Kevin Chamberlin
Primatech isn't a faceless paper company. We are all active members of our society, just like you. And just like you, we love the show Heroes. While standing around the water coolers at our Odessa headquarters talking about the show someone expressed their love for the character of Aron Malsky. That is when we decided to interview the man behind the diamond thief.
That man is Kevin Chamberlin.
Here at Primatech, we're all about paper. So much so that you could say we're paper enthusiasts. What about you? What are your thoughts on paper? Are you a paper enthusiast?
Paper is a fascinating word. It comes from the word “papyrus”, dating back to the late 16th century. Paper in and of itself isn’t very remarkable. But when ink or lead is applied to paper, it can cause revolutions, ruin people’s lives, purchase material goods, change the world. It’s a deceptively simple material.
What is your favorite paper product?
I am fond of recycled paper. I’m green. (I drive a Prius)
No Nissan Versa then?
I’m a Toyota loyalist.
You have a role as a series regular in the upcoming Lifetime series, "State of Mind." Could you elaborate a bit on the show and the role you're playing in it?
State of Mind stars Lily Taylor (Six Feet Under) and it takes place in New Haven, CT. It follows a group of psychiatrists who share a practice. I play their receptionist, Fred – who fancies himself a therapist. He’s a little off – center and bizarre.
When will "State of Mind" begin its first season?
State of Mind starts in July on Lifetime Cable Network.
On your blog, you said about the Heroes episodes you did, "More people saw me in those three episodes than will ever see me onstage in my whole lifetime." How did your role on "Heroes" affect you after the episodes aired?
I get recognized all of the time now. When I was a stage actor in NYC, I would get stopped on the street maybe once a month. After Heroes, someone stops me almost everyday.
What did you enjoy most about your stint on "Heroes?"
I was a huge fan of the show before I got the gig, so I was completely star struck when I arrived on set my first day. I enjoyed working with Greg, especially – because we are both character actors and had a lot in common.
Any memorable moments while shooting the show?
I loved doing all of the scenes where Greg and I were running from Ali while she was shooting at us. I’ve never done “action” scenes before. The adrenaline really gets pumping and it was fun to “dive for cover”.
How did it feel to steal diamonds from Malcolm McDowell?
He hadn’t been cast yet when I was shooting my episodes, so no one knew who Linderman was.
How did you feel when you found out he was going to be killed? Were you disappointed or was it exciting to have a gruesome death?
I was bummed because I wanted to do more episodes, but you never know...they could go back in time and show me interacting with Linderman.
It was exciting to shoot the death scene, though. I never get to scream (on screen or in real life). I recommend it. It can be very therapeutic.
Any possibility that Malsky had a power of which we did not know?
I kept telling the writers that Malsky has the power to regenerate limbs.
How did the casting process for "Heroes," go? Did they know they had their Malsky right away? How did you stumble upon this role?
I had worked for Tim Kring on “Crossing Jordan” so we had a history together – which makes the casting room much easier. I auditioned with a bunch of other guys and I heard the next day that I had booked the role. At the time, it was a “possible recurring” role. I didn’t know if I was going to live or die from show to show.
You haven't happened to see a blonde cheerleader or a dark-haired, unshaven serial killer, have you?
I see Sylar at the dog park sometimes.
Speaking of Heroes, do you have any heroes of your own? Any actors or actresses that have looked to for inspiration in your career?
I love the old character actors – Charles Durning, Ned Beatty, John McGiver.
With "Heroes" behind you, a Lifetime series on the horizon, are there any other projects you're working on?
I’m going to do a Broadway revival of Terrence McNally’s play “The Ritz” at Studio 54 this fall / winter in New York and I’m going to do a show with Kristin Chenowith at City Center in NYC (May 10-14) called “Stairway to Paradise”.
Who is this "Samantha" that I've read so much about on your website?
The most perfect dog in the world. She’s a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.
How would you describe acting, in general, and what led you onto this career path?
Acting is “being truthful under imaginary circumstances”. I was always the “fat kid” growing up - and doing theater and acting was my way of making friends and fitting in. I loved playing the piano and doing musicals in community theater and school – so I majored in it in college and have luckily had a very successful career – doing what I love to do. I feel incredibly lucky to be making a living in this very difficult business. I’m thankful every day.
