; and season 3 of Disney+’s The Mandalorian.
Upcoming projects include producing music for DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, Trolls 3. Notable credits include Paul Feig’s Netflix feature film The School of Good and Evil; Disney+’s hit series The Book of Boba Fett, created by Jon Favreau; and Netflix’s Jackass Forever documentary, directed by Jeff Tremaine. His music can also be heard on Amazon Studios’ animated series Fairfax; Disney+’s The Mysterious Benedict Society, which he co-composed with Theodore Shapiro; and he has also co-written/co-produced the single "It's All Love" from DreamWorks Animation film Trolls 2: World Tour.
Welcome, Joe Shirley.
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(Episode 372) "Yellowstone" Actor: Mo Brings Plenty.
Episode 372 "Yellowstone" Actor: Mo Brings Plenty.
Mo play's Thomas Rainwater's confidant, advisor, enforcer and friend in Yellowstone.
Yellowstone Actor Mo Brings Plenty and I sit down and cover a variety of topics from the show, to Mo's life, Taylor Sheridan and just about everything in between. Absolutely wonderful interview. Not only one of my favorite actors, but now one of my favorite people. Mo is easy to cheer for, you will see that immediately.
Welcome, Mo Brings Plenty.
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Born in Indianapolis Marc Summers was a magician, stand-up comedian, writer and eventually host. Marc is known by millions as the host of "Double Dare" on Nickelodeon (1986-1994).
Marc has started a podcast called "Marc Summers Unwraps" which is now available on iTunes and wherever podcasts are found. Marc and I talk his battles with cancer, his near death car accident, that memorable "Tonight Show" appearance with Burt Reynolds and so much more.
Join us for a walk down memory lane.
Welcome, Marc Summers!
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(Episode 370) "Stand By Me" Actor: Andy Lindberg. (David 'Lard-Ass' Hogan).
Andy Lindberg is a very talented actor who played David 'Lard-Ass' Hogan in the iconic "Stand By Me". We talk about Andy's career, fatherhood, his experiences in and around "Stand By Me" and so much more.
Episode 368. "Mayor of Kingstown" Actor: Hamish Allan-Headley.
Absolutely loved my conversation with Hamish. He is a highly trained actor who you can currently find on "Mayor of Kingstown" as SWAT leader, enforcer and badass Robert Sawyer.
We talk about the training in Hamish's career, how fantastic the content is on Paramount, Jeremy Renner, we dissect his character Robert Sawyer, talk some Taylor Sheridan, the cast of "Mayor of Kingstown" and the current happenings of "Mayor of Kingstown" we did a lot in 30 minutes!
Welcome the very kind and talented, Hamish Allan-Headley.
Episode 267 "Rain Man" Cinematographer: John Seale.
John Seale has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards for best cinematography. These included "Rain Man", "Mad Max: Fury Road", "Cold Mountain", "Witness" and winning for "The English Patient." Some of John's other works include "Dead Poet's Society", "The Firm", "The Talented Mr. Ripley", "The Perfect Storm", "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and so many more. Using the work "Iconic" would be very appropriate in this interview.
John and I talk about some of his classic works, people he's met along the way and John shares some wonderful stories. Just a marvelous interview.
Wonderful conversation with "Cobra Kai" actor Gianni DeCenzo. Gianni is a solid human being, wonderful actor and just loads of fun to converse with. We touch on a variety of topics that are all things Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid, Demetri, Hawk, The immense sadness of series ending Season 6 and so much more. Really loved this interview and looking forward to having Gianni back.
Welcome, Gianni DeCenzo!
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Radha Mitchell is an Australian born actor known for her iconic roles. These roles include "Man on Fire", "Pitch Black", "Finding Neverland", "Silent Hill" and so many more. Radha took some time with me to talk movies, Dakota Fanning, Craig Ferguson and her wonderful career.
Welcome, Radha Mitchell.
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Episode 468. "A Tribe Called Quest" Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
DJ/Producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad is a hip-hop icon. As one-third of legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, his influence and impact on the musical landscape is still felt today.
In April of 2024, "A Tribe Called Quest" was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The soft-spoken and contemplative Brooklyn native began a life of music at an early age, spending years DJing parties in his Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood before co-founding Tribe in 1985. The group’s socially conscious lyrics and unique production style is as innovative today as it was two decades ago.
