Interview With Michael Rooker

Delamorte’s Deadly Delight
Special Edition Interview With Michael Rooker

Hey Fiends!  Yes, I am calling you all my Fiend Club Because not only am I huge Misfits fan,  and more importantly a huge fan of classic punk rock, but the fact that that you are also going to be like a family to me, an army. Well, let’s start off with a little introduction. Hey Maniacs, my name is Rob Delamorte and I am a journalist who has been in the industry of horror for only six months. But let me tell you, I am definitely one who appreciates and respects the genre in almost all of its forms. I think that maybe because of this fact that my loyalty level is so high, I have been able to do many great and amazing things already through another site. But you know what?I have a new horror home now, and that comfort zone for my creativity and ideas is here at Horror Society! I am so proud to be a part of it, and I only hope to grow my ever-expanding group of friends who love the genre as much as I do. So, as I told my previous army of the last column I wrote for. let’s get down to some horror business! Just so you know, I also have a bi-weekly column that I would like to bring to you, but first I would like to really introduce my intentions with an extremely special interview that had taken place a little bit ago. First off, let me say that The Walking Dead’s premiere episode was incredible, and I have been a fan of the comic series since the absolute beginning. But, to tell you all the truth I have been a huge fan of this man’s work for so much longer.

The man I speak of is the actor and bad mutha, Michael Rooker. I first remember being in tenth grade I think and seeing this man making his intro into my movie viewing life by eating a terrible bag of chocolate covered pretzels in part two of Kevin Smith’s “Jersey Trilogy” Mallrats. I then of course went on to see his incredibly twisted acting debut in Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer. I was never a huge fan of true crime, but that was it for me. I knew at that very moment that Michael Rooker was the absolute shit! I had seen him in countless roles after, some good movies, and truthfully some bad ones. but Rooker was always ahead of the pack in everything he had done in his career. Now, he is in one of the most anticipated ever to hit television, The Walking Dead, and I could not be happier for him at this moment. I feel that his comeuppance has finally come I assure you. So I spoke to Michael about playing Henry, the industry, and of course The Walking Dead! It is my absolute pleasure to bring this to you. Just as much as it was a pleasure for me to not only talk to this man I have looked up to but become actual friends with him as well. I have to tell you he is an absolutely incredible, sometimes raw. honest individual, and the truth about his history in the industry might astound you. So, without further ado here is my interview in its entirety!

Delamorte: My first question involves your beginnings as an actor. Tell me how you got your start. Was it instantaneous or was it something that took years to finally accomplish?

Rooker: Well, I went to theater school in Chicago, I was in a conservatory program. When I had gotten out of school, I began working for almost four years in the theater industry. Then of course I had done Henry in 1985. I had done Eight Men Out before that, but for some reason Henry has also been considered my starting role. That film had given me my first agent in New York, and of course it was honestly my first ‘true” role. I am and was definitely fortunate and lucky, and all of that. I think that also my acting training helped me, and I was really just prepared to a point and ready to go.

Delamorte: Your first film role was of course Henry, which was an extremely dark film to say the least. So tell did it affect you at all emotionally playing such an evil character or was the role truly unaffecting?

Rooker: Uhhh you know, I didn’t really. First off, it was my first movie so I wasn’t exactly sure that acting in movies was going to be my thing. I was used to doing theater, so I wasn’t sure. Playing Henry was exciting, it was fun. It was different. I’m definitely proud of that role and later on how it had an impact on the industry. Albeit, it took several years for people to get used to it. Actually, it did not get national critical recognition until it was premiered at Telluride Film Festival, and then the phenomenon just happened. I was amazed how it got that big that quickly. But it definitely made me feel at least a little differently about my feelings about acting in movies.

