Se7en Questions with Actor, Writer and Producer
Bill Oberst Jr.
Who are some of the artists or some of the works that inspired you to get started in your field? Of today’s current artists, who do you draw inspiration from?
Lon Chaney Sr. of the silent era was, and is, my strongest inspiration, for his determination to portray the humanity in monsters. Of currently-living actors, I revere Michael Caine for his nuance and precision.
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
The deification of fame, and the conflation of celebrity status with one’s worth as an artist, are unhealthy influences on both artist and audience.
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
Indie film allows for the freedom to fail grandly while striving grandly. Do this often enough, and you’re bound to achieve something grand.
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
I’ve found something to enjoy on every set I’ve worked on. I’ve enjoyed watching Jamie Lee Curtis crack up behind the camera, putting barbed-wire around Adrienne Barbeau‘s neck and hearing her say “Tighter,” being kicked by Armand Assante, and watching in amazement as Hugh Jackman stood behind the camera and fed me lines on a turnaround, saying “We’re all in the same business, mate.” On the other hand, I’ve enjoyed shivering in the midnight glow of a hundred smaller sets, watching people who care do their jobs with pride despite the challenges. It’s all been a romance, in the way that life can be when you do what you love and love what you do.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
I split my time between screen and stage. I’d invite folks who may be interested to visit my IMDb page for updates on film and tv projects, which are always in flux. Onstage, I’m currently beginning a tour of a portrayal of my favorite author, Ray Bradbury, authorized by his estate; a role that I hope literally lasts a lifetime (Ray died at 91, so I’ve got a few decades!)
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
Ah, success. To quote Mark Twain: “The life has never been lived which was not a failure in the secret judgment of the one who lived it.” Life is, in the end, about love and only love (and giving it more than receiving it.) Of course, it takes most of a life to figure that out.
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
I’d preach. People need hope. As an actor, I try to guide folks to light by showing them darkness. If they can look at one of my characters and think “Maybe there is real evil in this world…hey, that means there must be real good, too!” maybe that’s a sermon, too. I hope so.
