1. When and why did you decide to be an actor?

I had been drawn to acting ever since I was a very young child. When I got into high school, I got involved in theater. After high school, I moved to Hollywood where I worked as an extra and got a full-time job as a Bruce Willis photo double.

I asked Bruce Willis for advice as an actor and he told me to do as much theater as I can. So I moved back home to the Chicago area and started doing tons of theater. That's also when I started doing stand-up comedy.

After 12 years of making a living as a comedian, I got serious about acting and moved my family back to LA to study. After 8 years of studying and working in TV and film, I landed the lead role in The Grace Card.

2. What was the most helpful acting training you did and why?

I did private coaching with John Swanbeck, Kevin Spacey's acting teacher. He taught me how to be "conversational" and how to use technique to get your head out of the script. I grew as an actor like never before studying with John.

3. Is there a particular method of acting you use?

When I prepare for a role I like to go deep. For the most part, I prepare using the Ivana Chubbuck technique. She wrote an incredible book called The Power of the Actor.

4. How do you get into a character?

Well, that info could fill a book, and to be honest, I don't believe in giving away too many trade secrets. But I will say you must prepare in such a way so that when the camera roles, you put away the "acting" and let the "honesty" happen.

5. What do you do to prepare for a role?

I observe people and read books that pertain to my type of character. You try stuff at rehearsal. Keep the stuff that works and spit out the stuff that doesn't.

6. What do you think makes a great director?

One who can be a friend to the actor and not a dictator. Also, I need a director who understands the importance of "less is more" and trusts the camera to capture my thoughts.

7. Do you like to do rehearsals? If so, how do you think they help?

Yes, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and then when they say, "Action!" LET IT GO! Don't try to recreate something you did in rehearsal. Be organic.

8. What are the most difficult challenges you've faced as an actor?

The business end sucks. I hate it. Every actor just wants to act. But it is a business. You have to learn how it works and play the game.

9. What was it like working on Broken Faith?

It was incredible... from the script to the director Ricki Holmes to our amazing DP Danny, the amazing cast and everyone in between, I felt I was in something very special. I have seen some clips since it went into post, which confirms we got a really good product.

10. Did you enjoy acting in The Grace Card?

Are you kidding?!?! LOL! MY first lead role in a major motion picture?!?!? I was on cloud 9 the entire month. Both director David Evans and co-star Michael Higgenbottom have become 2 of my best friends... your first big role is one no actor ever forgets... and for it to be a film like The Grace Card, which God is still using to touch lives, even in other countries... I am just extremely blessed.

11. What do you think is the key to acting?

Honesty and simplicity.

12. Do you have any tips for doing well at auditions?

Yes, show up then YOU.. it's the one thing you got that no other actor does.

13. What is the most fun you've ever had on a film set and why?

Every film set you have people you are drawn to a bit more than others. On The Grace Card, it was writer Howie Klausner and director David Evans who always made our time in between takes a lot of fun. For Broken Faith, it was director Ricki Holmes and my wonderful co-star and leading lady Vanessa Ore... we probably laughed WAY too much. LOL!

14. What do you look for in a film role?

Interesting question, as I have gotten folks mad at me for turning down roles lately. LOL! But at my age (don't ask), I have to be picky because this is my last shot.

SO I look for characters that are complex... often they have big obstacles to overcome in their personalities as well as externally. And I always want there to be a redemption time, if need be.

15. What is your most vivid memory from your acting career?

All the wonderful theater roles I did in Valparaiso, IN... I was in a very inspiring learning stage. You never forget it when you're growing as an actor. I lived for theater at that time.

16. How did you get to be a party goer in Fright Night 2?

I was single and working in bit and extra parts in Hollywood. That was way back in 1988! I hardly remember.

17. What do you recall from working on that movie?

How I wish I would have started studying as an actor instead of doing extra roles.

18. Are there any really helpful books you've read on acting?

Yes, How to Audition by Michael Shurtleff.

19. Did you like working on The Hidden?

My first movie ever! I was in heaven!

20. Do you recommend actors get an agent or representation? How did you get yours?

Yes, right now I am just being represented by my comedy management agent for negotiations as I kinda fired my local Kansas City agent. Nothing personal, but I don't really trust a smaller town agent to negotiate big roles, which is what I find myself being offered more and more. So, until I snag a nice LA agent, I am pretty much repping myself. But yes, get an agent that is SAG franchised for sure.

21. You produced, wrote, directed, and acted in both a TV movie and a short film. How and why did you manage so many different responsibilities on those productions?

Well, for one, I have always been a writer. And a pretty good one I might add :) so I wanted to start seeing what I could do with my own ideas. Also, one thing they tell you over and over in LA is, DO IT YOURSELF! Don't just wait for stuff to come your way. It may never happen.

22. What can a director do to best help an actor?

Give him room to improvise or stray from the lines on the page. A real honest dialogue that may not be on the script is better than a dishonest delivery of the line on the page.

23. What is the most important piece of advice you'd give an aspiring actor?