Gary Cairns
Gary Cairns an American actor/writer/producer known for his work on film and television series such as Malcolm in the Middle (2001), Hero Wanted (2008), The Last Hurrah (2009), Justified (2010), Lost in a Crowd (2011), The Night Visitor (2013), Criminal Minds (2014) and The last Ship (2014).
He can also be seen in Sci-Fi/thriller/horror Malignant, due out for release on DVD on May 19th, in which he stars alongside Brad Dourif, as a man who is subjected to a horrendous experiment following the death of his wife.
SN: Hello Gary, thank you very much for giving up some of your time to answer my questions. Let’s start by talking about your film Malignant, which centres on a grieving man who is subjected to a horrendous experiment following the death of his wife. Tell us a little more about this film. What attracted you to the role of Allex, and how did you initially perceive this character?
Gary: Malignant..... well you just gave a pretty good log line on what it's about. I guess I can say more about it by also mentioning what attracted me to this role, which was how much Alex truly loved his wife Emily. He would normally live a boring everyday life, but with her, she was everything good and exciting. So when she dies a huge part of him dies. He pretty much is like a dead man walking. Just a heartbeat and a normal routine are what keep him from being a corpse himself. I found it interesting to dive in to alcoholism because I am not a drinker really at all. I like to try to experience different things in characters that I normally am not like, or at least do my best in relating to them. The only thing I have in common with Alex is that I'm a loner most of the time. So I used that and just added a lot more depression and sorrow.
SN: What was it like working with the great Brad Dourif?
Gary: A dream come true. I've studied him and admired him for years, and to have him breathing in my face with his intense eyes was truly inspiring. I learned so much from him. He is filled with knowledge and humor. He is truly exceptional and humble. I'm thankful to say I've worked intensely with the legendary Brad Dourif.
SN: How did you first get into acting?
Gary: When I was eight years old, I started acting classes and did a play in Modesto, California then I moved to Huntington Beach, California when I was 10, and shortly after that started an acting workshop. I got an Agent years later, then started off doing commercials and then film/TV.
Gary Cairns as Allex in Malignant
SN: What would you say has been your most challenging role so far?
GC: They all have their own struggles, as all humans do, so it's hard to say the most challenging, but if I had to choose one I'd say "Luther" from Lost In A Crowd. It's a small dark drama based all in one night in Los Angeles. The way we rehearsed and developed the characters made Luther the one role I've played that I probably still carry a little piece of with me.
SN: You’ve co-written (and star in) an independent action/drama with Luke Albright called Monumental. For those that are unaware, tell us what this film is about. What was the inspiration behind writing your first feature-length film, and how did the idea for Monumental originally come to fruition?
Gary: The film is about two guys who embark on a journey across the USA to honor one's mother by spreading her ashes at places she'd always dreamt of going, but never could.
I was inspired to write pretty much just off a quick idea while I was out driving. I wrote a draft and then tossed it to Luke, whom I respected not only as an actor but also a writer. He graciously took the time to not only read the script and say what he liked about it and what works and what doesn't, but he also gave great ideas. After a few passes I was like, Luke, why don't you just write this with me. The plot is the same from the beginning, but the structure and some of the scenarios are different. Then me and Luke and Stuart Page decided to try and make this film with me playing Steve and Luke playing Clayne. I brought Scott Hansen on to direct and then an amazing man named Baron Bodnar came on board and truly made the film possible.
SN: Is writing something that you see yourself doing more of in the future?
Gary: Yes. After Monumental I wrote a couple other feature scripts; Overyonder and The Hype, but I've been busy making other films and haven't done much with them since, but I do have some stories I want to tell so rest assured there will be more.
SN: If you had the freedom of choice, what would be your ultimate film role, and why?
Gary: Off the top of my head 'Arnie' from What's Eating Gilbert Grape stands out, and also Jake's role in Nightcrawler. I like to play the guy who stands out, the different one or oddball. A character people remember... hence "Luther" from Lost In A Crowd.
SN: In regard to your professional career, what are your hopes and goals for the future?
Gary: To just continue to grow creatively and to work with talented driven people. It would be nice to be on an edgy show for a good 6 to 7 year run...
SN: Tell us about some of your other upcoming projects.
Gary: Well Malignant comes out on DVD May 19th, so after that Daylight's End sometime later this year should be released. That's an action filled apocalyptic thriller people should enjoy. Monumental is almost done and ready for sales. I also have a couple projects I'm planning on producing and playing a role in such as The Mine, Written/Directed by Brian Avenet-Bradley from Malignant.
SN: Finally, is there anything else that you would like to say or talk about that I haven’t already mentioned?
Gary: Thanks for your time and hope everyone keeps following me. Twitter @garycairnsII, Instagram @cairnsgary also on FB Gary Cairns.
SN: Once again, thank you very much for the opportunity of this interview, and I wish you all the best for the future.