BACKTOFRANKBLACK EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON SELMOUR!

Ron Selmour was born Haiti in the West Indies and grew up in Montreal. He spent the first years of his life going to plays & musicals with his parents and watching his father on stage. In 1992 he enrolled in the Theatre Program at Concordia University. Ron has starred in the horror movie Bones and appears in the feature films Blade Trinity, Black Christmas, The Chronicles of Riddick and the forthcoming 2012. Ron is no stranger to the SF genre and he has guest starred in numerous SF series' including The Outer Limits, First Wave, Dark Angel, Harsh Realm and as Ernie Shiffer in Millennium's In Arcadia Ego. Ron took time from his very busy schedule to talk to BackToFrankBlack and I am sure you will agree with me, this is one enjoyable interview that just oozes personality and heart. Enjoy the read folks.

MARK HAYDEN: Am I correct in thinking that 'In Arcadia Ego' launched your career on the screen? How did you arrive at a career in acting and how did the role of 'Ernie Shiffer' come your way?

RON SELMOUR: In Arcadia Ego was indeed my great beginning on the screen. The role came to me as I was passing through Vancouver on my way to LA from Montreal. I had auditioned for a guest role on The X Files but that didn’t pan out, then, Coreen Mayrs, the CD, brought me back a bit later to read for the role of Ernie Shiffer and voila... I was ecstatic about it simply because I was and still am a dear fan of Chris Carter’s work.

The desire to act began to manifest itself strongly midway through highschool. Growing up in Haiti my father was a theatre buff...but I hated it. My folks sent me to Canada for a better education; maybe becoming a lawyer or something like that. Then I saw a Westside Story production at my high school. All the hip kids, the coolest cats in that school were in that production. It was a tiny stage from a little high school in Montreal called de Roberval. It was like magic. I wanted to be part of that.

MH: What was your reaction to the role itself? Did you have any trepidation at all in playing an individual who, it was revealed, raped a woman while she was incapacitated. Can you recall your reaction to the character when you received the script?

RS: I don’t remember having any particular reaction regarding the role itself other than sheer excitement. It was a vindication of some sort for me. My dream was coming true and I was more interested in being true to the character. I was eager to sink my teeth into the role and fly off with it. I felt very spiritual about, actually, and quite grateful.

MH: You had some great on-screen time with Lance Henriksen and Terry O'Quinn. Did you learn anything for the process of working with them so early on in your career and how was the experience for you?

RS: I remember at one point, we were standing outside. We were about to go on camera after rehearsing the first scene. Lance noticed that I was all weirded out and asked me what was wrong. I replied to him that I was tripping out because of the admiration I had for him.

Five months prior, I had no idea where my life was going to end up. He smiled, tapped me on the shoulder and said let’s go back inside and have fun. Terry was very laid back and very professional. I had their full support and I felt comfortable because they made me feel like I was doing good. Lance was the ultimate cool cat. He made it look so suave. I dug that very much.

MH: It's been something of a revelation to me, as a layman, how many actors do not revisit their work on the screen. Have you seen 'In Arcadia Ego' or any episodes of Millennium and what are your thoughts and feelings on it? Can you appreciate why so many individuals are passionately wanting the franchise to be revisited.

RS: You’d be surprised to hear that I still watch that episode. I have a scene from “In Arcadia Ego” on my first and my second demo-reel. I play them for friends all the time, so I can tell stories about my first real gig. The vibe and the quality of the intensity of the show is so captivating, I found it revelant enough to watch over and over again.

MH: You've been is some sterling productions in your career so far but I was delighted to catch you in James Morgan and Glen Wong's 'Black Christmas.' Did you have an opportunity to meet Glen and James when you worked on Millennium? How do the experiences of working in film and television compare for you.

RS: It was a delight to work on ‘Black Christmas’ simply because those gentlemen are great people to work with. I wasn’t on set for that long but I remember it was particularly a fun shoot.

The experiences of working in Film and Television are one and the same. To me it’s the same craft. I have to go through the same process as far as exploring every aspect of the whole dynamic of the piece and the character or characters I happen to be working on or with.
Making love is making love, y’know what I mean?

MH: Millennium fans in particular are looking forward to '2012' as it appears, on the face of it, to deal with similar apocalyptic themes to Millennium. Could you tell us a little more about the film and whether you enjoyed your work on it?

RS: 2012 is one heck of a ride…it was a heck of ride shooting all those roller-coaster scenes. To break it down...2012: It’s the year the Mayan calendar ends, henceforth, the end of all mankind and you had a sense of that when on the sets. On the other hand; 2012 to me is rebirth, my daughter Soleii E Selestene Selmour was born during the filming of it. It was the new beginning of a beginning for me and there I was in the middle of the end of the world. I don’t think anyone can grasp the concept and the magnitude of the story yet. I was involved in one of the multitude of happenings that’ll be taking place around the World. Can you imagine that?

MH: I read that you are an artist and create work from your studio that you exhibit at private shows. Could you tell us a little more about your art, what medium do you work in and how would you describe your style?

RS: I do paint indeed. I’ve been going at it on a serious trip for the last eight, nine years. I’ve organised and participated in a number of artshows. My style is poetically abstract. I paint like I write prose. I tell endless stories through my work. I venture with oil, acrylic and watercolor. It’s a fantastic exercise. Somehow it spills over into my approach to the craft of acting in that it opens up windows in and around the mind that give you a new angle of looking into things.

MH: What can admirers of your work keep their eyes open for with respect to the continuing career of Ron Selmour?

RS: I just guest starred in Caprica. A television series set in the fictional Battlestar Galatica universe beginning 58 years before the events seen in Battlestar Galatica. I finished filming my scenes last night.