Muhammad carried that classic sound into the production unit The Ummah with Jay Dilla and Q-Tip, and continued working with artists including Faith Evans, Mos Def, and D’Angelo. In 1999, he co-founded the Grammy nominated all-star trio Lucy Pearl with Dawn Robinson, formerly of En Vogue, and Raphael Saadiq, of Tony! Toni! Toné!
After Lucy Pearl, Muhammad focused his attention on his production company and developing new talent. In 2004, he released the very personal and adventurous solo debut LP Shaheedulah and Stereotypes, featuring some of his new proteges. Working on material for a follow-up, Muhammad set up a studio with Martin “Doc” McKinney of Esthero and Weeknd fame, and continued writing and collaborating with other artists as well.
In 2017, Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) formed the band, The Midnight Hour. In addition to musical releases and touring, they’ve teamed to score a myriad of television and film projects: Marvel’s Luke Cage (Netflix), Raising Kanan (Starz), The Equalizer (CBS), Reasonable Doubt (Hulu), Run This Town (2019), Washington Black (2023), Boogie (2021), and Bitchin’, The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021).
In 2019, Younge, Muhammad, Andrew Lojero and Adam Block created Jazz Is Dead (JID): a multimedia company specializing in the production of live concerts, studio albums, television and film. JID concerts have earned an ever-growing fanbase through national and international tours. Under the label, Younge and Muhammad have produced albums with their musical heroes including luminaires such as Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Gary Bartz, Jean Carne, João Donato and Marcos Valle.
You can currently find Lori Dungey in "M3GAN" as Celia.
Lori is a wonderful actor who has also been in "The Lord of the Rings" and "Power Rangers Ninja Steel" She is Canadian born and now lives in New Zealand. She is a life long actor with a strong acting background.
Lori and I breakdown M3GAN, talk The Lord of the Rings, and so much more. A fun conversation with a fun person.
Welcome, Lori Dungey!
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Episode 363 "The Handmaid's Tale" Actor: Kelly Jenrette.
Kelly Jenrette is a Emmy Nominated actor who has been in such projects as All American: Homecoming, This is Us and The Handmaid's Tale. Kelly and I talk about her journey, difficulties along the way and her perspective moving forward.
Episode 362. "Wolf Pack" Actor: Tyler Lawrence Gray.
Tyler Gray is a Massachusetts born actor who currently stars as Harlan Briggs in Paramount+'s "Wolf Pack". Tyler and I have a wonderful conversation about acting, movies, taking risks, Good Will Hunting, living outside the comfort zone and so much more.
Enjoyed chatting with Tyler. Bright future here.
Welcome, Tyler Gray.
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Prolific voiceover actor (Star Wars, Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto) Jen Cohn joins me to discuss her career, life, the impact of Comic Cons, her work with her husband director and writer Robert Siegel (The Wrestler, Big Fan, Pam and Tommy) and so much more.
Jen is very positive has an infectious personality and is truly a jack of all trades.
Welcome, Jen Cohn.
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Fresh off her Academy Award nomination (Women Talking) for Best Picture earlier in the day, Michelle McLeod joins me to talk about her Academy Award nominated film, movie night at her house as she was growing up, her love for acting, working with Sarah Polley and an all star cast and so much more. A great conversation with a marvelous actor.
Episode 359. "Christmas Vacation" Actor: Nicholas Guest.
Nicholas Guest was born in New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989), Trading Places (1983,) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) and Son of Anarchy (2008).
Nicholas and I talk about the phenomena that is Christmas Vacation, why it's the best Christmas movie by a mile, a top 5 overall comedy, why the Griswold's are TERRIBLE neighbors, the fact that Margo and Todd are THE most quotable characters in the movie and we talk about Nick's role in "Trading Places" with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykyrod.
Episode 358 "Citizen X" Director and Actor: Chris Gerolmo.
7-time Academy Award nominated writer of Mississippi Burning Chris Gerolmo wrote Mississippi Burning which was nominated for 7 Academy Awards. He wrote and directed Citizen X for HBO, which was nominated for 7 Emmys. In 2005, he created Over There about the war in Iraq with Steven Bochco. He directed the pilot & wrote much of the series. He also wrote and sang the title song, which was nominated for an Emmy for Best Main Title Theme. Since then, he has released three albums and two EPs. He’s also written a book about the loss of his wife to cancer called Death for Beginners, published by Patcheny Press. He lives in Brentwood with his three children.