Delamorte: I’m so glad you decided to not do it, bro! So tell me when you have an acting role given to you it seems like the character is very good natured and at most times not so much. So which do you prefer, playing the nice guy. or the worse guy?(Laughs)

Rooker: (Laughs)Well brother, I sort of judge by what I have on my plate. Unless you’re producing your own movies, you really don’t have a say in what you do. So, you have to make the decision whether you’re going to take the job or not. I’ve done many things that I probably didn’t want to do. But, you know what man?Alot of people don’t think about this, but I have mortgages and shit too pay too. so sometimes you just do what you have to. (Laughs again)I have done many different characters, but I usually get recognition for the darker stuff. I like to work, okay?So I do a bunch of different things, I don’t mind the darker stuff, if it tickles my fancy I just end up doing it.

Delamorte: You have of course acted in many styles and genres of film. So I wanted to know if you could tell me which genre is your favorite to work in, and why?

Rooker: I. well, I kinda like the drama, the more serious fare. I don’t do comedy. I mean I like comedy alot. So, we’ll see what occurs in my career. But, I enjoy serious rous roles. The more challenging the better I think. You stretch yourself, and you always just push to become a better performer. It is always a lesson.

Delamorte: You have of course acted in both many television shows as well, so could you tell me which medium you prefer?

Rooker: Well, i’ve always said that cable. look! Pieces that HBO and AMC have done as of late, as far as shows go they have been definitely producing way better material than what studios are coming out with nowadays. So basically, (laughs)I want to do serious stuff. I don’t want my work to be edited! With film you have the MPAA, and because of them you have to make sure that everything is politically correct, which is bullshit I think. As far as our films are concerned, well, we’re being controlled in a way. I would prefer doing cable movies right now, there’s just more control. In films, things change all the time. They change things that make your character raw and real originally, they only allow so many fucks. (Laughs)They only allow so much blood and gore. They only allow so much nudity. it’s unfortunate.

Delamorte: I have heard many people describe you as an “actor’s actor”, which I think is really unfortunate. Tell me, whatdo you have to do in the industry to just be considered a flatout “actor”?

Rooker: I don’t know! (Laughs)You probably have to be on a television show or movie that produces mass fans. And it has to do alot with social networking. shit like that! I mean I like stuff like that but that’s what it takes. There are also not alot of directors with balls enough to come out with something strong, there’s really noone like that. So, with cable television. even though you can’t really do everything there’s alot more you CAN do. But it’s a tough medium. I just hope that The Walking Dead is accepted. I want it to be accepted. I want people to listen and pay attention. I just hope it’s well received. The problem is with something like The Walking Dead, you definitely have to worry about people watching for it to continue on.

Delamorte: If all else fails bro, there’s always a Twilight movie. right?(Laughs)

Rooker: (Laughs hysterically)Yeah! ! That would work! Could you imagine. yeah me. a vampire or something. Naa. fuck that bro. (Laughs again)

Delamorte: (Tries to compose self)Alright. alot of people don’t know this but you were in the ten minute short film for Repo: The Genetic Opera when the film was being shopped around to film distributorsSo tell me. why didn’t you play the part in the film?

Rooker: I wasn’t offered the part, plain and simple. I don’t know why I didn’t get the part, but I wasn’t upset over it. My mindset knows how it works, how the business works. I know Darren Lynn wanted me, but I was offered another role. I cannot remember exactly what that was now. But, I also had something else to do. Actually, it would have been fun to do that role, but I just did not have the time. And more importantly, i’m definitely not a singer brotha! (Laughs)I cannot sing a fucking note to save my life!

Delamorte: You of course play the character Merle Dixon in the highly anticipated series, The Walking Dead. So tell me. was the part given to you with you in mind or did you have to go through auditions?
 
Rooker: We”, the part was offered me, yes. But it also came with concerns and stuff. Alot of people were involved in the decision, the most important was of course Frank Darabont. I really owe my part to the wonderful Fitzcannons of Wilmington, North Carolina. who vouched for me. and they fought for me. Frank and I hadn’t worked together, and he didn’t really know who I was. My friends told me this fucking role was meant for me. and Frank finally agreed thankfully. And i’m so happy that he did. This is a very strong role, and important role. There are alot of pivotal things planned for this character. But, here’s the thing. I don’t know if i’ll be back. he might not make it through the first episode. maybe three. I cannot get really get into it man.

