After Hours: Charlie Savage

What did you do to prepare yourself for the role of “Charlie Savage” in the series After Midnight?

I bought myself a large bottle of Absolut, started a fire in my fireplace, walked my dogs, called up my big bro and settled into my comfy couch. He saw the casting call for the series and said he thought of me immediately so we decided it would be something we did together. The night before we arrived to Moonlight Studios, I got a phone call from Caleb saying that the role I was trying out for had already been filled. The only thing I could think was ‘Nuuuuuuuuu’ only more epic. Think Willem Dafoe in Platoon; that was me. So I decided I’d try for the role of “Connor Morvant”. Anyway we get to the studios for our auditions and I see the role of “Charlie Savage” was tentative and decided to give it a go anyway. Apparently the person they’d originally wanted for the part wasn’t as reliable as they’d previously thought, at least that’s what I was told. It was later that I learned I had special help from the writer/creator herself. So again I’d like to thank you for assisting me in landing this role. It’s been a dream come true.

What’s surprised you the most about being selected for this role?

Um probably the giant amount of work involved in it. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love it and wouldn’t dare dream of doing anything different but...man. I don’t think people realize just how much goes into one episode of the series. Between set designs, costume changes, script rewrites, editing and special effects there is so much involved in order to bring out this fantasy world of werewolves and magic that’s just incredible. And being cast as one of the more detailed and involved characters of the story is a blessing. I enjoy working with my brother and I’ve met some really remarkable people along the way.

What has been the biggest influence on your work in After Midnight?

Honestly it’s the writing. Every week I get the script I look at it and think ‘Wow, this has to be shown as dramatic and as revealing in character as what’s written on these pages’. I feel like if I don’t give it my all every time I step in front of the camera I’m lying to not only myself but the readers and to you as well. You have a very interesting story to tell and if your actors aren’t conveying the words as accurately and significantly as your work then it’s all for nothing. The scripting and the audience are the biggest reasons I want to do this and I want to work my ass off to make the story something they can enjoy again and again.

What is the strongest asset you bring to the story of After Midnight?

Well I buy donuts when I come on set. Of course I don’t buy coffee so there’s a lot of dry mouths after they eat my donuts but still, it’s a nice gesture right? Oh asset? Yeah I don’t have any of those. I come, I act and try to get my lines done before I get kicked out. Apparently trying to do everyone’s job is not my concern and when I start to do someone else’s lines, the director gets a tad bit upset and yells.

What’s the biggest myth about playing a supernatural character in After Midnight?

For me I think that being in a supernatural story in general is looked at like ‘Oh here comes another one of those stories’ referring to the werewolf genre and the Twilight induced public. But After Midnight is so much more different. It’s a creative take on the whole wolf drama. While certain aspects may seem like a typical wolf saga, After Midnight is anything but ‘typical’. With the introduction of magic on top of the wolf world and the hunters, there’s this whole new prospective of bad guys within the magical community and I think that mysticism is a fun new take on an old classic.

What’s the most challenging part about playing the “bad guy”?

When I think about “Charlie Savage” I don’t think ‘bad guy’ I think more along the lines of ‘true wolf’. “Charlie” isn’t the type of guy who believes that they (wolves) should hide who and what they are. He LOVES the fact that they are superior beings and knows that at any time they could wipe humans off the face of the earth. He is somewhat remorseless as far as what he’s done and the people he’s hurt. But he does what he does for his family. I think his character is a true testament to a wolf with a mind for pack life. We can see how much he truly cares in his interactions with his brother and the fact that he’s already calling Kaya his ‘little Sis’. But he’s not apologetic or sorry for having to do the things he does in order to defend the rights of his people. I think over time the readers and the fans will come to understand him as just being a really family oriented kind of guy.

Who is the person you admire most within the cast of After Midnight?

Armand Villalobos. Not only is he a great actor, his character is so raw and built around a very sensitive subject. He has the hardest role in raising a child alone and doing everything he feels is in her best interests and failing at it. On top of that he has to maintain a look of complete control for his pack as Alpha. It has to be one of the hardest things to have to deal with knowing that your child might grow to hate you because of the secrets you’ve kept and the lies you’ve told. He is definitely a very intriguing character.

What do you enjoy most about your work as “Charlie Savage” in the series After Midnight?