That man is Kevin Chamberlin.
Here at Primatech, we're all about paper. So much so that you could say we're paper enthusiasts. What about you? What are your thoughts on paper? Are you a paper enthusiast? Paper is a fascinating word. It comes from the word “papyrus”, dating back to the late 16th century. Paper in and of itself isn’t very remarkable. But when ink or lead is applied to paper, it can cause revolutions, ruin people’s lives, purchase material goods, change the world. It’s a deceptively simple material.
What is your favorite paper product?
I am fond of recycled paper. I’m green. (I drive a Prius)
No Nissan Versa then?
I’m a Toyota loyalist.
You have a role as a series regular in the upcoming Lifetime series, "State of Mind." Could you elaborate a bit on the show and the role you're playing in it?
State of Mind stars Lily Taylor (Six Feet Under) and it takes place in New Haven, CT. It follows a group of psychiatrists who share a practice. I play their receptionist, Fred – who fancies himself a therapist. He’s a little off – center and bizarre.
When will "State of Mind" begin its first season?
State of Mind starts in July on Lifetime Cable Network.
On your blog, you said about the Heroes episodes you did, "More people saw me in those three episodes than will ever see me onstage in my whole lifetime." How did your role on "Heroes" affect you after the episodes aired?
I get recognized all of the time now. When I was a stage actor in NYC, I would get stopped on the street maybe once a month. After Heroes, someone stops me almost everyday.
What did you enjoy most about your stint on "Heroes?"
I was a huge fan of the show before I got the gig, so I was completely star struck when I arrived on set my first day. I enjoyed working with Greg, especially – because we are both character actors and had a lot in common.
Any memorable moments while shooting the show?
I loved doing all of the scenes where Greg and I were running from Ali while she was shooting at us. I’ve never done “action” scenes before. The adrenaline really gets pumping and it was fun to “dive for cover”.
How did it feel to steal diamonds from Malcolm McDowell?
He hadn’t been cast yet when I was shooting my episodes, so no one knew who Linderman was.
How did you feel when you found out he was going to be killed? Were you disappointed or was it exciting to have a gruesome death?
I was bummed because I wanted to do more episodes, but you never know...they could go back in time and show me interacting with Linderman.
It was exciting to shoot the death scene, though. I never get to scream (on screen or in real life). I recommend it. It can be very therapeutic.
Any possibility that Malsky had a power of which we did not know?
I kept telling the writers that Malsky has the power to regenerate limbs.
How did the casting process for "Heroes," go? Did they know they had their Malsky right away? How did you stumble upon this role?
I had worked for Tim Kring on “Crossing Jordan” so we had a history together – which makes the casting room much easier. I auditioned with a bunch of other guys and I heard the next day that I had booked the role. At the time, it was a “possible recurring” role. I didn’t know if I was going to live or die from show to show.
You haven't happened to see a blonde cheerleader or a dark-haired, unshaven serial killer, have you?
I see Sylar at the dog park sometimes.
Speaking of Heroes, do you have any heroes of your own? Any actors or actresses that have looked to for inspiration in your career?
I love the old character actors – Charles Durning, Ned Beatty, John McGiver.
With "Heroes" behind you, a Lifetime series on the horizon, are there any other projects you're working on?
I’m going to do a Broadway revival of Terrence McNally’s play “The Ritz” at Studio 54 this fall / winter in New York and I’m going to do a show with Kristin Chenowith at City Center in NYC (May 10-14) called “Stairway to Paradise”.
Who is this "Samantha" that I've read so much about on your website?
The most perfect dog in the world. She’s a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.
How would you describe acting, in general, and what led you onto this career path?
Acting is “being truthful under imaginary circumstances”. I was always the “fat kid” growing up - and doing theater and acting was my way of making friends and fitting in. I loved playing the piano and doing musicals in community theater and school – so I majored in it in college and have luckily had a very successful career – doing what I love to do. I feel incredibly lucky to be making a living in this very difficult business. I’m thankful every day.