Caleb Savage

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

Well it’s actually a pretty funny story. I originally tried out for the role of “Rafe Hemming” in the show but was cast as his alter-ego instead. I met the actor who won his role and we actually talked about how we saw “Caleb” and “Rafe” interacting. I guess the producers thought he had a gentler look about him since “Caleb Savage” is supposedly this badass Alpha wolf with a hair-trigger temper. But other than reading the script through and rehearsing lines with my baby brother, I didn’t have to do much preparation.

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

That I actually got a role. And not only that but a role that is really dynamic to the entire plot. “Caleb Savage” is so integral to the story’s center that without this character the story would seem like any other supernatural monster flick. But he adds a whole new level to what After Midnight is and essentially who “Rafe Hemming” becomes.

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

Humor. Behind the scenes I am a huge crack up. It keeps the cast rolling. Other than that I’d like to think that with “Caleb Savage” I am portraying him to the truth of your writing. I want him to be seen as the villainous murderer with a golden heart and hopefully we will see him through that change…hopefully.

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

That’s hard to say. Honestly there aren’t that many ‘werewolf’ movies out there that I can draw from that would help me portray “Caleb Savage” but if I had to choose one I’d probably go with Wolf with Jack Nicholson mostly because I love him as an actor. He’s a venerable talent!

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

Well I haven’t sprouted fangs or a tail if that’s what you’re getting at. I think the biggest misconception about supernatural lore is that it all must follow a specific set of rules. Vampires hate werewolves and vice versa. But with After Midnight we have humans and hunters and witches and different variations of the standard werewolf as we’ll see very soon. The story doesn’t follow a checklist of good versus evil or the same guidelines as the standard Hollywood movie. It makes up its own rules and goes down a road that few have ever traveled in the werewolf lore including romantic scenes that are a bit taboo and unheard of. And for the record, there are no vampires in After Midnight. We’re all monstrous beasts here! We’re the real bads that go ‘bump in the night’.

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

I wouldn’t actually call “Caleb Savage” a “bad guy” guy per se though I suppose you created him so you would know better than I. To me he seems more misguided or guided by his heart’s desires which ends rather horrifically for those that stand in his way. But he is, I suppose, for all intents and purposes a monster. He is the key to unlocking so much more mystery and danger to the After Midnight plot that it’s just…explosive. Really when I read the script I just thought wow, I want to do that. I want to be this character because I felt I could really bring him to life in a way that showed the depth of who this seemingly soulless, merciless animal really was. Obviously I’m not a bad guy; well I’d like to think I’m not. So being able to effectively portray a man who murders his mate’s mother and goes on to do some other unspeakable acts of terror was a stretch for me. But I love a challenge and I think that I was able to bring in who he is and make this character bigger than life.

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

Hmm that would have to be Kaya. She’s at the center of everything and has some very difficult obstacles to face. I think watching her overcome these trials and make it out as a better person is one of the best and most interesting struggles within the story.

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

Right now his biggest obstacle is himself. “Caleb Savage” has one true desire: to mate and bond with Kaya Villalobos. That task becomes mission impossible when she learns who he is and the fact that he’s not so very open to changing perspective. Not to spoil it for those who haven’t already read up but we meet “Caleb” at a very critical moment for Kaya. She has just learned that her mate, her true mate is the man she was already falling for and someone that both her father and her aunt told her she couldn’t be with. She gets back her memories and realizes that this man was also the one that killed her mother. At the same time we have “Rafe Hemming” undergoing a series of night terrors that piece-by-piece are slipping into reality bringing him back in full effect as “Caleb Savage” someone believed to be a very dangerous man. And this season we get to learn more about those savages and what makes them tick.

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

I think you’re trying to bait me. I’m gonna take the easy way out and say that this story is so full of twists and turns that you never know what to expect. The bad guys turn out to be good; the good guys turn out to be bad it’s a never-ending ride of mystery.

What do you love about being an actor?

The ability to be anyone at any time and visit so many exotic locales in the process. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented actors and actresses in the After Midnight cast I feel completely blessed. To be surrounded by such wonderful people on set 24/7 is a dream come true that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

How do you handle negative criticism and rumors?

Fortunately I have yet to be on the receiving end of anything nasty by critics or fans. But I feel that anyone has the right to speak his or her mind regardless of popular perspective. I think it’s a real blessing to hear from someone who isn’t following the herd and isn’t afraid of saying ‘Hey you know what? That sucks!’ The only difference is there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it to get your message across and be effective. That kind of finesse is a well honed skill. But it’s also a great writer, actor or whatever that can take the critics as they come and handle it in a professional manner. One thing that is certain is that wherever there is a successful man or woman there will ALWAYS be someone who doesn’t like them and will do whatever they can to bring them down. You just have to be able to roll with the punches.

