I’ve
been following your ‘rants’ about theatres on your FB Page. I have to admit that I’ve not been to a
theatre in a good few years. I was never
any good throwing my voice on stage.
Tried it in a field to practice and failed miserably! We don’t have any
theatres in our town, their numbers are dwindling with only Lockerbie and
Dumfries locally that I know of. How do you get more people enthused in
theatres? What can they do to raise more
interest?
Rippy: Yes, I tend to rant about the theatre
and how vital it is for us to support the arts. In the modern world of virtual
connectivity, TV screens and game consoles, it is crucial we not forget to
actually get together in groups and have a shared experience. That is why we go
to the theatre or see a band or a comic – to have a shared experience. TV &
Film offer an amazing way to share something with countless millions, and
that’s great – but a theatre full of people enjoying a journey together?
Nothing compares! Our local theatres are a vital part of our community –
undervalued and underfunded. If you wanna hear me rant from my soapbox, go to http://www.reducedshakespeare.com/2013/04/episode-332-my-theatre-matters/
and listen to my podcast with The
Reduced Shakespeare Company about the My Theatre Matters campaign in the UK…
but bring a ladder, cuz my theatre soapbox is BIG!
How
did you get into acting and have you always had a passion for stage rather than
screen?
Rippy: I went into drama at school mostly
to get away from the football jocks who bullied me. I did a few shows at my
local theatre, The Country Playhouse, in Houston, Tx. And someone there
suggested I audition to attend the High School for the Performing and Visual
Arts and I said, sounds great, do they have a football team? No sports at all, they
said! Perfect, said I! So I auditioned and made it in and now here I am still
acting after all these years - thanks to the bullies. Yes, my passion is stage.
Screen work is fun, but in a completely different way.
When
you took the role of Captain Jack Harkness were you ever aware at that time
just how popular that character would be?
Rippy: Hadn’t a clue! Sweet surprise!
You
looked comfortable in that role of Jack Harkness would you ever consider taking
another role like that in the future, or have you played a man in uniform
before or since?
Rippy: I knew Torchwood was special from
the very first moment I read Cath Tregenna’s script. I’ve been in (and out) of
uniform since, but really all I care about is the story. Good scripts are hard
to find… if I look comfortable in the role, it’s all down to the great writing.
How
did the idea for the Reduced Shakespeare Company come about? And how many years have you been performing
together?
Rippy: Ah, reductio ad absurdum! I’ve been
sporting yellow tights for the Reduced Shakespeare Company for a good few
years! I joined in the 90s (when I was 5) and can’t seem to stop. They’re just
too much fun to hang with… come see us on tour and you’ll understand
(reducedshakespeare.com ).
Who
inspired you when you were growing up?
Rippy: I loved watchin Buster Keaton when I
was a kid. Often watched him on TV Saturday mornings along with Laurel &
Hardy and the Three Stooges - but it was Buster I admired. He was so full of
surprises.
What
vehicle do you drive?
Rippy: A Ducati, Maserati and a Tie-Fighter.
Sorry, in reality? Left foot, right foot!
Jack
Ryan – you’re in the new movie out at Christmas 2013, playing FBI Agent
Simmons. Can you tell us anything about the role?
Rippy: I play a very small part. These days
all actors on a film sign an agreement promising not to share any details of
the film prior to release – so sadly I’m limited in what I can say. But it was
a pleasure to work with Sir Kenneth. A true gentleman. And he still believes in
rehearsal. We rehearsed 20 minutes for a 2 minute scene. Brilliant.
Since
touring with the Reduced Shakespeare Company you’re back on the tv screens, can
you tell us more about the projects you’re involved with at the moment,
including the quick cameo in the George Clooney film you’re involved in?
Rippy: Yes, another short one-off scene,
this time on Monuments Men. It was very surreal to dress in drag as Ophelia
onstage one day and then play a soldier in a scene with Clooney and Hugh Bonneville
the next… sometimes life is very weird and wonderful.
In
your on screen appearances (going by your showreel) you don’t come out of any
of the films alive, will your character Agent Simmons have a happy ending?