Being able to act alongside my brother. It’s been a long time since we’ve had the pleasure. Other than that I’d have to say that After Midnight has presented me with remarkable opportunities that I’d never imagined. It’s opened the door to motion pictures and guest spots on television shows and other series. I love that I can show my diversity with “Charlie Savage” and pit my acting prowess against that of so many other seasoned actors and actresses on set. We have a wide range of wonderful talent. 

If there’s one thing you wished your character would do differently, what would it be and why?

Hmm…I think I’d make him much more ruthless than he may appear to be. Like his brother, Caleb, “Charlie Savage” is known as a merciless wild wolf but when he is around his pack you can clearly see he loves and respects them like family. If I had it my way I’d have him murdering a new random person every week. That way when people think “Charlie Savage” they think “crazed animal”. Haha no I’m kidding. I don’t think there’s anything that needs to be changed about my character. He knows what he is and he treats his ‘special ability’ as he should, with respect. He LOVES being a wolf and everything about it. He knows how remarkable he is and anyone who doesn’t love and understand that he has an immediate dislike for.

How do you see your character developing with the upcoming episodes and how will that affect the plans of “Charlie Savage”?

I think now that “Charlie” has his big brother home again we can start seeing him in his assumed role and bring back the love of family. One thing that is very important to “Charlie Savage” is family. I feel that more and more he will be able to be himself again and relax around the pack. He’s had to stand in as Alpha and many have possibly come to despise him as their leader but he’s always had their best intentions at heart.

What seems to be the biggest obstacle for “Charlie Savage”?

I don’t think he lets things get too complicated for him. Before though I’d have said it was his brother. Finding him had become such a chore that it was beginning to consume him. He wouldn’t let a week pass without going on a hunt looking for Caleb. He was sure he was still alive and refused to give up.

Are there any spoilers you can reveal to us concerning “Charlie Savage”?

Nope! I will say though that “Charlie” knows a secret and will soon reveal it to Kaya. 

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

25. It’s like the perfect age. Out of high school, out of college, past the drinking age, not too hard on insurance and your body is just in its prime physical condition right? Yeah I think it’s perfect. Plus you’re not too old for the young crowd and old enough for the adult crowd.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Fly. I’ve always wanted to pilot my own aircraft. It’s scary though and I know that it takes a great amount of skill but I’ve always wanted to try.

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

Absolutely nothing! I was a perfect angel; at least in my parent’s eyes. I never got caught doing anything and when the heat was on I’d always just blame Caleb. But he’s a good big brother. He took the wrap for most things and never once complained or denied the guilt when they came after him even knowing full well it was something I did. He did however make me wash his gym socks for a week after his punishment was over or some other vile chore.

What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?

My next door neighbor gave me a Beard-O for Christmas a year ago. You know one of those flannel knits you can wear on your face to keep it warm? When I got it I thought ‘what the hell? I don’t even have a beard’ but apparently it works well even without one when it’s really cold outside. I think honestly it was just a regift that he threw my way. So I regifted him a Fruit Cake my Aunt gave me. I hate Fruit Cake I hope he loved it. Otherwise I expect to see it next year at my doorstep. Hell we can make it a thing, I’ll give it right back to him again! By the way Daijah I don’t bite. You know you don’t have to sit so far away.

When was the last time you were nervous?

When I auditioned for a role in After Midnight. I usually get nervous before every audition which you’d think I’d be used to by now but nope. I was so sure I’d get the role of “Charlie Savage” but I still was like a ball of nerves. Then to hear that it was filled only crushed my confidence more. BUT I found my fire and got in front of the casting table and nailed it!

Do you like to cook?

I LOVE to cook and I’m really very good at it too. My parents taught both myself and Caleb. Before I could tie my shoes I could prepare a three course meal. I’d say my palate has aged over time and so have my skills in the kitchen. I would love to make you a culinary masterpiece sometime to show you. And I promise it wouldn’t be ordering out and pretending like it was something I did. I mean, who does that?

Have you ever lived in another country?

I’ve never lived in another country but I have visited quite a few of them; Argentina, Italy and Japan being a few of my favorites. There is so much rich history and so many different things to do and explore it’s endless. I love learning about new cultures and ways of life. I also believe it’s important to at least attempt to speak the language too to try and get around.

Which languages do you speak?