Chris and I touch on a variety of subjects including Citizen X, meeting the most notorious serial killer in history, Mississippi Burning, Angry Director Alan Parker, Gene Hackman, writing and so much more. Smart, kind and talented man.
Lovely speaking with Harry Turner who is featured in the Prime Video "Wildcat" After returning from Afghanistan with severe depression and PTSD, Harry Turner went to the Peruvian Amazon to end his life. There, he met conservationist and scientist Samantha Zwicker, and through their work together raising orphaned wildlife he is finding a reason to live. Wildcat takes viewers to the remote Las Piedras River to witness how two orphaned ocelots and the solitude of the rainforest help a young man and young woman with traumatic pasts. This feature-length documentary is an intimate, character-driven story about the impact of wild places on us - and our impact on them.
Harry and I touch on a variety of topics including PTSD, depression, animal rights, Harry's projects and the wonderful documentary "Wildcat"
The acting career of Rudy Ramos has covered seven decades and started with an appearance on the television show Ironside in 1969. Six months later he was cast as a series regular in the part of Wind, the volatile half-breed Indian boy in the legendary television western The High Chaparral. Since then he has done over 80 guest shots on episodic television. Mr. Ramos has done numerous movies for television including Helter Skelter, The Rescue of Jessica McClure and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Movie.
Currently he is co-starring in a recurring role as Felix Long in the hit television series Yellowstone starring Kevin Costner. Feature film credits include The Enforcer, The Driver, Defiance, Quicksilver, Beverly Hills Cop II and Colors to name a few. The stage has been a big part of Mr. Ramos' life with appearances in the Los Angeles area at the Mark Taper Forum, Taper Too, The Met, Matrix Theater, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Nosotros Theatre and Whitefire Theatre. As a member of the Los Angeles Actors Theatre he performed in the award winning hit show Short Eyes by Miguel Pinero playing the part of Cupcakes. The ensemble was nominated for Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Ensemble in 1977.
Welcome, Rudy Ramos!
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(Episode 355) "Inception" Actor: Dileep Rao. (Yusuf, The Chemist).
Episode 355. "Inception" and "Avatar" Actor: Dileep Rao.
Dileep Rao is an actor, a Jeopardy Champion (January 2002) and just a really good human being.
You can find him in "Drag Me to Hell", "Avatar", "Avatar" The Way of Water" (currently in theaters) and as Yusuf, The Chemist in Christopher Nolan's "Inception" starring along Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.
We had a wonderful conversation talking about:
1. The process of Christopher Nolan and James Cameron. How they vary in their approach.
2. We talk a bit about his beloved Denver Broncos.
3. Dileep's experience as a Jeopardy Champion.
4. Toxic fan bases (Star Wars, Marvel, DC) and how far is too far.
5. What it was like to be in an iconic cast (Inception) AND on a movie poster to boot!
This and so much more. Truly hope you enjoy this interview. I certainly did. Very enjoyable conversation. Dileep is a really talented, bright and a thought out person.
Episode 467 "Sweet Tooth" Actors: Christian Convery and Nonso Anozie.
Christian Convery (Gus) joins me for a second time and Nonso Anozie also (Thomas) joins me to talk about the third and final Season of Sweet Tooth. They talk about what they will miss in the final season, the influence they've had on each other and Nonso's mentorship throughout the course of the show. Nonso talks about not having a father present in his life growing up, which makes his portrayl of Thomas that much more special. They share some honest thoughts and I really enjoyed speaking with them both.
Dallas Dupree Young is an immensely talented actor known for "Ready Player One", "1-800-Hot Nite" and as Kenny Payne in "Cobra Kai"
As someone who has loved the Karate Kid since 1984, Kenny Payne is my favorite of the new generation characters. His storyline, his depth and what Dallas brings to the screen is nothing short of amazing. Walking a path very similar to Daniel LaRusso, Kenny's storyline is fantastic.
