Authors — Peter Rinaldi
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Back to One, Episode 116: Ron Cephas Jones
Ron Cephas Jones won a Emmy for his work on the hit series This Is Us. His latest series, Truth Be Told, just got picked up for a second season on Apple TV. In this episode, he takes us back to his early days at LAByrinth Theater in New York City, starring in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped The A Train, and explains how Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was directing, forever changed his approach to work. He also talks about the importance of collaboration for the actor, why the script never leaves him in the days leading up to production, […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Jul 10, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 115: Eve Lindley
Eve Lindley enjoys puzzles, so you can imagine her delight at finding out that she was recently a crossword puzzle clue. The breakout star of AMC’s Dispatches From Elsewhere sat down with me (outside, with physical distancing, and following strict safety protocols) to talk about why she loves auditioning, her belief that “it’s all in the text,” how picking the brain of Jason Segel (creator and star of Dispatches) helped her find her character, and much more! Plus we get deep about hopes and hurts as we gaze at the New York City skyline. Back To One can be found […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Jul 7, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 114: Daisy Edgar-Jones
She’s barely in her twenties, yet Daisy Edgar-Jones has given us a 12-part acting technique masterclass in the form of her portrayal of Marianne in Hulu’s hit series Normal People. Every state of emotion, every point of transformation is reached with striking authenticity, stemming from this complex character. It’s a timeless performance for the ages. In this episode, she breaks down some of that work, talks about her love of acting with accents, the importance of creative chemistry, how she manages her acting insecurities, and much more. Back To One can be found wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Jul 3, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 113: Paul Mescal
Few actors in recent memory have made a bigger impact with their very first performance in a television series. Paul Mescal’s assured and quietly masterful portrayal of Connell in Normal People feels like the work of a veteran. He talks extensively about the “chemistry reads” portion of his audition process, before and after connecting so brilliantly with his equally gifted co-star, Daisy Edgar-Jones. He also goes into detail about the struggle filming one of the most talked-about and emotionally affecting scenes in the series. Plus he tells us why the “light and fun side” of all the attention on his […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Jun 30, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 110: Peter Friedman
In these last 10 years, stage and screen veteran Peter Friedman has enjoyed a steady flow of work, more than the first 30 years of his career. Recently, he got raves for his Polonius in Sam Gold’s production of Hamlet at the Public Theater, had a recurring role on the Hulu series The Path, and now plays Frank Vernon on the hit HBO show Succession. On this episode, he talks about how being the “new kid in class” as a day-player on set makes him nervous, why it’s ok to dismiss work that doesn’t speak to you, how performing with […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Jun 3, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 109: Brian Cox
He was an acting legend before Succession, but Brian Cox’s brilliant portrayal of Logan Roy on the smash hit HBO series just might put him in the pantheon. He gets deep into the psychology of that iconic character on this episode and takes us back to his early days of discovering Shakespeare, creating the role of Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter, learning the importance of cultivating mystery in a character, freeing himself in the work, and not taking his characters home with him. Plus much more! Back To One can be found wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google […]
by Peter Rinaldi on May 26, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 108: Hong Chau
You might know Hong Chau from Watchmen, or maybe Downsizing, where her astounding performance opposite Matt Damon was recognized with a Golden Globe nomination. I first took note of her in Inherent Vice, where she left an indelible impression as “Jade.” Now she stars in Andrew Ahn’s delicate and touching new film Driveways, which is currently in “virtual” theaters. I ask her about her very first play, Annie Baker’s masterpiece John. She gives fascinating examples of just how much her body wouldn’t let that performance go. She also talks about finding tiny clues in the minute details of a script […]
by Peter Rinaldi on May 5, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 107: Sidney Flanigan
She had never attempted acting before Eliza Hittman cast her in Never Rarely Sometimes Always, but Sidney Flanigan’s quietly devastating performance feels like a revelation, something truly miraculous. On this episode she talks about bravely stepping into the role, giving herself over to instinct, and dipping into the well of her own emotional life to power Autumn’s journey. Her’s is a heroic story of release and acceptance all actors can find inspiration in. Back To One can be found wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. And if you’re enjoying what you are hearing, please […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Apr 23, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 106: Talia Ryder
Talia Ryder gives a remarkable performance opposite Sidney Flanigan in her very first feature film, Eliza Hittman’s Never Rarely Sometimes Always. It’s the kind of subtle, assured, measured work you wouldn’t expect from a teenager. She talks about the benefits of getting vulnerable with Flanigan before shooting and how being deliriously tired actually came in handy when shooting all night in Port Authority. Plus she explains what’s up with that suitcase, and much more! Later this year you can see her in Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated remake of West Side Story. Back To One can be found wherever you get […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Apr 21, 2020 -
Back to One, Episode 105: Hannah Marks
Mega-talented multi-hyphenate Hannah Marks started writing Banana Split when she was still a teenager. It was loosely based on her real life. She rewrote it with her writing partner Joey Power as her acting credits piled up in stuff like The Runaways, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Then, after she co-directed her first feature (with Power), After Everything, she was able to get Banana Split made with herself in the staring role, directed by Benjamin Kasulke. In this half hour, she talks about the ups and downs of standing her ground and seeing the dream of […]
by Peter Rinaldi on Mar 31, 2020