I am fluent in Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, German, French and Spanish. 

What Family Guy character best describes you?

Oh wow, um. I’d say Stewie mostly because he’s my favorite character but I don’t exactly walk around with murderous plots to kill my mom so he might not be accurate. Sadly I’d think I’m more on the Brian end of things. One of those highly intellectual, irritating people who likes to correct you when you speak. Ugh, that just makes me want to punch myself in the face. I can be very quirky like Peter and every bit as raunchy as Quagmire though. Damn. I guess if I had to choose just one I’d say Peter. Annoying, funny, sarcastic with splashes of wisdom every now and again.

Do you have any qualms about being nude so often in front of the camera?

I’m not shy. I’m very well endowed, I work out often so my body is in perfect physical condition to be on display but most importantly I have a winning smile. I have absolutely no fears or worries about showing off my hard work at all. At first I had some concerns when I got the part because I thought ‘Crap what if my Grandma sees this?’ But then I decided it’s all in the pursuit of artistic expression and she’d understand. Besides, she changed my diapers when I was a baby, it’s nothing she hasn’t seen before; though I am significantly larger now.

What do you think is your best feature?

My eyes. I hear it from people all the time that they are an unusual shade of blue but so piercing that it’s usually the first thing they notice. I bet you thought I was going to say my ass but you’re wrong. My ass is usually the second thing they notice…except when I’m naked. Women think like men when they see one naked. Their eyes immediately zone in on the package. Though I know a few that see it regardless of what a guy is wearing.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

When I was in college my dad said that I HAD to take something other than the arts just in case my first career choice, acting, didn’t work out. So I took graphic design, big stretch right? But I love to draw and sketch and I doodle often when I’m just sitting around with little else to do. I think that if I weren’t doing this I’d most likely be a cartoonist, web designer or tattoo artist. I love tats even though I don’t have very many I’ve taught myself how to do it and added the tribal on my arm as an experiment. My first huge project was my brother’s dragon tat. It took about 62 hours to complete but it came out perfectly. I think for now though I’m just going to keep working until I get fired. Not trying to give you any ideas though, just saying.

Are you a 'morning' or 'night' person?

I’d say a little of both really. What I enjoy most about the night is the solitude. There are usually very few people around during the peak hours of night to where it feels like I am alone in the world. I can get a lot of thinking done around that time. It’s just so very peaceful I can’t describe it. But I would say also that I am a morning person because it takes very little for me to get going when I wake up. I’m not cranky or irritable but not happy and oddly chipper either. I’m in between. I’m not a coffee drinker either though. 

Are you an animal lover?

Absolutely! Currently I have my two rescues Ebony and Ivory, I swear that’s their names. Ivory is a four year old pure white female American Eskimo with a pink nose and blue eyes and Ebony is a six year old black male Chow with brown eyes and a black nose. They were abandoned together at my local shelter and were next in line for termination. I think they knew their time was up because they are just so…happy. They are so appreciative I think of their new lease on life they make the most out of every day they have alive. It’s a real lesson to learn you know?

Being an animal lover, how much time do you spend spoiling your wolf counterpart?

Oh man…the nights I come home smelling like Oscar I get absolutely NO love from either of my babies. They sniff me, turn their noses up and walk off. But I totally dote on him just like I do my own. He is the sweetest Husky I’ve ever known. During filming you wouldn’t know it because the pet handlers irk him to get him to growl and such for the camera but he is a total baby. He is loving, loyal, kind; he LOVES the outdoors and chasing after balls. I wouldn’t call it playing ‘fetch’ because while he will run after it when you throw it and bring it back, he won’t give it to you to throw again. At that point he starts playing single dog soccer and makes you watch as he bats it around with his paws, it’s adorable.

What is your current relationship status?

Mmm is that a proposal? Currently I am single. Single and looking Ladies! I know many people find ‘love on the set’ because you’re around your cast for long periods of time. But as far as a working relationship goes for me I personally try to avoid mixing business with pleasure though I met someone who has had me rethinking that rule quite often. She’s currently unavailable though so I suppose for now my will is intact.

What do you think you will be doing five years from now?

