Recognise this face? Fans of cult hit The Wire will. We recently caught up with actor, producer and writer Andre Royo to discuss his role in the acclaimed film Calloused Hands (Woolfcub Productions). The film, tells the story of 12-year-old Josh, a mixed race boy growing up in Miami who lives under the oppressive weight of his abusive step-father. He manages to forge his own path in life when his estranged grandfather insists he study for his Bar Mitzvah. In this SceneProfiles, Andre talks about playing the character Byrd, the impact that his cultural identity has had on his career as well as life after The Wire.
Firstly, what attracted you to this role?
After working on a show like The Wire, the idea of playing the lead character in a movie was just the challenge I wanted.; especially when a director was putting his own true story of abuse and hardship on screen, trusting me to help tell his story. I thought Jesse was doing a courageous thing. The intense struggle of raising a kid, the highs and lows of wondering how to motivate and push a child to reach his or her potential, dealing with the pain of lost dreams and the struggles of substance abuse –it was the challenge of getting it right that first opened my eyes to the project.
There are many themes in Calloused Hands – from the nightmare of failed dreams through to culture and identity. How have these themes been relevant in your own life and career?
My whole life has been about chasing a dream with no safety net. All or nothing. And there were times where ‘nothing’ is all I saw. I was never totally outside myself to see how I handled my own failure at times. Plus being a mixed kid and raising my own daughter who is also mixed, I felt it was important to get a chance to act out some personal fears through the character of Byrd.
You are also a producer on this film. What did that involve and how did you deal with maintaining your two positions as a lead actor and producer?
This was my first time in wearing both hats in a film production. I found it extremely intense and hard to do. I was working on script structure and making sure proper coverage was given to all actors or locations to ensure the director would have enough to work with in editing. Also, trying to make sure we allow the audience to truly feel and see what the director is not only trying to show but also what he lived through himself, then jumping in as an actor to do my own job as storyteller was another balancing act. This was artistic and therapeutic for both the director and myself. It has also made me stronger as an actor and producer as far as developing focus.
Often referenced is your story of not being recognised as black enough or Latino enough for certain roles. What do you think of the view that racial ambiguity can actually work in an actor’s favour? Also what advice would you give to actors about breaking out of the boxes they are placed in?
The view that racial ambiguity can actually work in an actor’s favour works only when the powers that be say your movies or shows have earned enough money to buy that ambiguity. If it was something we had control of, it would be great of course. At some point it is universally understood that no matter what race, certain pains and joys are shared by all. I would tell every actor that you worry about what you can control, which is your talent and create create create.
People probably know you most for playing Bubbles in The Wire. You often hear of actors spending years trying to shake off a role to avoid being typecast. Is this something that you are conscious of or even concerned about?
I am always conscious of typecasting. Again this is something that is out of my control and it is frustrating. I was complaining to Sam Jackson once that I felt I was in this box and he brought me down to size on how can I feel sorry for myself; that In a relatively short period of time in acting I have an iconic character in television on my resume. He said keep working and showing my talent and I will jump out of any box. I told him to get me Quentin Tarantino’s phone number! He just gave me that Sam Jackson look and we shared a laugh. At the end of the day, I was typecasted as an unemployed actor back in the day, so I guess I can't complain just yet!
You're such a convincing actor. What advice and secret tips could you give to aspiring actors about becoming a character and making it 100% believable on screen?
Trust and preparation. It’s no secret and everyone has a different process so there is no wrong or right. You have to just feel confident that you did everything you could to understand the part your playing and then trust your instincts and believe in your choices!
What’s next for Mr Andre Royo?
A couple movies coming out this year, ‘The Spectacular Now’ and ‘Hellbenders". Also making sure I build one box on top of another on top of another till I have a mansion of characters and opportunities.
Finally, as we ask all our interviewees, what does diversity mean to you?
"No Limit"!
A big thanks to the Andre for taking the time out to speak to SceneTV. If you want to find out more about what he's up to, you can follow him on Twitter @AndreRoyo .
Calloused Hands opens the British Urban Film Festival on 5th September. Stay tuned to SceneTV for a full schedule soon. In the meantime, you can find out more about Calloused Hands here. Also, check out our SceneProfile with the director Jesse Quinones here.
