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© (C) 2006 Fox
The cast of VANISHED - Season 1 - (left to right) Joanne Kelly, John Allen Nelson, John Patrick Amedori, Margarita Levieva, Chris Egan, Robert Hoffman, Rebecca Gayheart, Ming Na and Gale Harold
:
Exclusive Interview: VANISHED STAR GALE HAROLD TALKS FBI, DEADWOOD AND QAF
QUEER AS FOLK star leaves the past behind and only focuses on new challenges.
By SEAN ELLIOTT, Senior Editor
Published 8/23/2006
Like 24 and PRISON BREAK before it, VANISHED is FOX's latest serialized series hoping to attract viewers with complex storytelling and non-stop action.
iF MAGAZINE: I have to warn you before we start that I recognize you most from playing Brian Kinney on QUEER AS FOLK.
GALE HAROLD: What was that you said? Something about some a**hole named Brian Kinney. But let’s not talk about him. Ok? [Laughs]
iF: How much research did you do for this role…was there FBI training that you were offered?
HAROLD: We did have the opportunity to do training. We worked with the LA field office, and interview a couple of agents there. There was one agent there that was our point person; one of the counselors there, a senior agent who was in charge of helping other agents. It was someone who helps agents involved with cases in which lethal force was used or cases that had gone wrong.
iF: There are some discussions about overreaching conspiracies on VANISHED how much have the actors been appraised of?
HAROLD: We’ve been given some glimpses of the text, that’s come out of the scripts. We’ve been given a few pieces, but it’s a mystery that’s unfolding. In working with this character everything is a conspiracy, even who you eat lunch with is a conspiracy. The bureaucracy of working with a government agency with all of the forces shifting and moving within it; for someone like Kelton who comes from a military background that joined the bureau as a way to continue to do what he’s good at. He wants to continue to defend his country but still follow orders.
iF: Do they give you any sort of story arc for this character that let’s you know what they intend to do with him?
HAROLD: Not too specific. They give me general arcs, and there is some interest in dealing with someone who is losing or has lost their faith. Their belief and value system has been shattered and they’re trying to get that back or to accept that it’s gone forever. My character is a real law and order guy who believing in his country and his duty. Some of the things he’s dealing with are the consequences of following orders in a system where something nefarious is going on. This is a challenging part for me to play, and FBI agent. That is not something in my life. Ideologically and politically we are very different, but I already really like Kelton a lot. That has a lot to do with the agents I met here in LA and the research has given me a different perspective into the worlds of liberal and conservative. These people look after law and order at what ever means necessary, and I don’t really believe in that. To hold onto those beliefs and stay true to them and do a lot of work that most people in their lives will never ever have to get even remotely close to; you see it and respect it. When you try to embody it, it teaches you new ways to look at life. That’s why I love Kelton, he is such a new character for me, and has taught me so much.
iF: Did you have to learn how to shoot a gun for this?
HAROLD: No, I wasn’t trained. I have some learning, some shooting experience in my past.
iF: And, you just came off of DEADWOOD where you carried a gun, what can you tell me about that experience working on the series?
HAROLD: It was the real high point in my working career so far. I was as is, as far as looks. I wasn’t on the level of Calamity Jane, as far as level of profanity and earth. We rode in, my brother and me, and we were dirty from the trail. There are not a lot of baths being taken in that time period. Going to DEADWOOD is like going to Neverland. It’s the period piece, it’s the honesty of the material, and it’s the mind of [David] Milch [Creator of DEADWOOD], which is like being in whole other wonderful place to be at. I love the language of the show; just the savage repetition of the word f**k is sort of a mantra.
iF: The language on DEADWOOD has been called Shakespearean by some critics.
HAROLD: There’s a lot of profanity in Shakespeare, more than people are aware of. Which one of the greatest writers of all time would be able to pass the standards and practices bar for television now? We would just have to wipe out the best writing that’s ever been done to get it on TV. Thank God for HBO and Showtime; where they are able to do what they want. Watching DEADWOOD this season, there are such strong lyrical archetypal themes created with the characters and how they interact that it is so fascinating to watch. It’s inspiring and overwhelming to watch. Hopefully, we have to ride back through town the other way and stop again for a few moments.
iF: If DEADWOOD goes into the three HBO movies, will you be returning?
HAROLD: I have no idea. I hope so, and I’ll be there in a flat second. It is a real place out there on a ranch. As ten or twenty years go by I think the show will only establish itself more and more, and I think the series is a big surprise to everyone that watches it.
13181-13201
Reader Comments
Barb from Nedrow, N.Y. sez....