If you had your schooling and career choice to do all over again, would you choose the same professional path? If not, what would you do differently and why?

Not in a million years. I LOVE what I do for a living. I enjoy being in front of a camera and performing for live audiences and everything. It’s a real talent to be able to be so many different people and make them believable. I couldn’t ask for a better job!

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

Wow…um…that’s an interesting question. Hmm. I think “Caleb Savage” has an issue with openly trusting people. Like when we see him come up behind Connor Morvant and Kaya in the backstage lounge he is obviously very angry with Connor seeing him so close to his mate. But anyone who has read After Midnight knows the relationship both Connor and Kaya have and how incredibly close these two have grown over the years. I think if I could change that about “Caleb” I would. Other than that he’s the best. He is cocky, arrogant, sadistic and funny. BUT what might surprise people to know is that he can also be very tender and sweet especially with his mate and baby brother.

What personally do you do to cope with stress in your life?

I like to run. I enjoy getting out and just running for miles every morning and every night. It not only keeps me in shape but it helps me clear my head when I need it.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Bartending. Don’t look at me like that. I think it’s a really fun and interesting job. I watched this competition once where this guy was juggling eight bottles of liquor and managing to pour and mix a drink using each of them and get them served up. I was highly impressed! I was like ‘Man if I could do that I’d have all the ladies!’ Because nothing says ‘sexy’ better than a man that knows how to toss a bottle.

What was your first job?

Cleaning the golf course at Adventure’s Putt-Putt Golf and Games. It was an arcade and miniature golf course in Mason’s Ridge. I ran the Picker and drove the range collecting up the balls from the green. I made it sort of a game to see if the golfers could hit me and tease them when they couldn’t. It was bad though when they did; sounded like a bullet being shot out of a gun when they connected.

What was your best job?

My best job is the one I’m doing now. Although performing as the ‘Dancing Dog’ for Big Dan’s Chili Emporium is still pretty high on the list. You wouldn’t believe it but I got a lot of numbers dancing as a giant hotdog outside that corner restaurant.

What is your current living arrangement?

Are you trying to get me in trouble? Um I live with my fiancée, my dog Max and her dog Sasha, a German Shepard. We have a house together in Pounawea. 

Are you or have you ever dated one of your co-stars?

Now I KNOW you’re trying to get me in trouble. But yes, I am and have. Currently seeing someone from the cast but I’m not saying who.

Do you have a personal Quote?

‘Live for the moment’. I think that no matter what you do you should give it your all 100% of the time all the time.

What book are you reading now?

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James. It’s been getting so much attention lately I thought why not see what the fuss is about? After making it through the first five chapters I realized someone must have been peeking in my closet and stopped.

What's on your screen saver?

A picture of my German Shepard Max. It’s actually a collage a photographer friend of mine did showing from when he was a pup until today at 5 years old. He’s my best friend and I wouldn’t give him up for all the money in the world.

What are your favorite magazines?

Other than Simful? I enjoy Flare and Simstyle both of which are co-produced by Cecil Cassani. Hey I gotta give a shout out right Boss? I also enjoy Auto Trader and Time. I think reading Time gives the appearance I’m much deeper than I actually am. It’s one of those magazines people see on your coffee table and think ‘Oh he must have some interesting conversational topics’. But in reality you’d be lucky if I can talk about anything other than sports, animals and food.

What is your favorite smell?

Me. No seriously, my cologne. I go between Acqua Di Gio and Armani Code both by Giorgio Armani. I’m not lying when I say I get random hugs throughout the day from women just because of those scents. It’s like a mass attack sometimes like in those commercials. It’s one of those smells that lingers after a firm bear hug and makes you think ‘Damn, I’d love to roll around in that all day’.

What is your least favorite smell?

Axe or anything by Lagerfeld. I completely agreed with that ad Connor did last edition of Simful. That Axe is just vile. It gets up your nose from a distance because the people who use it don’t know what the word ‘moderation’ means and it just lingers all day. It smells cheap and you can spot a douche from the scent.

What is your favorite sound?

Other than Kaya Villalobos screaming my name? Night Shift of course. I’m into classic rock, you know Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Eagles, The Doors, Def Leppard. But I also love the sound today, Metallica, Skillet, 30 Seconds, Disturbed, Evanescence, Flyleaf, Paramore, Godsmack, Seether, Shinedown and Three Days Grace. I’ve never been into really hard rock or metal but I don’t turn it off always either; Slipknot comes to mind.

What is the worst feeling in the world?