A few topics Dallas and I touch upon:
1. Dallas's father is Eric Young Sr. a former 15 year Major League baseball player and current First Base Coach of the Atlanta Braves.
2. What it's like for Dallas to go to school, trying to be a normal kid living with Cobra Kai fame.
3. Why Kenny Payne should be the next Karate Kid.
4. Why Kenny Payne should never let up on Anthony LaRusso. Ever.
5. My theory that Samantha and Anthony LaRusso are two of the biggest bullies in Cobra Kai and considering who their dad is this is ironic.
This and so much more. I loved speaking with Dallas. It has been a conversation I have been looking forward to for a long time.
Episode 353. "Resistance: 1942" Directors: Matthew Hill and Landon Johnson.
Matthew and Landon come on to talk about their newest project. Caught behind enemy lines, a small group of dissident survivors struggle to remain hidden from the Nazis as they use a radio to broadcast a message of hope.
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(Episode 352) "Devotion" Film Composer: Chandra Dancy.
Episode 352. "Devotion" Film Composer: Chanda Dancy.
Native Texan, Chanda Dancy, started composing orchestral works at the age of 12. She has been described as a “phenomenal composer” and “quickly gaining recognition as a foremost black American contemporary composer.”
There are many who believe (myself included) that Chanda could earn an Oscar Nomination for her beautiful score in "Devotion". Should this be the case, she would become the first black female to be nominated for an original film score...ever.
An alumnus of the USC Film Scoring Program, and the Sundance Composers Lab, Chanda Dancy is both an accomplished film and television composer with over 18 years of experience and an emerging classical concert composer. Arts Boston named her one of “10 Contemporary Black Composers You Should Know”. She is known for her work on the Sundance award winning documentary “Aftershock” (Disney/Onyx Collective), the hit Netflix TV Original “The Defeated” starring Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights), the Korean War era epic “Devotion” starring Jonathan Majors (Da 5 Bloods, Loki) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), and the Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, directed by Kasi Lemmons.
Welcome, Chanda Dancy.
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Denim Richards is an immensely talented actor who you can currently find (series regular) in Season 5 of Yellowstone as Colby Mayfield. I found Denim to be refreshingly honest, humble and genuine. I really loved this conversation. Its always refreshing when the human being is as wonderful as the actor. That is certainly the case here.
We touch on a variety of topics including:
1. A tweet from 2020 that has aged REALLY well. 2. Who is Colby Mayfield? 3. How much Colby and Denim have evolved since the start of Yellowstone. 4. Is Walker right? Is being in the Bunkhouse like a prison? 5. The similarities between John Dutton and Tony Soprano. 6. What has Denim learned from Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan? 7. Who is more ruthless, Rip or Beth? 8. Kevin Costner is the new Clint Eastwood. 9. Are memories made off camera as important as the ones that happen on camera? 10. Denim's short film, "The Zoo"
Welcome, Denim Richards.
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Yvonne returned as a series regular for season 3 of The CW’s hit series “Kung Fu” as the cunning assassin Zhilan. She will also recur on season 2 of Global TV’s “Family Law” which will premiere in 2023. Season 1 was recently acquired by The CW and began airing on October 2nd in the US. Previously audiences have seen Yvonne in The CW’s “The 100”, ABC’s “The Crossing” and as a series regular in CBC’s “Street Legal”; a reboot of the hit television series from the 80’s. She will also be seen as Avatar Kyoshi, a legendary warrior revered for her bravery, in the upcoming hugely anticipated live-action adaptation series for Netflix “Avatar: The Last Airbender”. The series is one of Netflix’s most expensive shows reportedly costing $15 million per episode. The series recently wrapped filming and is potentially slated for release in 2023.
Yvonne and I talk about the great Tzi Ma, her love of food, her journey from finance to acting and so much more.
Episode 249 "Miracle" Cinematographer: Dan Stoloff.
Dan Stoloff's unique eye and timeless frames have made him a well-known talent in the world of television and film cinematography. Amongst his many credits are F/X’s multiple Emmy Award winning spy series, “The Americans,” set during the Cold War starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys; and USA’s People’s Choice Award-nominated dramedy, “Suits”.
