Answers with Gregg Daniel

Answer 1

You starred on HBO's "True Blood" as Reverend Daniels. Why did you decide to audition for the role of wise and religious Reverend Daniels?

One of the central reasons for auditioning for True Blood was the Writer, Creator & Executive Producer, Alan Ball. I admired Ball's other HBO series, Six Feet Under very much. In fact, I thought his writing was brilliant. The stories he created, the dialogue he gave those actors to speak all convinced me I wanted to work with this talented man.

Answer 2

What was it like to work on the set of "True Blood"? Did you ever have vampire nightmares from being on the set day in and day out?

True Blood was a blast to work on. How could it not be? The show was exploring the love lives of supernatural beings, not only Vampires but Werewolves, Shape Shifters, Witches, etc. It was such a unique world to be in. The sets, special effects and makeup mirrored all these strange and beautiful creatures. Being on the set and telling their stories was anything but dull or nightmarish, it was FUN.

Answer 3

We all want to know...how do they make all that fake blood? What about the vampire teeth?

I still won't reveal any secrets about the blood or the fangs. The series still has passionate & loyal fans who I don't want to spoil it for. However, I will say it was much more low tech than people think. And while the fangs & the blood all looked great, it was simpler than you could imagine.

Answer 4

What was your favorite part about being on the "True Blood" cast? Did you have a favorite episode?

I truly loved working with everyone in the cast. But most of my scenes was with Reverend Daniels' wife played by Adina Porter. I had enormous fun working with her. Not only could she bring the drama when needed (after all Lettie Mae's story was pretty tragic). But Adina also brought a bit of humor to all the work we did.

Answer 5

You are guest starring in the second season of HBO's drama series "True Detective". What was it like to work with such an all-star cast and what can we expect from season two?

I was stunned by the first season of True Detective. The tone, mood and story line was superb. I thought the series was one of the most extraordinary works I had seen on television, so when I was cast as a Guest Star in Season Two, I was elated. I won't reveal who I worked with or details about this season but suffice it to say the acting, directing, intensity and power of the first season is still there.

Answer 6

With more than 100 credits in television and film...have you starred in your dream role yet? If not, what is your dream role?

I don't think there's one "dream" role I want to play. However, there are a long list actors and directors I want to work with because their artistry inspires me. Any filmmaker that can tell a good story with truth, passion and commitment interests me. But there are genres I would love to work in - Westerns, Swashbucklers and Science Fiction all excite me.

Answer 7

You've also been working on the civil rights movie "Jerico" set to release in 2016. Can you tell us more about the premise of the film?

The feature, Jerico is set in the deep south during the period of "Jim Crow." This was an infamous period in our Nation's history of racial discrimination, violence, atrocities and laws which supported the "separate but equal" doctrine. In the film, two friends are brought together by a tragic occurrence they witnessed as youngsters. We pick up their story as the boys have now become men. Believe or not, the film is a mixture of drama with a huge dose of comedy. The journey the two friends take in order to survive and thrive in their Southern Town is packed with healthy laughs.

Answer 8

Did you have to do any historical research in order to prepare for your role as Thomas Cook in "Jerico"?

Yes, I did do a good amount of research. Because Jerico is a period piece, I wanted to go back and examine that region of our country as well as the time frame. The body of the film is set in 1964 when the Civil rights act was passed. This was a huge moment in our nation's consciousness for not only African Americans but for Whites as well. I wanted to fully understand its impact.

Answer 9

From comedy to historical drama to science fiction, you've acted in such a wide variety of genres...do you have a favorite genre to act in?

Any genre that can shed light on the human condition and reveals we all have more in common that the things that separate us is an important and worthy story.

Answer 10

Every actor has one: What's your story of how you "made it"?

Anytime a fan of a show I'm on stops to speak to me with a clear knowledge about my character, that feels like "making it" to me. The investment of time and attention fans have placed in a show is extraordinary and not to be taken lightly. When my work as an actor moves them, it lets me know I'm doing something right. Additionally to have the respect and admiration of other actors I admire and respect also feels like I'm "making it" as well.