Steve Coulter
He played in Cameron Schwartz‘s Rest Stop Dollar Baby film as Dean Russell Strathman.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Steve Coulter: Let’s see… I’m Steve Coulter. I was born in Canada, and grew up all over Connecticut, Vermont, South America, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Studied acting at the North Carolina School of the Arts and moved to New York for several years. Got an acting job in Atlanta years ago and never went back. I’ve been acting for around 30 years. I’m also a writier. I was head-writer for Tyler Perry for two of his TV series. I’m married to a ridiculously great woman and have a daughter who’s an actor and director in New York, and I have two very cool step-sons.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Steve Coulter: I’ve alway’s liked to pretend stuff, since I was little… I used to play with GI Joe for hours and hours, would play war in the woods near my house as a kid. When I was in 8th grade, I saw a play that sparked something…I thought, “I have to do that.” Which was odd, because I was extremely shy. Did a lot of plays in high school, The only thing I ever wanted to do.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rest Stop Dollar Baby film?
Steve Coulter: I had done several short films with Cameron. The first was ”Northfield”. I really like working with him and his crew. It’s like a little family. So when he asked me to do it, I immediately said yes. Cameron is a great guy and a very talented filmmaker.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Steve Coulter: Stephen King always manages to tap into our inner lives… what we think about, yearn for, what we fear, etc. I think many people wish they had an alter ego like the main character, a part of us that would follow all our impulses, without a censor.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Steve Coulter: Cameron seems to write roles in most of his scripts for myself and Jayson Warner Smith. We’ve done several films together. It’s always a lot of fun to see what he has in store for us.
SKSM: You worked with Cameron Schwartz on this film, how was that?
Steve Coulter: I always enjoy working with Cameron. I’ve found the best filmmakers, and the ones who create the best on-set experiences, are those who are extremely prepared. Cameron knows exactly what he wants, but he also is very open to the actors’ ideas and thoughts. It’s a real collaboration.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Steve Coulter: Randy Havens and I have known each other for a very long time. I really enjoyed that my character got to mess with him so much.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Steve Coulter: Since Cameron uses a lot of crew from other shoots in the area, I see many of the crew often. Cameron and I stay in very good touch. I also stay in touch with his producer, Allen Hu. Allen is a remarkable producer, and an even greater person.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Steve Coulter: Currently appearing in Marvel series, “She-Hulk Attorney At Law” on Disney+.
I play She-Hulk’s boss. Coming up there’s “We Have a Ghost” on Netflix, with Anthony Mackie and David Harbour… I play the bad guy in the film. And in a few months, a film I shot in the Dominican Republic last year, called “Shotgun Wedding” opens, starring Jennifer Lopez.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Steve Coulter: I have been a huge fan of his books since I was a teenager. The first book I read of his was “The Stand”. I read pretty much everything of his that comes out. I just think he is an amazing storyteller. Although, ironically, I had never read “Rest Stop”.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Steve Coulter: Hmmm. That I’m a trained dancer? And danced in a jazz dance group in college.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Steve Coulter: Keep on an eye on Cameron Schwartz. He has a lot of movies in his head.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Steve Coulter: Like I tell my kids… ”When in doubt, just be kind.”