I’m also priveleged to be concurrently working with Zack Snider on Sucker Punch. I play a gentleman name Danforth who is part of this labyrinth like plot. A 1950’s period action movie. Zack Snider describes it as Alice in Wonderland with a machine gun. It depicts the story of a girl named Baby Doll who is confined to a mental institution by her evil stepfather, who intends to have her lobotomised in five days. While imprisoned, she imagines an alternative reality to hide her from the pain. In this fantasy world she needs to steal five objects to help her out before she is deflowered by a vile man.

It’s great fun, life is good. I’m on cloud nine and I intend to stay there or go up higher. I love my work, I’m loving life. We go on from here….more great work…and go on further making a difference in the world through my work.

MH: Once again our thanks for agreeing to talk to us.

RS: No thank you, Mark, for this healthy exercise.

PLEASE LEAVE YOU THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS FOR RON AT THIS BLOG AND JOIN WITH ME IN WISHING HIM ALL THE VERY BEST FOR THE FUTURE. THIS IS WHO WE ARE!

19 Responses to "BACKTOFRANKBLACK EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON SELMOUR!"

Brandson J said... November 6, 2009 at 10:39 PM

Fantastic interview, this guy is an itense amazing actor love his work, sounds like a really nice humble guy too, fantastic interview, the icing on the cake would be a podcast with him because he has a great voice.

Anonymous said... November 7, 2009 at 5:08 AM

What a lovely man he seems. Here's wishing him every continued success for the future.

Ben Lundy said... November 7, 2009 at 5:48 AM

Thanks, Ron, for sharing your memories and your enthusiasm for Millennium with the fans. We look forward to seeing you in future projects!

Anonymous said... November 7, 2009 at 6:01 AM

Thank, Ron! You seem like a very cool guy, besides an excellent actor. Your current and future projects seem quite exciting! Interesting to learn you are also a writer and a painter.
Thank you for being part of Millennium. Best of luck,
diego

George said... November 7, 2009 at 6:26 AM

I thought Ron was great in In Arcadia Ego and thought it was him in Black Christmas (thanks for confirming that BTFB). A great actor with a fantastic presence on screen and one who we will no doubt continue to enjoy in many more films and shows.

Cathi said... November 7, 2009 at 7:41 AM

I'm looking forward to seeing 2012. It looks like a great movie and reminds me very much of Deep Impact from what I have seen with David Duchovny's (ex?)wife. I shall keep a look out for Ron. He was great in Millennium and thank you for talking to the fans sir.

Jósef Karl said... November 7, 2009 at 10:37 AM

Another great text interview, Ron just oozes charm and love, dare I say it, he sounds so huggable! (is that even a word!?) :D

2012 sounds interesting, and I'm very psyched about Sucker Punch, I keep thinking James Gunn's Slither after hearing what Sucker Punch is about. I'll be on the lookout for those two for sure.

And thanks again Ron, it's always a pleasure hearing from anyone associated with Millennium no matter if they're in front or behind the camera or even not at all! :D

Cheers from Iceland!
- Jósef

Randal Graves said... November 7, 2009 at 12:08 PM

It's always very cool to hear about actors like Ron that are creative off screen, too. Here's hoping he gets many more roles.

Mark Ducker said... November 7, 2009 at 12:35 PM

I don't normally comment on the interviews we do but I wanted to break with tradition. Ron is simply one of the most personable, passionate and warm individuals I have ever had the pleasure of corresponding with and I wish him nothing but the best for the future. I watched Black Christmas again last night to enjoy his performance in it and I have no doubt at all that Glen cast him because he spotted his talent during In Arcadia Ego. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for him.

FoxyWonder said... November 7, 2009 at 12:37 PM

What a lovely man he is. So passionate. If huggable is a word you can count a hug-happy-gal like me in. A interview to warm your ♥♥heart♥♥

Spooktalklaura said... November 7, 2009 at 1:24 PM

Oh what a nice interview with a fine looking man. :) He seems so nice and down to earth. :) I didn't realize he was in so many movies I love... Black Christmas, The Chronicles of Riddick, and going to be in 2012.. our interview with Anna Mae revealed that she was going to be in it too and I can tell it is going to be a hit. :) You seem very passionate about your work and congrats on the birth of your daughter. :) I love all your interviews Mark! :)

Laura

CC said... November 7, 2009 at 6:03 PM

How cool is this man?

CC

Mike said... November 8, 2009 at 1:50 PM

I enjoyed the interview very much and wish Ron all the best! I'll definately keep looking for upcoming projects!

Anonymous said... November 9, 2009 at 12:50 PM

He is very spiritual, no wonder he will continue to multiply his success...
MaGue

Anonymous said... November 9, 2009 at 1:04 PM

He is very spiritual, no wonder he will continue to multiply his success...
MaGue

Wave_Crest said... November 9, 2009 at 3:34 PM

It was a very enjoyable read. A very positive interview.

Like most Season 2 Millennium episodes I've forgotten some of the episode "In Arcadia Ego", but remember the overall plot. It was a good episode.

Anonymous said... November 10, 2009 at 6:10 PM

I am so in love with this man. Thank you for such a wonderful read everyone.

RSWehman said... November 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM

Great read from an inspiring person. I really enjoyed it. In Arcadia Ego was a really good episode. This was a good episode and after reading the interview and watching the episode again, it was even better.

Thanks for the interview!

This Is Who We Are!!
Rhonda

Anonymous said... November 19, 2009 at 2:53 PM

Thank you family, all of you who wrote all the so many kind words.
I am so very gratefully inspired, a much needed state of mind, particularly on this morose day...

Thanks a million

Ron Selmour

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