I think all Gale Harold's work has been brillant.Heis very
talented from his work in the theater,to QAF,to his other tv and movie roles. He is so versitile.He also absolutly
gorgous and sexy.He performed some of the he most sensual love scenes I have ever seen. Where is he now? 3/2010
3/31/2010 1:43:46 PM
Jackie from Connecticut sez....
Gale Harold is amazing and I wish him the best. I hope he get's his own show that I can watch for years to come.
12/30/2008 3:43:33 PM
Truth from North Carolina sez....
Gale's mother does NOT live in NC.
Gale's father is NOT a liar, far from it. He does NOT post to boards.
7/28/2007 6:45:28 PM
jasmine from portland sez....
I loved Gale and I think that FOX made a hughe mistake letting this talented and handsome man character get killed off! I hope that Gale gets the last laugh!!
10/9/2006 6:38:51 PM
vicky from lexington, ky sez....
Vanished is a wonderful show, its fast paced,if you blink you may miss a clue. The two actress's that play Ava (Graham's wife)and the little girl that plays Inez are beautiful and I hope to see them more often. As far as killing Mr Harold off,He's the reason I was eagerly awaiting the new season on Fox,I've followed him from QAF,LAW AND ORDER,THE UNIT and have bought many of his dvds from is independent films..If they choose to kill him off, I'll spend my Monday nights watching my dvds and wait for a network to snatch him up, he's a keeper and a damn fine actor.
10/9/2006 5:11:18 AM
vicky from lexington, ky sez....
Vanished is a wonderful show, its fast paced,if you blink you may miss a clue. The two actress's that play Ava (Graham's wife)and the little girl that plays Inez are beautiful and I hope to see them more often. As far as killing Mr Harold off,He's the reason I was eagerly awaiting the new season on Fox,I've followed him from QAF,LAW AND ORDER,THE UNIT and have bought many of his dvds from is independent films..If they choose to kill him off, I'll spend my Monday nights watching my dvds and wait for a network to snatch him up, he's a keeper and a damn fine actor.
10/9/2006 5:09:12 AM
salma from casablanca sez....
hi everybody !! I m a huge fan of Gale since the first episode of QAF, he's smart, funny and f*****g HOT !!I really love him and hope he'll do better that VANISHED because he deserve much better than this show !!
10/8/2006 2:02:17 PM
Julie from Georgia sez....
Will not be tuning in to see Vanished without Gale! He is a wonderful and talented actor that brings so much to the screen. I was a true QAF fan all because of Gale and I will definitely tune in to anything he does!
10/3/2006 11:42:32 AM
Corlynn from Canada sez....
I am sad and disgusted that the producers of Vanished think they can carry the show without Gale. Alot of people I know only tuned in to check out the show because of his lead role in it. I predict the show will barely make the season. IF we don't see it cancelled before the end, it definitely won't make its return next year, there are way to many other new shows on the board. Gale's brilliance as Kelton made the show worth tuning into and as good as Eddie is to look at, he just doesn't have the intrigue or acting ability of Gale. And Ming-Na is definitely not going to keep me tuned in, was so relieved when she left ER!! Toodles Vanished!!
10/2/2006 10:51:17 PM
joce from uae sez....
Gale's an amazing actor & smart person. i just hope that i will be able to see vanished here in uae. i want to see him on a different type of role as i always admire his character in qaf. he has done justice to the character and very convincing. Good luck Gale your STAR is shining bright...
9/23/2006 2:45:17 AM
Lorna from Chicago sez....
Gale is a very talented actor that has a fanbase that I don't think he is aware of? Anything and everything he does his fans will be behind him. He will be great at whatever he does. Talent like that doesn't come easy. Best of luck to you Gale Harold!
9/10/2006 3:06:14 PM
Natalie from Hungary sez....
It's nice to see he's so enthusiastic about his work on Deadwood, he's never talked about QaF or any other projects with such passion. I'm getting into Vanished, it's hopefully going to help him move forward in his carrier. This man deserves it.
9/9/2006 8:40:24 AM
Victoria from Canada sez....
I love seeing actors playing different types of roles. What I'm saying is that to be so dismissive of the programme and role that basically launched his career is rather ungrateful.
9/8/2006 5:27:47 AM
sunni from chicago sez....
I don't know if Gale is trying to downplay being on qaf or not
but,I like Vanished so far and I hope he'll be the show for as
long as it airs.
Besides,since I'm not likely to go to tribeca or any other festival where some of his indie films have played; I think we
as fans of Gale have more chances to see him do different if
he has success in roles on broadcast television
9/7/2006 3:39:28 PM
Victoria from Canada sez....
