TODAY.AZ interviews one of Hollywood's most famous "monsters" - EXCLUSIVE - PHOTOS

INTRODUCTION

Everyone remembers the "Predator" movie, where a bunch of "armed to the teeth" soldiers go deep into the jungle, and encounter an almost indestructable hunter from outer space. The "creature" or the Predator as we call it, was played by Kevin Peter Hall, legendary actor, known for his portrayals of Predator and Harry the Bigfoot.

We're sure that if Hall sadly did not die in the early 90's he would still continue to bring monsters to life. Good thing is, other actors quicky stepped up to the plate, and took big man's place. One of them was Brian Steele.


Steele in fact played Harry in the "Harry and the Hendersons" tv series, and after that his career as a "creature actor" took him to new heights. In no time, Steele was recognized in Hollywood as an actor, who could bring monsters to life.


Since 1997, Steele has played characters tailor made to scare audiences. That year, "The Relic" opened the door for Brian to work on his first Feature film. He has breathed life into villains in "Predators", "Terminator Salvation", the "Underworld" Trilogy and "Blade: Trinity". Steele also brought various monsters to life in "Men in Black 2", "Resident Evil", "Doom". He’s worked with acclaimed directors Guillermo Del Toro (both HellBoy films) and M. Night Shayamalan (Lady in the Water). He’s battled Christian Bale, Wesley Snipes, Ron Perlman, Kate Beckinsale, Dwanye Johnson, Adrian Brody, Tom Sizemore, Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin.


As Steele himself puts it: “I just want to keep bringing to life characters that challenge me.”

Read on below, as Today.Az talks to Brian Steele about his films, his creatures, and his future as an actor.


INTERVIEW

Brian, to my knowledge, you're the most recognizible of the "creature actors" that are in high demand in Hollywood. Some people on forums compare you to the late Kevin Peter Hall, who's role of "Harry" you undertook in the early 90's. Was Hall some sort of inspiration to you, aside from Karloff, Lugosi and Price?

Being mentioned in the same breath let alone being compared to Kevin Peter Hall is truly a great honor. His ability to bring characters to life absolutely amazes me. He set the bar very high and as far as I am concerned is in a class by himself.
I have watched his performances as the “Predator” and “Harry” over and over. Each time I see them I’m simply blow away by his performance.

Before accepting the part, do you do some sort of a research on how for example a particular monster/creature should behave? I am talking about having your own professional vision on the character your perform, as different actors can portray creatures quite differently...

I study lots of different types of animal and reptile movement. Critters always  use the simplest and most fluid  movements. They never over complicate a movement. Every movement seems to have a purpose and uses its energy very effectively. After the suit is sculpted I begin to think about how this character might move. Each suit has its own particular balance points which movement should be focused around. Most of the time I might feel completely off balance in the suit but, the creatures outward appearance looks perfectly balanced. I always let the sculpture teach me how it should move.  
       
Which "creature" character, in your career was it most difficult/exhausting to play/portray? Which one you enjoyed playing the most?

Portraying Mr. Wink in HellBoy 2 takes the prize in all categories. He was so massive! I trained for months before the shoot to gain the mental toughness and physical strength to bring the big guy to life. I was so lucky to be a part of the strong SFX team at Spectral Motion. This relationship gave me lots of input and rehearsal time to really prepare for this demanding role. I’m so proud of all the artists that worked on this GUY! They gave me an incredible character to work with. By far the most rewarding experience!

Aside from Brian Steele, who is known as a "creature actor", how would you think of yourself as a mainstream actor, without makeup and masks? Would you be just as successful? Or, you prefer being in your "niche" so to speak?

I have absolutely no aspirations of doing anything other than bringing creatures to life.  I cannot think of a more rewarding job than this period!  I love everything thing about it, from working with the design & fabrication team, rehearsing and finding the creatures characteristics to finally working with the director and puppeteers to get the beast onscreen. I Love my job!!!!
   
Which creature is there, that you have yet to portray on-screen? Which one would you love to play?

Hands down or should I say fins down, I would love to play “The Creature From The Black Lagoon.”  I cannot think of a more iconic character that I would enjoy bringing to life. 
       
Do you have any plans on, maybe, opening your own SFX studio in the future, where you can not only to perform, but also create monsters, and probably teach a thing or two to the younger generation of "creature" actors?

I’m always up for helping others learn movement.  The process is always evolving so we learn so much from each other.  I don’t have any plans of ever opening a SFX studio of my own. It’s never been an aspiration of mine.  I do enjoy in my spare time working on my CreatureBoy clothing line.  I’ve taken my work ethic and inspirations and designed the “CreatureBoy” and “Make The Pain Familiar”  apparel lines. You can see them on my website www.creatureboy.com . This site has all kinds of information about my career and photos from all the different creatures I have portrayed. Drop by and say hello!


T. Teymur
/Today.Az/

Below are some pictures of "creatures" that Brian Steele portrayed in his movies: