Hadrian Howard Interview

Hadrian Howard is a name that stands out from the ordinary multitudes of Hollywood’s acting aspirants. The former WWE wrestler turned actor has been taking tinsel town by storm in the last year, managing a relatively smooth transition from squared circle pro wrestling powerhouse in a cute pair of speedos to a more refined animal altogether, impressing audiences with a mix of TV and film performances stateside. BBM’s Hannah Shakir catches up with the prolific Brit to see what he’s been up to…

Hi Hadrian, how are you?

I’m not too shabby, thanks. And yourself?

I’m doing very well thanks. Tell us where you are right now, paint us a pretty picture.

I’m in Los Angeles, living the dream. I’ve been based here for the last few years and it’s really the place to be if you fancy your chances in the film industry.

That’s what I hear. Tell us a little bit about your background, and how you got into the film business and when you were Hade Vansen.

Well, I started my entertainment career in the pro wrestling business. That was my main focus for the first ten years or so, although that actually helped launch a pretty successful TV career back in the UK.

Pro Wrestling? Are we talking Big Daddy and lycra Y-fronts here?

Haha, I’m afraid so. But the business, especially in England, gets a bit of an unfair rap. People don’t often see the incredible amount of skill and dedication that goes into making it as a top tier pro wrestler. It’s theatre, it’s art , and art is blood, sweat and tears. Literally in my case.

So how have you made the transition from successful wrestler to successful Hollywood actor?

Well, the two industries are frighteningly similar. Not only in terms of the theatrics, but also the behind the scenes stuff that you have to deal with. Acting is rarely as glamorous as people think. When you’re stuck on set from sunrise to sun set, freezing cold and mentally and emotionally spent, you begin to wonder about the choices you’ve made. But of course we’re all here because deep down we’re passionate about what we do. The business really is a labour of love. Wrestling is exactly the same, so mentally I’ve been ready for years.

How does the film industry in Los Angeles differ to the industry in the UK?

Well, despite the down turn in the western economy in the last few years, particularly here in California, there are opportunities here in the US that simply aren’t present in London. That’s partly to do with the difference in scale between the two industries, but it’s also a mindset thing. People here are possessed by this can do attitude, and there is a willingness to pool talent that means it’s much easier to get things going. In terms of the acting, there isn’t the elitism here in LA that there is back home in regards to up and coming talent. They’re more willing to give you a shot based on your abilities rather than where you studied.

It certainly seems that you’ve been putting that openness to good use. In the last year you’ve been incredibly busy right? From the Sci-Fi actioner Galaxy West to VH1’s prime time hit Single Ladies.

Yeah, I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve been attached to some great projects with some great people, and the gigs I’ve landed have been quite diverse, which for an actor is a real blessing.

And you’ve been busy creating your own projects too?

I made a couple of short films that have gotten short listed at various film festivals. The Brooklyn International Shorts Awards, and the Belfast Newcomers were the two that I got the furthest with. The films themselves were a vehicle for me to showcase myself as an actor, but also to stretch and test myself creatively. As I mentioned before it’s much easier to get things done out here, and I thought why not put together my own material. So I did. I went and wrote and produced them both really just to see if I could.

And how did that work out for you?

It got pretty intense on both projects. Starting the process you get that feeling of being adrift in the ocean, with not a life boat in sight. But after the first couple days shooting you find your rhythm and things begin to run a little more smoothly. Usually.

The joys of film making eh! What have you got coming up?

Well, I’m scheduled to start shooting a new Sci-Fi action piece called Dark Frontier. It’s actually set in the near future but has a very wild west feel to it. That begins in December and it’s going to be with the same team that I worked with on Galaxy West.

Sounds intriguing, what’s the deal?

I don’t want to give too much away, but I play a mercenary who happens to arrive in this weird frontier town on a job. Turns out he’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s scheduled for release middle of next year.

Aside from that I’m working on a feature that I penned myself. I’m working with Adrian Paul (Highlander: The Series, The Source, Eyeborgs) on pre production and if things go according to plan that should be scheduled to start shooting early next year.

Exciting times ahead. We can’t wait to see you in your next action epic!

By Hannah Shakir

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