Raising a family of about seven; Ivory is pregnant. The place where I rescued her didn’t realize it until they were about to spay her upon my adoption. I asked them to just leave her and I’d do it after she gave birth. I can’t wait to see them. I already know it’s a mixed breed because she mated with my Chow but I think they’ll make an interesting bunch of mutts. Can you imagine an all black chow with a white patch on its eye or even a pure white Eskimo with black socks? Too cute for words.

What makes the perfect woman?

The perfect woman for me would be someone who knows how to enjoy herself regardless of where she is. Someone who can always find a reason to laugh and joke, has an amazing sense of humor, intelligent enough to hold a conversation, an animal lover is a HUGE must! I want someone independent and understanding of my schedule as an actor. I think that is one of the hardest things to come by really. Having such a crazy work schedule it’s hard to find someone to put up with you having to be gone for weeks at a time filming on location and don’t get me started on the issues of kissing a co-star on screen. I can count on one hand the number of relationships that ended over jealousy of my co-stars.

What advice would you give aspiring actors?

Never give up. There were times where I thought ‘I don’t want to do this, it’s too much’ you know? Things get so bad that you lose hope and don’t want to continue auditioning because you know it’s just going to be another failure. But then you go on that one audition and just without even thinking you had the smallest of chances you get it and it becomes a bigger than life role. So yes, always follow your heart and persevere no matter what. I’ve also learned it's important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is. People will say ‘there are no bit roles’ and that is true. The more you get your face out there and recognized and more items to add to the resume, it can only help. You have to remember some of the biggest stars started from commercials. I still remember this one with Mario Lopez talking to an animated cow about milk when I was a kid. Acting is in my blood though. My mother was the singing bottle in an old Pepsi commercial. Caleb and I have been ‘in show business’ since we were kids. My first time in the spotlight was a school play. I was Spanky in the production of Little Rascals.

What is your favorite cereal?

Fruit Loops with marshmallows. I’m such a kid. When I sleepover at my bro’s, because he likes the same cereal, don’t ask, I will open the box and eat all the marshmallows out of it and put it back on the shelf. It’s ok to do this with Fruit Loops though because unlike Lucky Charms the cereal are delicious with or without marshmallows.

Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures?

I actually enjoy both. I’ve been practicing my filmography skills as you’ve seen so I’m behind the camera a lot. And Phil, one of the cinematographers on set, has been very gracious in showing me the ropes.

Are you a beach, country or city person?

Definitely a beach bum. I could spend hours out on the water or just lounging in the sand.

Where do you spend most of your money?

Pet stores. I swear my babies are a spoiled bunch. But they deserve it. I’m not really a huge shopper but when I do shop for myself it’s usually shirts and shoes. I’m a huge sneakers guy. I have over 70 pair at home and they of course have their own matching belts. I like to coordinate.

Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?

One night at a bar in New York I got free rounds because one of the patrons mistook me for Colin Farrell. I didn’t have the heart to tell him he was wrong so I started speaking in a thick Irish accent and got about five free drinks off of him. Later on I regretted it because apparently he’s known for being in bar fights or something? Anyway this big guy comes tapping me on the shoulder and before I knew it I’m lying on the floor covered in beer with a huge crowd at my feet and the police are asking me where my pants went. It sucked because those were my favorite jeans!

If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would that be?

Your Mom so I can thank her for giving you an ass like that. Don’t hit me! Hmm I think I would want to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone. Mostly because both of these men are phenoms! With Arnold even through the language barrier he became a huge success and is still going. And Sylvester is just…I lived on the Rocky movies when I was younger! They were badass!

What super-power would you most like to have, and why?

X-Ray vision. Do you really want to know why?

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be for?

Hmm I don’t know. I’m more an attendee than a planner. But I can say I go to New Year’s parties and they are always the same. I think that if I did throw a party it would be a bash mixed with both a New Year’s theme and birthday. That way people are forced to bring me gifts AND I can kiss strangers without getting slapped.

What’s your favorite indoor activity?

Music. I enjoy playing my guitar. I’ve learned a few new songs recently too. I’m getting quite good at it I think.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Charlie: A Guide to Being Awesome.

What's your favorite candy bar?

Chocolate. Yes I understand that’s not a ‘bar’ per se. But you can never go wrong by answering ‘chocolate’. Make me, buy me, send me anything chocolate, everything chocolaty and you and I would be best friends for life. Seriously it’s like food made by Angels that dance on clouds all day! But my favorite would have to be a Twix and no I don’t share so don’t even ask…maybe, MAYBE if you were nice enough I’d give you a bite of one but not a whole bar, sorry.

