By: debbie lynn elias
Chriss Anglin is a face you know, but a name that may be unfamiliar to many of you. However, that won’t be the case for long. Already a seasoned veteran with a multiplicity of tv and films roles to his credit, including “Dead Men Walking”, “Dracula’s Curse”, “The Hitman Chronicles”, “Friendly Fire”, “General Hospital”, “One Life to Live” and “Passions”, Anglin is instantly recognizable, not only for his obvious good looks (and some incredible Paul Newman baby blues), but for his on screen presence. With his latest role, starring as John F. Kennedy in David Zucker’s hilarious political spoof AN AMERICAN CAROL, Anglin solidifies himself not only as someone with leading man qualities, but goes toe to toe with the likes of Kelsey Grammer and Kevin Farley, stealing every scene from these comic masters.
I had a chance to talk to Anglin about AN AMERICAN CAROL. Here’s what he had to say.
MSD: What attracted you to this project?
Anglin: What attracted me to the project? I desperately needed a job! But, besides that, I had often been told I looked like ‘a Kennedy’ and I thought the opportunity of playing an icon like JFK would be a great experience. Also, I’ve always loved David Zucker’s movies. The chance to work with him sealed the deal.
MSD: How did you become involved? (i.e., audition process or did Zucker just hand it to you – surprisingly there are a lot of “new” faces who claim they aren’t having to audition for films which I find a bit incredulous which is why I always like to ask it.)
Anglin: I actually submitted myself for the role via Breakdown Services Actors Access website. I was called in for an audition by the Casting Director Beverly Holloway about a week later. I saw the scene about 10 minutes before the audition (it was the inaugural/Michael Malone bedroom scene) I thought the scene was fun and since it was a David Zucker comedy, I decided to ham it up. Whatever I did must have worked, because Beverly called me a week later and said David loved my tape and offered me the job.
MSD: What were your first thoughts on reading the script?
Anglin: My first thoughts on the script was “This is really funny, but it’s also got a really serious message”. I was surprised how well the humor was balanced by the message too.
MSD: Did you have any idea that the film would be as laugh-out loud uproariously funny as it is in final form?
Anglin: I expected nothing less. I mean, after all, this is a David Zucker film.
MSD: Your best experience of shooting was…….
Anglin: My best experience was spending an afternoon in a porta-potty with Kelsey Grammar and Kevin Farley. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
MSD: The most difficult or, god forbid, worst aspect of shooting was…….
Anglin: I’ve had a lot of ‘bad days’ on movies, but honestly there were no bad days on An American Carol. I worked for ten days and every one of them was a blast.
MSD: You’ve got a real cast of characters here, including some major veteran talent such as Dennis Hopper. Did you have any off screen interaction with people like Dennis Hopper, James Woods, Leslie Nielson, Jon Voight or Grammar in terms of conversation, set antics or the all important career advice, etc? And if so, what.
Anglin: Unfortunately no. The only major stars I was lucky enough to work with were Kelsey Grammar and Kevin Farley. And, I have nothing but the highest praise for both of them. They were both great to work with, treated me like I was their equal and we all got along as if we had been friends our whole lives.
MSD: Strictly from an ego standpoint, how does it feel to have what, fourth bill, over guys like Hopper, Woods and Voight?
Anglin: No ego for me. I am incredibly awed and humbled to in the same movie with those guys (all of whom I am a fan and admire). It’s actually kind of surreal right now. I’m afraid it’s all a dream and I’m going to wake up any minute.
MSD: How daunting was it to play JFK?
Anglin: The prospect of playing JFK was a little scary at first, so I immediately starting doing research on him. In my first meeting with David, he told me JFK was not to be a parody. He wanted me to be as close to the real thing as possible. So, I started reading biographies, and all of his major speeches to try to get a feel for who he really was. I also watched everything I could find on YouTube to hear his speech patterns and get his mannerisms down as best as possible. David also had me work with Robert Easton who is probably the greatest voice coach ever to refine the accent.
MSD: What do you believe is Zucker’s message with this film?
Anglin: Personally, I feel his message is that there are a lot of very good things about America and sometimes it’s necessary to fight for what’s right even when fighting isn’t the popular thing to do. I also think the movie is a real homage to our troops. Not just the ones fighting now, but all those who have fought down through the ages for the way of life we enjoy today.
MSD: What would you like to see the audience take away with them when they leave the theater?
Anglin: I think I’d like for them to take away just that. That America, regardless of our faults, is still a great place with great people, and that the freedom we enjoy is very precious and is worth defending.
MSD: What did you take away with you from this experience?
Anglin: This is the toughest question yet. I guess I came away with a real sense of pride and satisfaction, just to be a part of it. An American Carol is my first “big” movie, and I’m just happy for the opportunity and glad the audiences like the film.
MSD: And next up for you is…….
Anglin: What’s next? Well today I’m back at my regular job dreaming that Clint Eastwood or Steven Spielberg is going to call me any minute! (LOL) I don’t have anything solid lined up just yet, but I’m hoping that An American Carol will do well and open some new doors of opportunity.
MSD Post-Script: I have to add here that since AN AMERICAN CAROL, Anglin has been shooting various projects around town, including some webisodes, several of which are already in post-production set for release next year, with more leading roles on the horizon. And in case you missed AN AMERICAN CAROL this Fall in theatres, the DVD hits in late December 2008.
