Drez Ryan
He played in Polly Schattel’s Dollar Baby Here There Be Tygers as Mr. Taylor.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Drez Ryan: I am a father of one, myself an only child. Born mostly raised in Florida but have moved around a bit since high school, I’ve also lived in New York, North Carolina, Minnesota and Georgia. I’ve been an actor for 10 years now, professionally for 5. I started with indie film but a majority of my foundation is in theatre. I’m just a big kid who loves to laugh and joke around and walk a few steps in lives other than my own. Hence being an actor ?
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Drez Ryan: I first performed on stage in high school, but I just thought it was fun. I was more into football. But then I rediscovered acting when I was 20 by looking on Craigslist for acting jobs. (I don’t recommend doing that) Luckily I found a legitimate project nearby lookin for actors. With no training or knowledge of the business, I contacted casting. I auctioned and got a part, I also helped out on the crew and got to experience the other side of the camera. But I did not decide that acting is what I wanted to do until years later I was doing a Shakespearean play “Othello.” I was not Othello, but during our performances I would watch the scenes I was not in if had the time and what I saw changed my life. The young man that was portraying I ago the antagonist in the story, his performance was so brilliant that it humbled me and made me realize that I need to learn how to truly act. Before that time I thought I didn’t need training because I had “raw talent.” But talent is only as good you mold it to be.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Here There Be Tygers Dollar Baby film?
Drez Ryan: I took an acting class with Jennifer Trudrung, and from the beginning we formed a great relationship. Not just as actors but as people. I respect and admire her creative ability and humanity. She’s so kind and humble and I jump at the bit to work with her. So when she calls, I am there!
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Drez Ryan: Stephen King, he has such a solid fan base that when something has his name attached. Folks will flock, and this is simply a highly interesting other worldly story.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Drez Ryan: I did not have to audition, fortunately. And I don’t think it was necessarily written for me, but what the character needed. Jennifer has confidence in me that I could deliver, which is a wonderful compliment.
SKSM: You worked with Polly Schattel on this film, how was that?
Drez Ryan: Polly was wonderful, such a relaxed environment with high consideration of everyone’s needs and extremely efficient.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Drez Ryan: The pants, when wardrobe showed me the pants I was going to be wearing. I got really excited, and when I put them on I never wanted to take them off!
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Drez Ryan: Jennifer and I have always kept in contact, Marisa and I also kept in touch. And others through social media I’ve kept up with.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Drez Ryan: Due to the pandemic, I am currently working on myself and spending time with family. But work I have done had recently come to light, I starred in a feature film called “Seven Short Films About Our marriage” which is currently on its festival run and in talks for distribution next year. I also had a two episode run on another Stephen King story called “The Outsider” which is current on HBO.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Drez Ryan: I am absolutely a fan of Stephen King, one that I’ve been a fan of the longest I don’t feel gets enough attention is “Thinner”
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Drez Ryan: That I love the dark realm of entertainment. Horror, thriller, supernatural and etc.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Drez Ryan: I just want say thank you for supporting what we creatives love to do. Whether you view yourself as a creative individual or not, we all have the ability to create wonderful things. Tell stories that entertain, inspire and sometimes alter perceptions. It’s a human ability that shouldn’t be ignored or misused.
