Were you one of the millions who watched Under the Dome last night? CBS revealed that an impressive 13.1 million viewers tuned in for the premiere, which is a great sign for the future of the series. You'll be able to catch Kevin Sizemore in episode 2 as deputy Paul Randolph, and we have an exclusive Q&A where Kevin talks about his role on the show:
Thank you for taking the time to talk with Daily Dead. Before joining the cast of Under the Dome, had you read the novel?
Kevin Sizemore: It's a pleasure and thank you, coming from us actors for doing such great work! I had not read the novel, but as soon as my neighbor Julie found out I was cast, she came over with it on my porch! I decided to download the audio book and listen to it on my days off or when I would be at the gym.
Did you audition specifically for this role? Can you tell us a bit about the casting process?
Kevin Sizemore: Yes, I was specifically auditioning for the Randolph character. I was put on tape for the Fincannon & Associates in Wilmington, NC. I've known them all the way back to the days when they were casting "Earth To The Moon" and I lived in Orlando, FL. You know, sometimes when you read a script / character, you know it's written for you and this character was a perfect fit.
What can you tell us about your character? How does he react initially to the town being cut off by an invisible dome?
Kevin Sizemore: Paul Randolph is one who likes to let people know he has authority in Chester's Mill. He's also buying for his time to when he becomes the Chief of Police, since he's the next in line for the position. When I researched Paul, I realized he was the kind of guy who would react first and deal with the consequences later. So when this "DOME" thing comes out of left field, he's not quite sure what to make of the situation.....who would really? If a dome came over my neighborhood right now, I'd freak out, so I think Randolph handles that part of it better than I would.
What actors do you spend most of your time with on your series and what has your experience been like with them?
Kevin Sizemore: Natalie Martinez was the first actor I met when I walked into the trailer. She was the first one who matched my goofiness and played as many pranks on people as I did. The entire cast is really fun and a joy to work with though.
I understand that Stephen King was on set. Did you have a chance to meet and talk with him?
Kevin Sizemore: No, unfortunately I didn't because I make my first appearance on episode 2 and he was there the first week of the pilot. The one question I would've asked would be, why did they change my name from Peter in the book to Paul in the series, and give the name Peter to the character Peter Shumway in the show? Confused yet? Well, imagine how confusing it was to me when I was cast trying to do my research. I hope it's not to confusing to the die-hard UTD book fans.
Were any of the scene you filmed physically demanding?
Kevin Sizemore: A lot! Last week the LA Times did a story about "UTD" and the photo they used was the one of me diving away from an exploding house. Since I do a lot of my own stunts, it played better for the camera to see the actual character in the shot. There are a few more times Paul gets himself in situations that he wished he hadn't, and ended up having to deal with them in his own unique ways.
Can you share some of your favorite memories or an interesting story from your time working on the Under the Dome set?
Kevin Sizemore: Knowing how down to earth the cast is makes the whole experience really refreshing. All egos were checked at the door and we were all there for one common goal.....to make a great show for the fans. On top of that, I loved the crew there. I think I hung out more with the crew members than I actually did with the actors!
Aside from your work on Under the Dome, what other projects do you have coming up?
Kevin Sizemore: July is a nice month for me. I have a spot on "Necessary Roughness" and then I'm heading down to Comic-Con as a guest of That's My Entertainment. Then the release of my film "Red Line" w/ Nicole Gayle Anderson & John Billingsley comes out on DVD. Visit www.redlinethefilm.com to check out the trailer. I'm excited because I got to play opposite my son Gunnar Sizemore, also an actor, in "Heartfall" that will be screened at the 168 Film Festival in August. Pushing back a few months into November, look for "A Christmas Tree Miracle" where I co-star with Terry Kiser (Weekend At Bernie's). And I just got a call yesterday that I'm doing my last scene next week on "Can I Get A Witness Protection?".... an ensemble cast comedy that is genius and an absolute riot and due out in 2014.
With Daily Dead being a horror website, we always like to ask: What are some of your favorite horror movies? Also, what are some of your favorite Stephen King books or movies?
Kevin Sizemore: Horror movies.....FRIDAY THE 13th literally freaked me out when I was a kid and still it does to this day. It's so much scarier to me knowing everywhere you turn, Jason is standing there waiting for you and he never ran anywhere at all? "SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION" is without a doubt my number one all time movie, and it just happens to be a Stephen King book also.
For our readers looking to follow your work, where can they find you online?
Kevin Sizemore: They can visit www.imdb.me/kevinsizemore .... Of find me on Twitter, Vine & Instagram @kevinsizemore and my Facebook page.
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