The legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen once said “Acting is a very personal process. It has to do with expressing your own personality, and discovering the character you’re playing through your own experience.”. Madam Secretary star Sam Daly puts a bit of himself in every character he plays in his 14-year career. I had the honour of interviewing him via telephone to pick his brain. That and find out about Win Barrington’s possible return to the show as well as his upcoming film projects.
“Both of my parents are actors, so it was like second nature to me,” Daly said. “[Though before I became an actor] I wanted to [play for] the Lakers.” I had a fleeting thought of Daly sporting the purple and gold jersey before asking him to elaborate on his acting journey. “I took a film class and studied abroad in Prague and at a film school in Czech. Got the chance to write, direct, and make movies so [that was it for me].” When I asked what his favourite films were, Daly said “[I love those] Hollywood renaissance films like The French Connection, [and ones without a lot of CGI added to it].” I agreed with Daly regarding movies overpowered by special effects and inquired about his most memorable role. “[I’d go with] Matt the gay warehouse guy in The Office.” He said, recalling his days working on the comedy series. “Everyone [on set] was [awesome to work with], and they were [so funny].” Daly finished with a chuckle.
After strolling down Memory Lane, I asked him about his character Win Barrington. He said that there is a chance that Win will make a return to the show. “[Perhaps] he will help Daisy with her baby.” Daly then added that although Win may someday make an appearance on the political drama, there’s no confirmation yet. Well, I for one, think it would be great to see Win Barrington again, so fingers crossed!
On the film side of things, Daly has two projects coming up. One is a zombie comedy thriller Office Uprising. He plays a character named Marcus Gantt, who, according to Daly, is someone that people would love to hate. The film depicts an office employee who discovers that an energy drink turns his co-workers into zombies. The movie hits the silver screen next month. Daly is also set to star in a post-Katrina film called Cut Throat City opposite Wesley Snipes and T.I. He plays the role of Officer Brendan O’Malley, a third-generation New Orleans police officer who partners with Detective Lucinda Brenoit (Eiza Gonzalez) after a series of heists throughout the lower 9th Ward in the city. The actor will also be starring next to his father Tim in a film called Just Not Right where a father marries his son’s ex-girlfriend.
As the interview drew to a close, I asked Daly if he had any advice for young actors and actresses out there trying to make a name for themselves. “Get into an acting class and learn as much as you can [about the craft].” He said. “[When you audition for or get a part] you give it all you got.” I then asked him before ending the interview where he sees himself in five or ten years, and he said that he would still be acting. “I would love to be a series regular in whatever [genre of television] and try to be the best [actor and parent that I could be].” Keep chasing, Sam Daly, keep chasing and one day, you will get there, I’m sure of it.
Fun Facts:
Daly, along with his father, both lent their voices to Superman. Tim Daly voiced the Man of Steel in Superman: The Animated Series while Sam voiced the Son of Krypton in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. Wonder if the two ever debated over who is the best Superman?
The actor also stars in a web series with his father called The Daly Show. The show has no budget and is filmed at Tim Daly’s apartment. The series had four seasons in total and is still watchable on YouTube.
One actor that Sam would’ve loved to work with is the late Steve McQueen. They both share the same birthday (March 24). Shame the latter passed away four years before the former was born. Sam also said that he would love to work with director Steven Spielberg. Maybe someday you will, Sam. Nothing is impossible.
Photo via CBS
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