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| Jim in The Tudors with Natalie Dormer who plays Anne Boleyn |
Jim - a few years ago, you led a theatre workshop at Montreal City Mission for a group of young people preparing a trip to the Middle East. It was our Stories Without Borders Project. How was the experience for you?
It was a great experience. I'd actually never led a class before so initially I wasn't sure how the group would respond to the exercises, but everyone was really open and game for what I threw at them. It was fun!
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| Jim with Henry Cavill on the set of The Tudors |
What have you been up to since that time?
Well, lots of jobbing actor stuff - tv guest stars, mini series, some feature films. I guess most notably I did a remake of Moby Dick that took me to Malta for 4 months which was really special. I'm writing these days as well, trying to develop a different aspect of my creativity.
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| In Moby Dick |
Most people dream at one point in their life of being actors, but very few have the courage to try it, so what made you take that risk?
I don't know really. It was early on, something I had an instinct and passion for - the only thing that interested me, that I could see myself doing.
Having supportive parents too. Without them encouraging and facilitating the pursuit of my interests, I wouldn't be where I am.
As hard as it is at times, I still wouldn't trade the life for anything.
All actors, regardless of success, face multiple rejections. How do you deal with that?
Your skin thickens pretty quick, but I don't think you ever get completely used to it. Some roles you feel real love for, and when you don't get them, it can be heartbreaking. But it's the life, and you just hold your head up and move forward -remind yourself that there will be other opportunities.
You have worked with some famous actors: Peter O'Toole, William Hurt, Ethan Hawke. Is it intimidating to work with the big names?
Initially, sure. But you discover almost immediately that they're just like anyone else despite their fame. The same insecurities, vulnerabilities, quirks, day to day stuff that we all have and go through.
What are your current projects?
Well, right now I've just attached a producer to a script I've written which we'll be developing over the next few months. I also have a feature film called The Conspiracy that just had a great festival run and will be coming out next year. And a series I was in called Copper just finished airing, where I played John Wilkes Booth, so I'm hoping they bring the character back next season to finish the job, so to speak.
I also just appeared in an episode of The Republic of Doyle.
Have you ever thought of working in Quebec?
Actually, I recently auditioned for a role where I had to say a few lines in French. I'd love to work in Montreal - I have great respect for the cutting edge cinema in Quebec. One of my projects right now is brushing up on my French language skills.
Do you think we could get you back to Montreal to do some work with the children at our summer day camp?
Anytime. I'd love to.
For Jim's filmography, click here: Jim Gilbert
You have worked with some famous actors: Peter O'Toole, William Hurt, Ethan Hawke. Is it intimidating to work with the big names?
Initially, sure. But you discover almost immediately that they're just like anyone else despite their fame. The same insecurities, vulnerabilities, quirks, day to day stuff that we all have and go through.
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| Stills from the new TV show Copper |
Well, right now I've just attached a producer to a script I've written which we'll be developing over the next few months. I also have a feature film called The Conspiracy that just had a great festival run and will be coming out next year. And a series I was in called Copper just finished airing, where I played John Wilkes Booth, so I'm hoping they bring the character back next season to finish the job, so to speak.
I also just appeared in an episode of The Republic of Doyle.
Have you ever thought of working in Quebec?
Actually, I recently auditioned for a role where I had to say a few lines in French. I'd love to work in Montreal - I have great respect for the cutting edge cinema in Quebec. One of my projects right now is brushing up on my French language skills.
Do you think we could get you back to Montreal to do some work with the children at our summer day camp?
Anytime. I'd love to.
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| Jim with younger brother Stanley * |
For Jim's filmography, click here: Jim Gilbert
* For Stanley's Story, click here: Stanley's Story Part 1 & Stanley's Story Part 2
For a French version of this interview: Entrevue avec Jim
