Terrance Murphy

He played in Sara Werner‘s Dollar Baby The Things They Left Behind as Ken Hargrave.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Terrance Murphy: Sure, I’d love to, although I always feel a bit uncomfortable talking about myself; my name is Terrance Murphy, and I play the role of Ken in “The Things They Left Behind”. I’m an actor, model, musician, fine artist, and writer. I moved to NYC shortly after filming to attend Acting Conservatory.

SKSM: How did you become involved in The things they left behind Dollar Baby film?

Terrance Murphy: Well, I’m a little cloudy on the particulars, but I believe that Cherry (Xinyue) sent me an email about the casting. I had done a short film for her the year before and I guess she remembered me as someone who didn’t screw up too badly.

SKSM: What do you think it is in the story that attracts people so much?

Terrance Murphy: Its amazing story telling with the backdrop of the 911 tragedy in NYC. Everyone over high school age can remember exactly what they were doing that day and it changed their lives forever. That backdrop immediately creates a commonality for every viewer. Life is about relationships, and Mister King loaded up the story beautifully with three very different love stories.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Terrance Murphy: I auditioned for a smaller role that never made it into the final script. Most times when I audition for films, there is maybe two or three people at the most in the room. I remember walking into the audition room and there were about 15 people waiting! So many faces staring back at me was a little different to say the least! I remember leaving the room not feeling like I did my best, so I was happily surprised when I was contacted to come in for a table read for a different role. I thought to myself, “Does this mean I’m in the film?” I still didn’t know if I had the part after the table read either, and I didn’t ask; it seemed a bit awkward, you know? I kept looking at Duba, trying to read her face, “Yes or no, did I get the part?” I think we had another table read the next week; I felt a bit embarrassed to say anything and thought to myself, “Well, as long as they keep contacting me, that’s good!”

SKSM: You worked with Sara Werner on this film, how was that?

Terrance Murphy: Sara is wonderful! She is not only one of the sweetest person you could ever know, but a smart, sensitive and generous director. She is so caring with each of the actors to explore and delve into the characters we were portraying. At least that is what I saw and experienced first hand. I always felt like I was in a safe place, and for an actor, that’s golden.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Terrance Murphy: There were some moments that were already talked about in other interviews that were given, like when we had to evacuate, so I won’t rehash those. I do remember a funny (and maybe a little scary?) moment after we finished filming. Duba had a wrap party at her house for the cast and crew. She lives right on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. It was a beautiful evening, the sun was setting over the bay and after a lot of food and drinks, some of us decided it would be a good idea to go in the water. A few jumped in and a few others took some of the family paddle boards out. I think I was the only one who actually ever used one before (haha). There was a pretty strong current that night, and not long after getting into the water, we all ended up quite a few yards downstream, laughing and goofing around. The current started getting stronger and it was getting difficult to swim back so I started ferrying the ones back that didn’t have any boards. I probably made three trips and I think we eventually all did get back, but come to think of it, I never actually did a head count. I’m just an actor; I think that job falls under the PA’s jurisdiction.

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?

Terrance Murphy: Since I moved to New York City, I don’t see the people from Miami as much anymore. I am a social media stalker though. I keep up with a lot of the others and click “like” or “❤” so they know I’m still stalking them. I live vicariously through their successes. I did get to see Duba, Sara, Jonathon, Maria, Missy and Michael again at the Shreikfest NY Horror Film Festival when it played here in NYC where it won another “Best Short Film” award! It was fantastic to see them again and under such wonderful circumstances!

SKSM: What are you working nowadays?

Terrance Murphy: Currently, I’m turning a screenplay I wrote called “Prophet” into a novel. We shot a 20 minute short film from it, and it won “Best Short Film” at the International New York Film Festival last winter. I’ll be releasing it for rent or sale in the next few weeks hopefully. It’s a suspense thriller; I’m attracted to these kinds of stories. I’m also going on casting’s, working away.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Terrance Murphy: Yeah, I’m a big fan. When I was young, I read every Alfred Hitchcock story, watched the Twilight Zone and Outer Limits, so I’m drawn to Stephen King’s work naturally. I had a lot of vivid nightmares as a kid, and actually still do. I just don’t go running into my parents bedroom screaming anymore…

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Terrance Murphy: One thing? Hmmmm… I can clap with one hand and yes, it looks as weird as it sounds.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Terrance Murphy: Sure, no problem, it’s truly been my pleasure!

SKSM: Do you like something to add?

Terrance Murphy: I want to say thank you to all of you who have seen the film or who want to see it, and have supported the film and continue to do so. You are the reason we do what we do, and you give us the passion and love to tell these stories. We as actors are changed by the stories we tell, the characters we play; we are changed by the people we meet through these stories, and hopefully, if we get out of the way, you too will be moved by these beautiful stories too.