What are your favorite TV shows?

I rarely have time to actually sit and watch TV on most days but when I can I like to watch The Simpsons, Family Guy, Dexter, The Walking Dead and uh Supernatural. I used to watch The Shield when it was on, that was a great show. I watch Vampire Diaries rarely but only to root for the bad guys, everything else is too teeny bop for me. I like dark comedy stuff so anything like that I try and watch, like Dexter.

If you were a crayon what color would you be?

Red. It’s the color of love, passion, beauty, sexuality, eroticism. But it’s also the color of fire, anger, hate and fury. I think one color being capable of seeing both sides of the spectrum like that is brilliant. It really livens this room too. 

What was your first vehicle?

Unfortunately being the younger child I received a lot of my brother’s hand-me-downs including this shit brown Pacer. It blew out a gallon of smoke when you turned the ignition. The brakes squealed endlessly when you were coming up to a stop regardless of whether or not the brake pads were new. And the inside leather peeled horribly from the seats to the point it would stab you through your clothing. Caleb thought it was HILARIOUS I had to suffer through that thing. He drove it for a total of nine months and bought himself a used Challenger. I, on the other hand, couldn’t work as long as him because of the age restrictions so I was stuck with it. And yes I drive fast. What warm blooded American doesn’t? Well I suppose there are those Sunday drivers and people who shouldn’t like a bus carrying a bunch of kindergartners to school. Doesn’t stop them though. 

What is most important in life?

Family. I am a huge baby when it comes to family. I will do whatever it takes whenever it takes to make sure that they are happy and healthy. My Mom, my Dad, my brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces all of it are number one to me.

What do you like to eat?

Other than a triple, triple animal style burger from In & Out my Mom’s cooking. She can make a mean Pappardelle and three cheese pasta. Pappardelle are flat, broad noodles she makes by hand. She usually accompanies it with her special tomato sauce and cheese and often it has chicken or beef but one year for my birthday she used steak and wow…I don’t think I could ever get enough of my Mom’s cooking. And my Grandma’s Cannoli’s are to die for! Oh and she makes this incredible triple chocolate ravioli dessert. And for Christmas I always get some homemade fudge and brownies under my tree.

How do you spend your free time?

Wrestling with my dogs. When I’m not rehearsing or remembering lines I’m always with my two babies. I love them to death for sure. There’s a nature hike not far from where I live that I like to take them to. I let them off their leash and they just run. They love it. I also enjoy boating. Ivory’s not much into water so she’d prefer staying home but I take Ebony out with me every now and again for some fun on the water. The first time I took him out though scared the crap out of me. I started the engine and took us halfway out. Before I made it to our destination I heard a loud splash behind me and saw him paddling towards the shore. I didn’t know what had come over him. Turns out there was a seagull flopping around the break near the shore. He saw it or heard it I don’t know. But he jumped out of the boat and swam over to save it. I got the bird to a local rescue and Ebony got a steak dinner for being a hero.

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I do! A pink rabbit named Hipstar. It was a gift from one of my younger fans when I worked as Patience the Greeting Bear in the Diamond Cove mall back home.

Do you like storms?

I enjoy rainstorms, thunderstorms not so much. The kind that leaves you with a tree lodged in the side of your house, a bunch of shrubs in your pool and a flood in your front yard, not at all. Otherwise they are nice. It brings really nice, cool weather. I love the rain.

Do you have any closing words?

Eat.Moar.Chicken.

I’d like to thank you Charlie for coming out to do this interview with me and I am looking forward to watching more of you on screen in After Midnight!

Thank you for having me.

And for those of you at home, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. However you celebrate and whatever you celebrate I hope it’s done safely, with family and friends and that you enjoy yourself. As for me I will be taking a trip to California to spend the holiday with my boyfriend’s family. But I promise I’ll be back!

And I’m going to make sure she sticks true to her word! There’s no After Midnight without her which means I wouldn’t be here and I just can’t have that.

Technically this would be called ‘wrongful imprisonment’.

Well it would be pretty hard to prove without witnesses.

Um…Charlie?

I mean witnesses to help you.

Oh. Well then. Thank you for joining us on this edition of After Hours, I’m your humble host Daijah!