Kevin Rankin is probably best known for his role as wheelchair bound Herc, who befriends Jason Street in the show Friday Night Lights or as Tyler Briggs on the NBC show Trauma. Now, he plays the Devil in FX's new original series "Justified" with Timothy Olyphant. Mr. Rankin took time out of his busy shooting schedule to talk about his characters on both Trauma and Justified.
Q. Tell us about your character Tyler. I know you came out in the Halloween episode as being gay with a partner that does not seem too happy about that. Can you discuss that?
A. Tyler is a guy that is addicted to the job. He deals with the pressures thru a very odd sense of humor. He is gay, but it doesn't in any way define who he is or how he conducts himself. His relationship with his partner, Cameron Boone (Derek Luke), is a very important part of the show because it shows the dynamic between 2 completely different people that spend more time together than with their own families. It shows 2 people that can put their personal lives aside and really work together for a solution. His partner Boone is accepting of Tyler, and by that I mean he really accepts him as a person, human, friend.
Q. Enough Trauma, tell us about your new character in Justified.
A. I have a history of playing some pretty crazy characters, none are like the one before. In "Justified" I get to play a really gross and dirty guy named Devil. He is racist bigot from Kentucky, which is where the show is based. I have tattoos all over and I am just up to no good in that. Working with Walton Goggins and Timothy Olyphant on that show was a pleasure. Not sure what kind of show "Justified" will become or my involvement in future episodes, but I would jump at the chance to visit that world again.
Q. What was the process of being cast for the role of Devil? He looks very rough in a promo photo.
A. I had just been cast on "Trauma" when this popped up. I really loved the script and when they got Timothy for it I knew it would be something special. I just stopped shaving and didn't get a haircut and worked on my southern rumble drawl. Devil is a guy ready to take the reigns of ANY operation and he is fresh out of prison so LOOK. OUT.
Q. Are you anything like your character?
A. I can safely say I am NOTHING like Devil. I do believe though you always filter ANY idea through you so whatever comes out is a product of you or how you view those certain characters or subjects.
Q. Tell us more about the show and how that idea came alive.
A. It's based on an Elmore Leonard short story so ALL of the characters just jump off the page and grab you, really great stuff!
Q. Any neat “behind-the-scenes” stories you can share? from either FNL, Trauma or Justified?
A. Too many to count so they all blur together. I just work with the best of the best in ALL areas of these shows and they are all full of life and love, truly something beautiful.
Q. How has it been with the other cast mates? Is there anyone on set that you happen to be closer with?
A. ALL the cast mates are true pros and have the most beautiful spirits and every one of them glow, no kidding. Most of my work has been with Derek Luke and I am just blessed to be able to have that kind of relationship with someone who I have respected for so long. We have become very close, like a brother. I always love some Cliff Curtis as well, so much to learn from a guy like that. He just pushes you to explore the craft along with life and live in the positive. Aimee Garcia and I have been friends for probably about 6 years so I was super happy to be on a show with her, she is an amazing talent that one is. She's gonna be huge.
Q. Do you prefer that people come up to you and say something when you’re recognized? That’s something fans always wonder.
A. I always appreciate the love from fans for sure. I'm sure there are times when NO one likes to be bothered, a la the bathroom or with kids or something. I love fans but I love fans with manners even more.
Q. Now that you are in the public eye, how do you deal with people speculating about your personal life?
A. My personal life is for me, the speculating about my personal life is for them. We don't have to share.
Q. Last but not least do you have Myspace, Facebook, Twitter etc. and I still owe you a beer when you're in town.
A. I don't do the twitter thing, it's just not something I would personally do. I know there is a facebook page for "Trauma", I think there may even be a facebook fan page for ME now. Wow, you know you made it.
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