Richard Speight, Jr. thought he was hired to play a janitor in CW’s hit show ‘Supernatural.’ Far from it, Speight found his place in history with his roles as the Trickster and the Archangel Gabriel. He has become hands down one of the most beloved characters of the show. This Nashville born actor, best known for his roles in ‘Supernatural,’ ‘Jericho’, ‘The Agency,’ and ‘Band of Brothers,’ will be taking on a new role of master of ceremonies for Creation’s Supernatural Las Vegas Convention. Be sure not to miss our favorite archangel in Las Vegas next week at Creation Entertainment's Salute to Supernatural convention March 8-10. Tickets are still available.
Q. You have a mile long filmography filled with incredibly talented work. Yet what ‘Supernatural’ fans love you for are your roles as Trickster and the Archangel Gabriel. Do you have a favorite memory from your years spent on ‘Supernatural?’
A. Ironically I had only done four episodes, yet I feel like I did 4,000 based on how closely I am tied to the show. Honestly, showing up day one was one of my favorite memories. When I got the job, I had never heard of ‘Supernatural.’ Bob Singer had directed a pilot I was in a few years earlier and he offered me the role. I never saw the script or any material on it. I came in to it thinking I was going to be a janitor and I thought hey, I can sweep! I can mop! Then I got there, read the script, and this isn’t a normal janitor, this is a crazy janitor with crazy powers. Not like the janitors I had in high school. We did a table read with Jared and Jensen. The only adjective they used was supernatural. Be sure you don’t lose the supernatural elements of the show. Be sure you do everything in a super naturalistic way. Have a very supernatural time while you’re doing it, and I said you guys are killin’ me. The title of the show wasn’t helping me. The first day was me walking in to the auditorium to torment Dean with underwear clad women. The first shot was on me and I thought well, I’m just gonna do it. Do what my heart tells me to do. I did it and no one fired me so I figured I was doing alright.
Q. Tell your fans about the TV mini-series that you’re working on called 'To Appomattox'. I've read that it can be described as 'John Adams' meets 'Band of Brothers'.
A. It’s where the Civil War began and ended. Michael Frost Beckner, writer of Spy Game, is a massive Civil War buff. He wrote this brilliant mini-series about the war. I play a character Nathaniel Wexler. Some of the characters are real, and some of the characters are representing real. Mine’s representing real. He’s a soldier who chickened out on the battle field; he panicked. At the court-martial they decided that they need bodies and they’re hanging healthy men who got nervous. Wouldn’t it be better to give them a second chance? Let’s give these guys a chance to do good. It started what was dubbed the Cowardice Brigade which was made up of men who were sentence to hang. It’s an interesting affect of the war. Fingers crossed that it starts sooner than later because we’re coming up on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and it’s very timely.
Part two continued
Comments