The actor Hunter Emery ('07) landed a big television role not long after he graduated from The Academy. It began an upward trajectory over the following decade of working across stage and screen. He kindly shared his insights with The Actors Society in a one-on-one interview.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Orange is the New Black marked a big shift in your career. Can you tell us about that experience?
It was an onset master class in acting and learning how to be a professional. Working with these wildly talented, well-trained actors…it became clear from my very first scene that I’d learn something from them. I was in a scene with Brad William Henke and forgot, for a second, that I was actually in a scene. He knew what he was doing. He was really wonderful that first season and let me ask questions and helped instill this confidence in me.
One of the biggest shows in the world…I was terrified to get fired every day. [Laughs.] I was supposed to be in just three episodes but ended up doing close to 30.
Your time at The Academy; might there be any lessons that have stuck with you?
I came with the mindset that doing theatre was really fun, but I wasted a lot of time partying in high school and didn’t really get much done. I thought going to drama school meant keeping the party going…it hit me second year that this is something I could do.
Those first two years at The Academy gave me an unconscious foundation to build on, and Company instilled in me how I work. I remember feeling very grounded when I started working. I felt like I had a process, and aside from learning the technical aspects of working on a film or television set, The Academy gave me this real sense of confidence.
Let’s keep moving through your career, was there another moment that pushed you forward?
It was right after “Orange,” I booked another show. As soon as I read the part I thought, “Oh, I know who this guy is.” I knew it in my body; the accent was familiar to me, and the show was set in…I just felt really comfortable with the accent.
I jumped into a dialogue-heavy scene doing the accent, at which point the show’s creator comes around from behind the camera and asks me, “Where are you from?” I tell her “Colorado,” and she says “Just talk like that.” [Laughs.] It was a rough moment, but I thought I could either come apart and never recover, or get through this scene. Everybody has those rough days (on set)...you have to push through.
Prior to working in Orange is the New Black, what was your experience getting started in the industry?
A lot of black box theatre and auditioning anywhere I could. I tried to be in classes when I could. When you’re young it just takes time for you to solidify who you are and what you’re “selling.”
Going bald changed my life. It took a year of looking in the mirror and not recognizing this guy in front of me before I embraced it. When I was younger, I wasn’t mature enough; I didn’t know who I was. It took years of auditioning for me to settle into myself.
I knew early on there was no plan B. I was going to stick it out.
How long have you known?
It was probably my second year at The Academy where it really clicked: This is what I’m going to do.
It’s a lot better than flipping burgers.
[Laughs.] Yeah, it is. But I’ll do that to do this.
There’s another series we should mention. Otherwise, I’ll have some irritated readers.
Oh, you mean The Penguin?
[Laughs.] I do mean The Penguin.
The production process–we shut down during the strikes–had many changes, which was a challenge. My role was interesting, and the sets and costumes were fun…but the real joy was watching Colin Farrell. Not only is he an amazing actor, but he radiates gratitude.
He’s become a deep, serious actor with something to say. It’s not an athletic career. You don’t do it for four or five years; it’s a lifelong career. You can do this until your 90s. And he was so warm on set. He could be in the middle of this intense scene, and they’d yell cut, and he’d slip out of it. It’s like he could turn it on and off.
Might there be a closing thought in the form of advice or something you’d like to say to actors at the beginning of their career?
It’s cliche, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Your success as an actor will come from understanding yourself. Living your life and being mindful of who you are is important. Bring yourself to projects because the (casting) director wants what you have to offer. If they pick someone else, it’s just because they wanted a different flavor.
I so appreciate you taking the time to speak with me, and enjoyed hearing your quips and wisdom. Take care.
You too, August. Thanks for talking.
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