Although this is a Jack Ryan story, so probably not!
Rippy: Top Secret! Couldn’t say, or I’d
have to kill you and all your readers!
I
never saw the Bogeyman film, but I’m assuming this wasn’t a zombie flick.
Rippy: No zombies here. All boogeymen! Shot
hard and fast in Bulgaria – that was fun. And bloody. Bloody good fun!
For
those just starting out in the acting profession, do you have any tips or
advice?
Rippy: Yes, become a lawyer instead.
Seriously, if there is anything else you can do that will make you happy – do
it. The Biz is not for the faint of heart. A friend once said that this
industry is not for anyone smart enough to have self doubt. So true.
In
an onscreen movie, what would be your ultimate role you’d still like to play,
or always wanted to appear in, or as?
Rippy: Always wanted to play a nice guy
turned bad. Or a bad guy turned good. Or just a bad guy, Or good guy. Or hell,
I’ll play anything.
Have
there been any film scripts or scripts that you’ve looked at it and thought ‘no
I’m not going to do that.’
Rippy: Yes, though nothing specific springs
to mind. But it sure is fun when a script comes along that really works and I
think – yes! Perfect for me! If you have one of those scripts please send asap.
Putting
aside the usual question of kissing the other Jack Harkness, what was the high
point of playing the Captain and can you recall any comical moments on set that
you can share with us?
Rippy: High point? Walking into the
dancehall for the first time and coming up the stairs and turning around and
seeing the hall full of background artists in costume – I was instantly
transported back in time. Truly amazing. Comical moments? EVERY moment with John is a comical riot. Almost none of it is fit
to print!
Are
you into gadgets and if so what was the last gadget you bought?
Rippy: Was given an iPad. Yum yum. My
favorite app is Final Draft. I do a lot of writing on my iPad. Must have
accessory – my Bluetooth keyboard.
You’re
stranded on a desert island with shark infested waters, chance of escape is
limited, but you have 3 items with you and one human. What are your items and which ‘human’ would
you have with you?
Rippy: Depends. If I’m going to die quickly
– give me a margarita on the rocks with salt, matches, a cigar and Lady Gaga.
But if I’m gonna survive, then I’ll have a margarita on the rocks with salt,
matches, cigar and Stephen King (I’m gonna need books to read and that dude is
prolific!).
What
was the last book you read?
Rippy: 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Highly
recommend it!
Questions
from fans
Annika
Gabriella Brink: Apart from general q's about his career and other future
productions I recall something Jb said about his brother, I'd like to hear more
about him, in his words.
Rippy: On the last day of shooting we were
setting up my final shot and suddenly it occurred to me that my brother Steve
would have loved to have seen this – he would have been so proud. Steve
suffered from severe depression and committed suicide in 2003. Sitting there on
set I had another realization – I would never know if my brother was gay or bi
or neither. We all wondered at times, but never asked and that mystery would
remain forever. This hit me quite hard and I had to leave set minutes before
they were ready to turn over. My dear make-up artist came and found me and
helped me get it together and got me back to set. I dedicate that scene to my
make-up artist. I dedicate the episode to my brother, Stephen Whitney Rippy,
1962 – 2003.
Loony
Smith: Would he do another Con in the Uk?
Rippy: You bet! Love Cons! Make it so!
Sarah
Quinn: Does he know Captain Jack's real name?
Rippy: Crispin Thelonius Barbican. No,
kidding, actually haven’t a clue, sorry!
Mickie:
What was it about the character/script that made you say yes to the role?
Rippy: I’m a hopeless romantic so was
immediately drawn to the love story. I admired the way Cath showed us these two
lovers as real human beings first and foremost, real people with real emotions
– the fact they are both male was only secondary. And all this played out
against a backdrop of WW2 and the Hub – sexy sci-fi bliss!
Meggy:
What's your most memorable moment with John Barrowman?
Rippy: Most memorable? I’d say the lip on
lip action, baby!
Photo
Source and research:
©BBC Torchwood 2007
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