Actor Bruce Greenwood On How He Stays Consistent in Hollywood

interviewed by

ANDREW BAXTER

Q. Bruce, you've had a career that most would dream of landing roles in iconic TV shows and films. What got you started in acting?

I was in first year uni and took an acting course on a lark and it spoke to everything I love; storytelling, music, language, rhythm, behaviour.

Q. You've played so many different roles over the years and have continued to establish your presence in Hollywood. What do you attribute your success to?

I've been extremely fortunate, although I'm pretty sure it has something to do with being able to absorb seemingly endless cycles of rejection without giving up.

Q. You had an amazing Netflix release in 2023 - The Fall of The House of Usher. You played the leading role - Roderick Usher. How was that experience?

It was one of the most intense professional experiences I've ever had; we hardly came up for air and yet it was tremendously energizing and working again with the Mikes, Flanagan and Fimognari, was a dream come true. They're each inspiring and giving and full of joy for the process.

Q. What do you find most challenging about bringing an Edgar Allen Poe inspired character to life?

The trickiest bits for me were keeping track of Roderick's state;

when is he delusional, when does he just think he's delusional, and when and if what he's seeing and experiencing in any given moment is actually real...

Q. Now, if I understood correctly, the role was originally cast for someone else. But you came in last minute and now it’s hard to imagine anyone else being Rodrick usher. Can you walk us through the experience of jumping in so quickly and taking on the lead role?

Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy called me in Atlanta and asked if I could read the peace overnight and if it struck me as something I could do…could I be on a plane later that week.

I golfed, read as much of the 500+ pages as I could, stunned by the delicious monologues and wildly, disparate characters, all in the service of a very distinct point of view… And called them back; “if you’re willing to take a chance so am I, let’s go for it.”