Exclusive interview with Warren Kole

September 15, 2013 | In his role as Sheriff Roderick on "The Following" Warren Kole may look a little like John Boy on "The Waltons", but as Kevin Bacon says, he is an actor that everyone should keep an eye on. On "White Collar" you will see him as Agent Seigel in season 5. In our interview he talks about working on both of these shows, what the atmosphere behind the scenes is like and which of his characters had the most impact on him so far.

Foto: Warren Kole - Copyright: Bjoern Kommerell
Warren Kole
© Bjoern Kommerell
Note: © myFanbase 2013 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.

How did you get into acting? When was the point you were sure that acting is what you want to do?

Nothing extraordinary. I caught the bug late in High School, studied classical theater in College, and hacked away at it until I started getting work, the operative word being hack. I do love the work very much.

Since "Common Law" and "White Collar" were on the same TV network, did you meet the cast of "White Collar" cast before getting the part of David Seigel? If so, what was you're impression of the cast members? Did you look forward to work with them?

"Common Law" was an intense, athletic effort, and I’m proud of it, but we never really got a chance to sit around the hearth with rest of the USA family. I didn’t get to know the boys at "White Collar" until I showed up on set in New York City. After working with them I can say they are the sweetest cast and crew with whom I’ve ever shared company. Matt and Tim are genuine guys, fun actors, and deserve all their success and more.

What can fans expect from David Seigel on "White Collar"? Can you tease a little something?

I’ll show a little leg. Expect Siegel to be a change of pace. He’s a hot shot Agent from a tough town (Chicago), he lives for the rush of catching bad guys, and he dares you to underestimate him. I liked him.

"The Following" doesn't have much room for jokes. How was the atmosphere behind the scenes?

Ha, we tried to find the humor when we could. Even though that show is built on tension and dark subject matter, there’s no loyalty to any of that behind the scenes. "The Following" is a tight ship, and it’s piloted very confidently, with clear vision, so it’s an easy, professional energy in between shots.

Did you know from the beginning that Roderick was going to die? Was that the ending you expected or is there any other way you would have prefered him to die?

I knew next to nothing about Roderick when I took the part. I liked the premise and Kevin Williamson imparted some ideas, so the only expectation I had going into the show was a fun bit of work. Once we’d finished a few episodes, I suspected Rods’ days were limited. We had shot a more elaborate death for Roderick, where I say my final words to Ryan, but it didn’t make the cut. Which relates to your next question:

Foto: Warren Kole, The Following - Copyright: 2013 Fox Broadcasting Co.; Barbara Nitke/FOX
Warren Kole, The Following
© 2013 Fox Broadcasting Co.; Barbara Nitke/FOX

What's the best experience you're going to take with you from "The Following"?

Dying in Kevin Bacon’ arms was a mind bender. There I was, you know, dying, but there was this little part of me that was looking up at this guy and thinking, "That’s Kevin Bacon I’m coughing and spitting all over." Degree of Bacon: Uno.

"The Following" is a show you can't take your eyes off while watching. What do you think is the most fascinating thing about it? How do you see it ending?

Maintaining all that tension is where "The Following" excels. It constantly keeps itself on edge, which is a credit to the writing, producing, and performance. I don’t know how they'll decide to wrap it up. I hope they have a long run before they’re faced with that.

Eerily compelling and equally disturbing scenes like the one with violence turning into passion between Roderick and Louise, what are these like to prepare for and play?

You just go for it, and hope the other actor will go there with you.

Which character you ever played, was the hardest work? And which one had the most influence on you?

I gave myself an ulcer on a film called, "Mothers Day", my character was so strung out. I’d made the decision that he felt invisible, so I spent every moment in every scene frantically and desperately trying to be seen. I worked so hard that I was actually showing my work. I learned a lot from that. I played a young pioneer in a miniseries, "Into the West", about the American frontier and the decimation of the American Indian in the 19th century. The production value, the role, and the content of the story made an indelible impression.

You've been on a lot of crime shows, like "Navy CIS: L.A.", "The Chicago Code" and "24 - Twenty Four" and soon we will see you in "Person of Interest". Are these the kind of shows you would like to stick with, or are we maybe going to see you in a romantic part some day?

Even though it seems like undiscovered country, I never made the choice only to work on crime shows or procedurals, that’s just how it has come down the chute. I’m always up for romance.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Lots of travel, epic rides through the countryside on my motorcycle, rock climbing, take the dogs camping upstate.. I generally try to stay outside and play as much as possible.

Since myFanbase is an online magazine about U.S. television shows, what are your favorite shows?

I’m nuts for "Breaking Bad". "Game of Thrones" is a gold standard show, and I’m in love with the creative thinking on "American Horror Story".

Thank you, Warren, we wish you all the best for your future!

Alex Olejnik & Nicole Oebel - myFanbase

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