Delamorte: I do not recall your character from the graphic novel, so please tell me a little bit about Merle Dixon?

Rooker: Well. I don’t know. I think that Merle and his brother are a composite of many characters in the series. They do not truly exist in the comics. I think it was the creators of the comic series that had announced at ComicCon that there would definitely be new characters, and that it’s going to have the new ones of course. But the thing is, you don’t know who’s going to come back. But the plan is to keep everyone on their toes. The things that happen to these people in this series. in the comic series is just. wow! Amazing! You just don’t know what’s going to happen. You don’t know who’s going to live, who’s going to die. All I can say is that whatever Merle and his brother have in store is probably going to be very bad. These are not nice guys. these are bad fucking dudes!

Delamorte: The Walking Dead has to be considered one of the most anticipated shows ever to hit television. So tell me. even after your whole career of countless films and tv shows. do you think this might be one of the biggest things you have ever been a part of?

Rooker: I think so. oh yeah! By far! As big as a movie can be that I have acted in like J. F. K.  and Days Of Thunder. they were huuuuge! As big as these movies are and were. they are shadowed by what The Walking Dead will produce! Many. many individuals will be hopefully hooked into their television. The numbers that we project are already staggering! I just really hope that people watch, and that they just enjoy it! By the way, people like you and my fans are the craziest, baddest motherfuckers out there. so goddamn supportive!

Delamorte: Could you please tell me what your next projects are in the future. please tell me there’s plenty to look forward to?

Rooker: Oh. well. I did several little independent movies that are being edited as we spek. one is called Hypothermia. I also tried my hand at directing a project. we’re still working some stuff out. I don’t know why I said yes to directing! There was no time, no money! But the project’s fabulous! Everyone’s great. the cast and the crew of course. I know I have alot of work to do on it. but it’s really good! I don’t know man. i’m tired. (laughs)

Delamorte: Alright Michael, well thanks so much with speaking with me, and I cannot wait to see your face on The Walking Dead!

Rooker: Hey man, thanks! You take care brotha and keep up the good work!

Well, there you have it!  My introduction to you all with someone who although does not receive the credit they deserve has always been a screen legend in my eyes. Just to be clear, this interview was conducted before the actual premiere, hence his uneasiness to the reaction of the show. But since then, the premiere has rave critical reviews and eleven million people tuned into Days Gone Bye when it aired, including myself! Be sure to check out his badass debut as Merle Dixon in the second episode entitled “Guts. I think that it will definitely be a debut that we remember for quite awhile! Now you know a little of what I am going to attempt to bring to the site, and I hope you all enjoy what I bring and more importantly embrace it. Be sure o look out for special interviews with the gorgeous Jenny Spain from Deadgirl, Ken Sagoes who of course was the strong Kincaid from Dream Warriors who is going to speak about a very good cause, and Tanya Newbourne who will be a major household name after the unleashing of the new sci-fi blockbuster, Skyline. Also, check out my column which I will be calling Delamorte’s Deadly Delights, which will give you the latest and greatest in the horror world! Be sure to friend me on Facebook as well, and check out Delamorte’s Dungeon Of Deadly Delights.  with myself and my Demonesses. Shelby Lyn, Amy Lynes, Serin Crespo, Tammy Kauffman, and Victoria Paege also on Facebook as well! So i’m off to the tomb to slumber, but first I would like to give you all a self-created motto I have taken to heart ever since I began writing for horror sites, the only thing that can impale your dreams is your own negativity! Until next time scare ya later!

Sweet Nightmares and Pleasant Screams, Your Gracious Ghastly Host, Rob Delamorte