A masterful visual storyteller, Stoloff’s expertise spans across a wide variety of genres in both television and film. Beyond his work on “The Americans” and “Suits,” he recently shot “Amazing Stories” for Apple TV, the “Julia” pilot for HBOMax, as well as two seasons of “The Boys” for Amazon Prime. He shot several episodes of showtime”s “Ray Donovan” as well as “Jack Ryan”. Most recently he shot “The Patient”, a drama for Fx/Hulu starring Steve Carell. Other television credits include USA’s “Fairly Legal,”, TNT’s “Memphis Beat”
Stoloff’s feature work includes Disney’s Miracle, starring Kurt Russell, Greene Street Films’ Wedding Daze, starring Jason Biggs, and many more. In addition to film and television, Stoloff has an impressive cinematography career in commercials and fashion including Victoria’s Secret Valentine’s Day, Ralph Lauren Spring Collection 2011, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Promo, INC/Macy’s, Sierra Club, Macy’s Martha Stewart, DKNY Femme and Nine West.
Orli Gottesman is a talented actor who was born in and resides in Florida. I had a chance to sit down and talk to Orli about what it's like being 16 years old balancing a "normal" life in High School and being on set as a new cast member of the smash hit "Yellowstone" in the role of Halie, a confident, fun and outgoing girl who gravitates toward Carter.
Orli and I also talk her passion for acting, at times auditioning for the same roles as her sister (Arielle), the ageless Kevin Costner, being fearless on camera, the power behind horse movies and so much more.
I really enjoyed this interview. She is a super talented actor who we are going to see much more of.
Judd Hirsch is an Academy Award nominated actor (Ordinary People), Tony Award Winner, Two Time Emmy Winner (Taxi) and he's been in some of the most iconic movies to ever hit the big screen including "Independence Day", "A Beautiful Mind" and the upcoming "The Fablemans" directed by Steven Spielberg. Judd plays "Uncle Boris" and there are already whispers of an Academy Award nomination for his amazing performance and talk that creates one of the most memorable scenes in movie history.
Judd and I talk:
1. Working for Steven Spielberg. 2. His work in the World War 2 drama "1942: The Resistance" 3. Why Independence Day works so well. 4. Russell Crowe and "A Beautiful Mind" 5. Steven Spielberg getting very emotional in "The Fabelmans", which is a story about his own life and the people in it.
Lovely discussion with a legend. I love this interview.
Episode 346. "Kenobi" Actor: Grant Feely. (Luke Skywalker)
You can currently find Grant Feely in "Kenobi" on Disney+ as the iconic Luke Skywalker. At only 11 years old, Grant has firmly established himself in the Star Wars universe. He is also the youngest guest in Monday Morning Critic history!
Grant and I touch on a variety of subjects including:
1. Rhode Island Comic Con 2. His Mom's cooking. 3. What it was like working with Ewan McGregor and Joel Edgerton. 4. What he learned about himself in the two years since he filmed "Kenobi" 5. What it was like to get Mark Hamill's seal of approval.
Philip Klein's music has been heard in film and television projects for Sony, Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, ABC and CBS. Recent projects include Sony Animation's "Wish Dragon", “The Last Full Measure” and Neon's "Pig". He also penned 18 new orchestral arrangements for Aerosmith’s Las Vegas residency, “Deuces Are Wild.” As an additional writer, Philip has collaborated with some of the finest composers working in film and TV, including Harry Gregson-Williams, Carter Burwell, Alex Heffes and Fil Eisler. He is also in demand as an orchestrator, having had the honor of working with James Newton Howard, Alexandre Desplat, Ludwig Göransson, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Steve Jablonsky, David Buckley, Stewart Copeland and several other amazing artists. Recent orchestration credits include the Oscar winning "Joker", Oscar nominated "News of the World" and Disney's "The Mandalorian".
Philip studied trumpet performance and composition at Northwestern University. In 2011 he was selected as one of six fellows for the Sundance Institute’s Film Composing Lab. Philip is infinitely indebted to his mentors: Harry Gregson-Williams, Alan Silvestri, Penka Kouneva and Peter Golub.
In a recent interview, I had the chance to speak to the very talented Tom Blyth.
Tom and I talk "Billy the Kid", Tom and Billy both having UK roots, Billy the Kid is much deeper than meets the eye, how Tom would end the show and the temptation for a Shawshank Redemption ending.
