New York actor Shaun Rey, is an actor and producer, known for The Good Cop and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Currently working on new projects, we sat down with the talented actor, and learned some interesting things about this up and coming thespian.
How did you first get into acting and at what age?
My first introduction to acting was at the age of 14 when I played Saint John in a Catholic School x- mas play. I felt nervous at first because I was a shy kid but I ended up doing a good job according to my friends from class.
Who are your artistic influences?
When I look back at the movies I was inspired by several actors come into mind like Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Burt Reynolds in the Cannonball movies. But in all I consider Don Cheadle to be my favorite actor. I was blown away when he played Mouse in the film A Devil in Blue dress Alongside Denzel Washington.
Growing up in the Heights, how has that influenced your perspective as an artist?
Growing up in Washington Heights was a great experience for me because I grew up in a time where parents looked out for everyone’s kids and each other in the community or local block radius. There was respect amongst all of us. It’s not the same these days but I still love my old neighborhood. I frequently visit from time to time. There was a lot of music and culture influence going on because there were neighbors who played in merengue or salsa groups growing up. My father happened to be one of those musicians who hung around the neighborhood courting my mother back in the day. We also had professional athletes coming out of the neighborhood like Alex Rodriguez who actually practiced during the summer in the Heights. We had Manny Ramirez who played with the Redsox. And now you see Lin Manuel Miranda coming out of the Heights. I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment business so here I am.
Is there any role that may be deemed “outside of your wheelhouse” that you’d like to take on?
I welcome any role that I can be truthful to as an artist. A true artist knows no limits and bounds but at the same time keep their integrity intact. My dream role would be acting alongside Adam Sandler as some sidekick in a comedy. I really dig Adam Sandler.
What are your biggest challenges as a working actor, particularly during the pandemic?
The biggest challenge right now is not going on auditions to see the casting directors like I normally do simply because I like the interaction with people and networking. However, I have connected with more people during the pandemic simply because everyone is at a standstill and they are easy to reach through social media platforms. So I have been getting creative in writing and building more relationships so that when things get back to a new normal, I will be ready to go.
What changes would you like to see happen in the movie industry?
I would love to see more diversity as a collective when it comes to our people of color holding those powerful positions to help bring us up and give us more opportunities. Also, I see us having more creative control shortly because this pandemic opened up the floodgates for America to deal with its past when it comes to racism. Things are changing and the people are demanding it this time.
What’s next for you?
I am currently auditioning for films and other projects, waiting to shoot my short film out in California when things settle a bit and currently writing a feature film about police brutality.
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Picture Credit: Marc Reign
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