Terence Bernie Hines plays Gary in the upcoming Ben Stiller film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Terence recently about the film and some of his other upcoming work.
Adam Lawton: What was it that interested you in auditioning for your role in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”?
Terence Bernie Hines: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was a movie that originally starred Danny Kaye and is considered a classic movie that is at or near the top of all time great movies from that period. I had wanted to work with Ben Stiller for some time and when the opportunity presented itself with this great project, I jumped at the chance. When I read the script, I knew this could really be something special. It has pretty much everything: a great storyline with action, adventure, humor and more. Auditioning for Ben, who is also directing, was interesting because he is very particular about whom he casts in his movies. He goes out of his way to really make sure you are the one for the part.
AL: How was it working with people like Ben Stiller and Shirley MacLaine?
TBH: Ben is a really cool guy who knows what he wants and knows how to go about getting it in a shot. You may have heard this before, but great actors who are also great directors have a better understanding of what it’s like to be on camera more than most. It’s well known that Ben is one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. He is also one of the most underrated directors in Hollywood. His last 3 movies have grossed over $350 million dollars worldwide. It’s an honor to work with someone at the top of their game as an actor and director. He told me that making a great movie starts with casting. And he, along with the CD Rachel Tenner, found the best talent they could for this movie: Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Patton Oswalt, Sean Penn, and myself, among others. He really knows how to get great performances from the cast too. I try to learn from every movie I do and this has been a chance to learn and work with some of the best!
AL: Can you tell us about your work on the film “Rushlights”?
TBH: “Rushlights” is a murder mystery drama starring Beau Bridges and Aidan Quinn that begins in Los Angeles and ends up in Texas. I play “Joe,” a cook in a small town diner named coincidentally: “Joe’s Diner.” I’m basically the go-to guy for the Sheriff (played by Beau Bridges) to find out about some not-too-savory characters that have suddenly come to town. It was fun to play, and I got a chance to spend quite a few hours with Beau and his son Jordan, who is also in the movie, talking about the business, their showbiz family and life in general. Murder, mystery, intrigue, more murder – and somewhere in there you find out who done it and why. It’s a cool movie.
AL: When you are looking at roles what is the main thing that you look for or interests you?
TBH: A good actor should be able to make any story interesting or great, but call me lazy. I want to like the story! I like to believe in what I am doing and the story I am telling. I look for parts that inspire me and give me a chance to inspire others with what I do in those roles. I’ve been honored to have worked with some of the best in the business and I would like to say that I have held my own. So I would say that I love working with great actors. I found that greatness is contagious.
AL: Can you tell us about any other projects you are currently working on?
TBH: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is still in production. I wrap that up soon and then it’s back to the grind. I do have some future projects in the works but none that are ready to be announced just yet. The future looks quite bright though.
LOVE this article. Especially the line that “Greatness is contagious”!