Losing someone you love. I don’t think there is any kind of way to truly deal with that kind of loss. You know they say time heals but that’s not true. Time doesn’t change what happened it only buries it but it’s still there threatening to pop up when you least expect it. We find ways to distract ourselves from the pain with time but…you never get over losing someone you love.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?

Honestly? You sure you don’t want to know the second one? Ok well on days Max isn’t nudging me awake with his cold nose to go for a walk, I’m thinking about nudging the girl in my bed with my cold nose for a um…walk. I guess all guys are the same huh? First thing in the morning is something pertaining to their dicks.

What is your favorite color?

Blue. Sky blue mostly but anything like a dodger or royal blue color is high on my list.

How many rings before you answer the phone?

Well since I have caller ID it all depends on if I want to speak to the person on the other end. Most I usually just let it go three or four to make sure it’s not a butt-dial. But if it’s my Mom and I don’t pick up on the first ring she’ll badger me for the first 20 minutes of that call about how I always avoid her calls or try to ignore her. So she’s ALWAYS a one ring. 

What is most important in life?

Family, good friends, good music and lots of delicious food.

What are your favorite foods?

My Mom’s Lasagna, I swear she makes the best Lasagna ever! Other than that anything made by my Dad or Grandma. Coming from an Italian family pretty much everyone in my family knows how to cook. It’s amazing I’m not 300lbs or something!

Do you like to drive fast?

Of course! I enjoy collecting fast cars too. In my garage right now I have an Aston Martin, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche Panamera, Maserati Granturismo, Jaguar XKR, Bugatti Veyron and McLaren MP4.

What was your first vehicle?

Ha! A 1978 AMC Pacer. It is one of the ugliest cars ever made but my Dad thought it would teach me responsibility. Once I made enough from my after school jobs I bought myself a 1971 Dodge Challenger, orange.

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

If I did do you think I’d admit that?

Do you like storms?

I love them! Nothing is better for reading or sleeping! Then again rain does provide other opportunities also.

What's under your bed?

Gym equipment, boxes of old magazines and maybe clothes.

What's your favorite number?

18. It’s always been lucky for me.

What is your favorite sport to watch?

Football, Hockey, MMA fighting and baseball.

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

William Shakespeare. I’m a huge fan for the classics and he is one of the most interesting playwrights of all time, obviously. Plus I think he’d make an interesting interview.

What are your favorite alcoholic drinks?

Jager, Tequila, Rum and Coke, Vodka and Orange, Black Russian; the list goes on.

What's your zodiac sign?

Leo. That means I’m confident, ambitious, generous, loyal, encouraging but unfortunately pretentious, domineering, melodramatic, stubborn and vain. It is also said that Leo is very independent but they need something to control and someone to admire them and appreciate them. They are fully capable of being greatly successful on their own but they are much happier if they have an audience and a following of people who look up to them. They would prefer not be alone. 

Do you eat the stems of your broccoli?

No. I don’t eat broccoli at all actually. I hate it.

If you dyed your hair, what color would you pick?

I don’t think I’d ever dye my hair. I like it black as it is. Perhaps I’d add red streaks but I’d never go outside my black.

Have you ever been in love?

Absolutely. I am in love now. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Half full. A glass can’t be half empty because half of nothing is still nothing.

What is your favorite movie?

Reservoir Dogs.

Do you type with your fingers on the right keys?

I don’t think I ever really thought about that but yes, I suppose I do.

From your perspective, what do you like least about the new media industry at present?

The fact that absolute crap gets published and made into movies and people flock to it like they’ve never seen anything like it before. I don’t know some of the past movies, books, and CDs that have been made in the last…I’ll say six years are just beyond bad. It makes me sad and a little angry to know that these ‘artists’ and all their auto-tune and first grade drivel gets so much attention.

What musician, song, book, TV show, movie or play produced in the last year has been most inspiring to you, either personally or professionally?

Wow that’s tough to say. There is so much interesting and wonderful works of media being published today but of course with the good comes bad. There are some that I’d steer clear of for sure. Hmm I’d have to say some of the most interesting works I’ve seen have been produced by supernatural writers, too many to actually name. But I do appreciate multitalented works and authors capable of working in different genres.

Do you have any closing words?

To the fans of After Midnight I want to say thank you for your constant support and stay tuned. There is so much more ahead you won’t want to miss it!

I’d like to thank you Caleb 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 now for you readers and fans out there, it’s your chance to voice your opinion on who gets to be up on the hot seat next. Cast your vote now and next week we will pick the brain of the winner! Thank you for joining us on this edition of After Hours, I’ve been your humble host Daijah!

Who will be next week's interview?

• Armand "Lobo" Villalobos
• Ulrick Pacheco
• Charlie Savage
• Lexi Cromwell
• Bane Lockhart