He is a good actor but I just wonder if he is playing down his QAF past. It would be interesting to hear from him personally how he feels about this important role. To be so dismissive as above is rather disrespectful
9/6/2006 12:15:37 PM
gale_lover from Australia sez....
As everyone has stated, it is clear from the interviews that Gale has a brain and isn't afraid to voice his political beliefs which is brilliant. He is a gifted actor who can undertake any role with wit and a classic eligance.
He's a damn sexy man as well! teehee
8/29/2006 2:32:27 AM
Faith from Belgium sez....
LOL, you guys are all nuts. But yes Gale is wonderful. His acting is something i have never seen before and his looks are just all that. I think we have to praise his parents for making the perfect man. Me and another 50.000 people adore him.
8/27/2006 10:54:34 AM
May from Croatia, Europe sez....
Handsome and intelligent. Two things I love in a man. A real bonus is the fact that he really can act. *grins* So, thank God for Gale and I hope for a bright future for him and for Vanished. He really deserves it.
8/24/2006 12:30:14 PM
Jordie from Ridgefield, CT sez....
I think Gale Harold is just an amazing actor, and as an actress who is still studying acting even though im going off to college i just keep taking pages out of his book, his techniques just amaze me. Ive watched some of his indie stuff and i must say Particles of truth is an Amazing movie and also Wake just blew me away..he is so versatile and he just captures it all..I of course found out who he was through QAF which i must say is my fav show even though its over..but I watched Vanished the other night and it drew me in..Ya he is gorgeous too but i love a man with talent.
8/23/2006 5:45:22 PM
Kiki from Santa Monica sez....
Gale is a wonderful actor and I'm so excited that he has this new role :-) Whether he likes it or not, his Queer as Folk fans (of which I am one) will support his new show with steadfast loyalty LOL! He's an intelligent speaker and a versatile actor and I know he'll go very far :-)
8/23/2006 3:54:20 PM
Nicole from Australia sez....
I have to give a big thanks to the editor here Sean Elliot for getting a really great interview with Gale. It was good to see him open up about his new role, his views/understandings & happenings that go with starting a new show and working on others. Gale has am amazing talent & smartness I have come to admire him from all his work he has done but this truly shows how inteliigent and insightful he can be.
8/23/2006 3:51:30 PM
Gale Harold III's momma from North Carolina sez....
I'm so proud of my son, too!
8/23/2006 2:39:49 PM
Melissa from Los Feliz, CA sez....
I think that it is wonderful that primetime television is returnung to a more "serialized" format, at least in the form of "Vanished" and "24," although I never have viewed "24." I am colossally thrilled to see Mr. Gale Harold unfurl his range on primetime television....as it is about time. I have merely enjoyed Mr. Harold's talent via his Indie works, yet I am beginning to suspect a potential, initial screeining of his work on "Queer as Folk" may be in order....
8/23/2006 2:21:44 PM
Veronica from Dallas sez....
I think that the person claiming to be Gale Harold Jr. is a liar. That is not Gale Harold III's father making that statement above, and he sucks for lying about his identity.
Good job to Ming-Na and Gale III. I enjoyed the show.
8/23/2006 2:15:19 PM
Gale Harold Jr. from North Carolina sez....
My son continues to amaze me. I was blown away watching Graham Kelton. Lots of growth since he was Brian Kinney.
I am very proud of him and his work.
8/23/2006 12:22:34 PM
Hyeyun from South Korea sez....
I am real~~~~ly great to see Gale's challenge in the big show like " Vanished". I've seen all of his works. "Vanished" is very lucky to have him.
8/23/2006 12:07:06 PM
Ann Marie from Amsterdam, NY sez....
It's wonderful to see Gale in something that stretches his wings. I've been able to see all his performances so far, and am continually amazed with his growth as an actor. Watched the pilot to Vanished last night and again, thrilled with it and him.
Best of luck, Gale. I hope this series continues for quite awhile.
8/22/2006 6:55:01 PM
pad from Ocean, NJ sez....
I'm one of Gale's biggest fans! I'd watch him in ANYTHING he puts himself into..he's terrific....and hot!! So little is heard from him I that I loved the interview to get some insight to where he's thinking..he's very insightful and intelligent!
8/22/2006 4:19:00 PM
A. Friend from Houston sez....
Please, Mr. Harold, never lose your liberal bent!! :D
All the luck in the world to you and your new show vanish.
8/22/2006 9:17:41 AM
Zosha from Philly sez....
Okay - Harold is hot - but he's so fucking smart - even more of a draw if you ask me.
8/22/2006 8:15:53 AM
