Stuart Walker Headshot by Wolf Marloh
Stuart Walker is a phenomenal actor. His depth and range are impressive. We had an opportunity to catch up with Stuart to discuss his career and latest projects. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Stuart! Thank you for granting the interview. We’re excited to speak with you! You recently wrapped performing in the fake documentary pilot ‘The Programme’. Tell us about your role.
In this pilot episode written and directed by Antony Spina, I played Texan inmate Benny ‘Red’. I’m not permitted to say much at this stage. In short, it’s about a new national programme being rolled out in the U.S. and potentially other countries like the UK for example, to address the systemic problem that is violence, drugs and repeat offenders in prisons. Benny is one of the first to be transferred to a new prison for treatment. The pilot is currently being submitted to major networks.
You also recently performed in ‘History of the Cold War (in One Take)’ by BAFTA-winning History Bombs. Tell us about your roles.
In this one take masterminded by producer Chris Hobbs and directed by Ellie Rogers I played President Truman and a USAF Commander. It was fascinating work. I first pre-recorded my spoken verse to the beat of an 80s rock inspired underscore and then after some vigorous rehearsals the take involved lip-synching whilst performing each character in a heightened Brechtian style punctuating dialogue with clear & precise movements – all in time to the beat. I was one of 12 actors jumping around the dark corners of an old cold war airbase complete with fighter jet somehow managing some tight costume changes. It was pretty exhilarating, to say the least! The film was recently released on youtube. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/uBeKucnWlm4
You also recently performed in 1930s mystery drama ‘Skye Steele – Rise of Nefertiti’ by P2 Productions. Tell us about your role.
In this short film written and directed by Howard Perry, I played the affable and shrewd Inspector Miles Davies who joins forces with the elusive Miss Skye Steele to investigate a Nazi conspiracy involving stolen ancient Egyptian artifacts. In my quest to play this character I paid particular attention to physicality in rehearsal. I adopted a stiff upper back to show a history of strict private schooling and military duty, a light gliding gait to show an intelligent efficiency of movement and flicking eye and neck movements as he is drawn to clues like a magpie to shiny objects. I also focused heavily on rehearsing his clipped RP accent and I built up a back-story between him and his former lover Skye Steele (which hopefully reads at certain moments). All said and done, I remember finally rocking up at the enchanting 18th century Hammerwood Park manor (formerly home to Led Zeppelin) in a tailored suit & hat with our Oscar-winning crew thinking “this is why I do this”. The film is currently in post-production and will be submitted to festivals later this year.
Q4. Your latest comedy role in Series 1 Episode 3 of ‘Foreign-ers’ is currently streaming on British Comedy Guide & Funny or Die. Tell us about the role.
In this latest episode ‘Posh’ written and directed by Erin Barry, I played a waiter who beleaguers an unfortunate couple with unnecessary formality and obtuse etiquette, all for a hefty price tag! My character makes absurd choices. I endeavored not to take them at face value as I felt the product would be too slapstick and caricature. I wanted the comedy to come from a truthful place so I did not shy away from what I interpreted to be a level of high-functioning autism shown by the waiter in the script. This brought about the great depth to my thought process and when played to its full extent, such as when the waiter is offended by the guest’s refusal to remove his coat, it’s a delightful offbeat comedy moment. Watch the full episode on British Comedy Guide here: https://www.comedy.co.uk/online/foreign_ers/episodes/1/3/
We just heard that short film ‘The Longest Time’ (in which you co-starred) written & directed by Kevin Rainey was nominated for ‘Best Short Film made for less than $5,000’ at The Monkey Bread Tree Film Awards. Congratulations! Please tell us about your role.
I played the role of Quinn whose life is confined to a hospital bed after surviving a car crash. He’s almost totally paralyzed, brain damaged and suffering severe memory loss. While shooting I focused on immersing myself in his half dream half childlike state. The film is interspersed with flash backs to Quinn’s life before the crash. In these scenes, the man I play is full of life and hope.
What was your favorite role to play to date?
I relished the role of Jack McVinty in the whodunit ‘The Latest Krays’ written and directed by award winning filmmaker Gem McNeil. The character was loosely based on London gangster Jack McVite (connected to the notorious ‘Kray Twins’ 1950s-60s). In the film, McVinty is being interrogated at Scotland Yard after the Krays have been found murdered. McVinty plays it cool and even toys with his interrogator. It was a real turning point to play a character so grounded yet for whom life was so fleeting – they were big boots to fill.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
It would be amazing to perform a new piece of writing by Charlie Broker. His double Emmy winning Black Mirror episode ‘San Junipero’ had a lasting effect on me and so many. The eyes of the world are upon him. What greater honor as an actor than to deliver this artist’s words to the camera, captured in time?
Is there a role you would love to play?
Since my teens, I’ve been drawn to the parts of Biff in ‘Death of a Salesman’ and Jamie in ‘A Long Days Journey Into Night’. I performed monologues from both characters for various events over the years. Looking back it’s clear these performances involved a healthy release of emotion and were quite beneficial to me as a young adult. It would be a dream to perform either role in full.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to make acting your career?
Yes. I don’t doubt it for a second.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your career and/or any advice to others?
It’s true what they say. If you want to be an actor you have to live and breathe it. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Connect with Stuart:
Official Website: http://stuartwalkeractor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stuwalkeractor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwalkeractor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StuartWalkerActor/?modal=admin_todo_tour
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5162572/?ref_=fn_al_nm_3
Featured Image Credit: Wolf Marloh.
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