Member Since: 2025
What has been your favorite role?
Playing a small role in Reminders of Him was a positive and surreal experience! Getting to act with Maika Monroe was such a delight, because she made my job easy. Vanessa Caswill is such a terrific director who made it feel like we were playing jazz with the scene that allowed for play and discovery each and every take.
What do you do when you are not performing?
I feel like I spend half my time cooking some kind of meat while watching/listening to a podcast/movie, usually while running lines. But, if I’m not acting, there’s a good chance I’m completely consumed in some sort of creative endeavor one way or another; whether it’s writing, directing, coaching, painting, planting, playing, or building, I’m always engaged in something interesting. I also really enjoy learning about esoteric subjects that help me to understand more deeply about the nature of reality and the anatomy of the soul.
What activity are you involved with or passionate about that people would find interesting?
I love coaching other actors for their self tapes. I’ve built a wicked awesome self tape studio in my home which has organically snowballed into a fun little side project over the last year. This has been incredibly fulfilling for me, because I care very deeply about being of service to my community here in Calgary and Alberta, which has given me so much these last few years.
I am also currently directing a play for the first time at the Urban Stories One Act Play Festival in Calgary during late February.
What Director would you like to work with?
Tarantino is by far the pinnacle for me. His bold, unconventional, and original style of film-making has made him my main influence as a film-maker myself. The first scene on camera I ever directed was the Pulp Fiction overdose scene, and I instantly loved it. David Wain would also be a hoot to work with, because I love the silly goose-ness of his movies like Wet Hot American Summer. Also, Wes Anderson is a symphony conductor of cinema with his aptitude for precision and play! It would be an absolute pleasure to work with him!
What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
The Godfather has to be G.O.A.T for me, because it had a significant influence on my initial journey as an actor. I’m Italian on my father’s side, so it was always on the television in my house growing up. Then, when I found out Dianne Keaton, Robert Duvall and James Caan all went to the same acting school in New York, that then inspired me to attend The Neighborhood Playhouse myself, several years later.
My guilty pleasure watch is the reality TV show, Survivor.
As a Performer, what is one thing you wish you would have known sooner?
To let go, and play.
When I was a young actor, my passion and enthusiasm would make me results-oriented. I would plan moments and make “strong choices” thinking I was doing “the work” and being a “good” actor, when in fact, I was doing the opposite. Once I learned how to take my focus off myself and put it on my scene partner(s), what was actually happening in that moment, how it affected me and reacting to that, it allowed me to be free, playful, and spontaneous in my work.
Instagram: @lairdreghenas