An Interview with Phil Levere

Q: How did you get started in acting?

Phil: I have always enjoyed going to the theater and watching movies.  It wasn't unusual for me to pay attention to the actors more so than to the story line, often thinking which role I'd be most comfortable in.  A couple of years ago a co-worker told me that she was taking acting lessons and my immediate response was. "I want to do that!"  I've been involved in theater or movies ever since.

Q: What kind of roles are you best at playing?

Phil: I am that cynical, hard-boiled guy who has been around the block, seen and done it all, not believing much of what anyone has to say, but occasionally willing to make the exception for someone.

Q: Is there a director whose work you admire and with whom you would like to work?

Phil: I really admire the film and TV work of John Dahl.  The movie Rounders is one that completely grips me whenever I see it.  The character portrayed by Edward Norton is such a despicable guy whom I found myself hating from the moment he appeared on screen.  I want to be able to have that kind of effect on people.

Q: Do you have a director "wish list"?

Phil: Sure, this is it:  Frank Darabont, Rob Reiner, John Dahl, Robert Zemeckis, Bryan Singer, Alexander Payne, David O. Russell, Gregory Hoblit, Phil Alden Robinson, Robert Lorenz, Robert Redford, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Steven Soderbergh, Steve Shill, Richard J. Lewis, Jason Reitman, Nat Faxon, Jim Rush, Paul Haggis, Bennett Miller, Debra Granik, Tim Owens, Brian Pulido, Randy Murray, Frank Thomas, and Rick Pease.

Q: What is your background?  

Phil: I am a trained chef and have spent my life in kitchens across the USA.  A sports fan and movie aficionado, my favorite films include Godfather, Godfather II, and Shawshank Redemption.  Also somewhat of a World War II buff, one of my favorite scenes of all-time is in Jaws, when Robert Shaw tells the story of how his character survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.  I saw this film in the theater the night it came out and not a single person in the packed house moved a muscle when that story was told.  That was amazing command of an audience.

For further information contact:

(520) 243-9298

pjlevere@yahoo.com