IN CONVERSATION WITH MIKE KAYE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Mike Kaye will star in Amazon Prime and Blumhouse Televisions much anticipated thriller ‘The Bondsman’, coming out on 3rd April. He has previously starred on projects like ‘The Game’, ‘She-Hulk’, ‘Mo’, ‘Dynasty’, ‘To Catch A Killer’, ‘Terror in Tinseltown’,  and many more. 

Your journey to acting wasn’t a straight line. You went from studying medicine to waiting tables to finally chasing your dream. What was the moment when you knew you had to fully commit to acting?

Somewhere between my 5th and 10th year of waiting tables while in school, I realized the only real consistency I had was taking acting classes and wanting to do something in front of a camera. I went to the 2016 Florida Film Festival, where Mark Duplass was doing a keynote and presented ‘The Puffy Chair’, and I talked to him and got sold on pursuing what I thought was a ridiculous dream.

You got your first taste of performing in high school with just one line, and it made an impact. Do you remember what that line was, and how did it feel hearing the audience react?

I don’t even remember the name of the production. I should try to catch it in an old yearbook or something. I basically felt like I was just doing my job. I didn’t read the rest of the script, I just knew when to say the words. But a room full of very supportive parents laughing felt like one of those moments I’ll always be chasing the dragon for.

You’ve worked on projects like ‘She-Hulk’, ‘Mo’, ‘Dynasty’, and ‘To Catch a Killer’. How has each of those roles helped shape you as an actor?

‘She-Hulk’ was really interesting because it was such a cacophony of moving parts. CGI, stunts, all these insane things happening around me. Also getting to be a part of the spoiler scene with Daredevil was super cool.

‘Mo’ was incredible. Showed up to set bright and early, got my mullet completely changed, and right off the jump, Mo asked me if I improvised and I was like “Heck yeah”. We jammed for a bit in a circle with Tobe and Moayad and Slick, and we were all cracking up. That show gave me a lot of faith in the power of improv on set and then blew me away when I ended up getting some much coverage in the final product.

Many actors have a “breakthrough” role. Would you say ‘The Bondsman’ is that for you?

I sure hope so. It’s my first time taking on a role of this size. I think my role grew from what it was originally supposed to be,  and I’m so thankful to have been able to do anything more than what was first expected. Tater is near and dear to me, I really enjoyed exploring how his brain works.

‘The Bondsman’ is such a unique mix of thriller, drama, and the supernatural. What drew you to the role of Tater?

The audition, mostly. I know any actor around me who’s seen a ton of sides can attest to this. When you read a good script, it makes the job so much easier. I felt like I just knew Tater right off the page. I think he’s morally neutral, and  slightly smarter than what the other folks perceive. I like to play unassuming.

Your character, Tater, seems to have his own theories about what’s going on in Landry. Without giving too much away, can you tease how he fits into the bigger mystery?

Tater has seen some stuff and he knows things, the source of those things. He’s got some sound ideas knocking around, like how do you explain what is basically unexplainable. He’s pretty responsible for kicking a hornet’s nest that gets his boss some info that he wouldn’t have been privy to otherwise, and that leads to some complications for Hub. 

You’re a self-proclaimed nerd. Magic: The Gathering, World of Warcraft, and Disney Lorcana are a big part of your life. If Tater had a trading card deck, what kind of deck would he play?

I feel like Tater is rocking a jund midrange deck. He knows stuff about the supernatural, he’s an earthy guy, and it feels like he’s always hot.

You also love sports. Do you think your love for competition and strategy translates into your acting in any way?

Absolutely. Competition is in my blood. I don’t tend to do anything unless I’m doing my best at it. Whether that’s pickleball or acting. You have to constantly be figuring out what your weaknesses are so you can build those up and have a well-rounded game. Why wouldn’t that apply to acting too?

If you could guest star in any other TV show or film genre, what would it be and why?

‘Fallout’ is such a good show and I love the games. It’s a perfect type of show for me.

Finally, what’s next for you? Any dream roles or projects you’d love to take on?

I’m writing something with my brilliant friend Kate Bryce, so we’ll see what comes of that. But realistically, just trying to take it as it comes. I’m really excited to see how people react to ‘The Bondsman’. If people are half as excited to watch it as I was to be a part of it, we’re going to be in a really good place.

CREDITS:

photography JOSH STRINGER