Tom Keir Blyth is an English actor. His films include Scott and Sid (2018), Benediction (2021), The Hunger Games, Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023). He stars as the titular character of the MGM+ series Billy the Kid (2022) and a supporting role in the HBO series The Gilded Age (2022). Blyth was born in Birmingham and grew up in Woodthorpe, a suburb of Nottingham. He is the son of soap opera producer Gavin Blyth, who passed away when he was 14. Blyth attended Arnold Hill Academy and Bilborough College. His mother Charlotte, a careers counselor, signed him up for drama classes at the Television Workshop. He also joined the National Youth Theatre. He went on to train at the Juilliard School in New York City, as had been his dream, graduating in 2020.
Petr Jákl was born on September 14th 1973 in the Czech Republic and got a master degree at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the Charles University in Prague. From his childhood Petr devoted himself to sports and he became the Champion of the Czech Republic in judo 10 times. His sport career culminated during the Olympic games in Sydney in 2000, where he was representing the Czech Republic. Since 1992 he is also active in film industry. He started as an actor and a stuntman in Czech movies and later he was casted into many big Hollywood productions. Shooting with directors Luc Besson (Joan of Arc) and Rob Cohen (xXx) were important turning points in his film career, as they both helped Petr to develop his acting career further. Later on Petr started producing, writing and directing. After his debut thriller Kajínek, which was the highest grossing Czech thriller in the history, he directed a horror movie Ghoul, which was the highest grossing horror in the Czech history. In 2022 his film Medieval with Michael Caine and Ben Foster was distributed worldwide.
Welcome, Petr Jákl.
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(Episode 343) "My Cousin Vinny" Actor: Mitchell Whitfield.
Episode 343. "My Cousin Vinny" Actor: Mitchell Whitfield.
You can meet Mitchell Whitfield November 4th-6th at Rhode Island Comic Con (RICC).
Known for his iconic performance as Stan Rothenstein, Mitchell Whitfield has done some amazing work He is a 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry, whose career has spanned Broadway, Film, Television and Radio. Mitchell began his career on the New York stage, starring as Eugene in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues. Mitchell then made his screen debut with a supporting role in the Jeremy Irons film, Reversal of Fortune, and six months later was cast opposite River Phoenix and Lilly Taylor in the Warner Bros. feature Dogfight. Next up was Mitchell’s role in My Cousin Vinny, playing opposite Ralph Macchio as his neurotic sidekick, Stan Rothenstein. Other credits include a lead roles in Best Men, Amy’s O , I Love You, Don’t Touch Me! and Lost and Found, as well as supporting roles in numerous others, including Sgt. Bilko. Among Mitchell’s many television credits are series-regular roles in the NBC series Minor Adjustments and Head Over Heels, as well as numerous guest appearances, including his iconic role on Friends as Rachel’s infamous ex-fiancé, Barry the Orthodontist.
In addition to Mitchell’s years in front of the camera, he’s also spent the last three decades behind the mic as one of the industry’s top voiceover artists. He can currently be heard as Demi on Vampirina, as well as the voice of Humpty Dumpty on Goldie and Bear on Disney Junior; for four seasons he was the voice of Fixit on Transformers: Robots in Disguise on Cartoon Network, and also voiced the role of Donatello in the 2007 hit animated feature TMNT—making him one of the few people in Hollywood lucky enough to have been both a Ninja Turtle AND an Autobot. Mitchell has been heard in recurring roles on Legend of Korra, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First and WINX Club, and also voiced the role of Phobos on the hit Disney series W.I.T.C.H. Additional credits include 2006’s Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms, as well as Green lantern: Emerald Knights. Mitchell can also be heard every week on SiriusXM co-hosting YourTechReport with Marc Aflalo.
Episode 342 "Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story" Actor: Furly Mac.
Furly Mac is a very talented actor who has been in such projects as "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" and you can currently find him on Netflix in what is perhaps the most talked about show of the Fall, "Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story." Furly portrays Christopher Scarver who ultimately murdered Jeffery Dahmer and Jesse Anderson in prison.
Furly and I touch on a variety of subjects. His journey from dropping out of high school to being on the screen in front of millions is amazing. From messages in Lee Daniels inbox, His admiration for John Amos and Bernie Mac to his work as an activist.