RUDY PANKOW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY BALCH
INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL RAVER
Actor Rudy Pankow takes a very simple and direct route to find his way to understanding the characters he plays. The Alaska native, best known for the Netflix thriller, The Outer Banks, describes his character, JJ, as ‘ a rebellious extrovert who is incredibly loyal to his friends—and has father issues.’
The streaming platform has recently unveiled season two and things are definitely heating up. From stowaways to abandoned islands to explosions, it’s an edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster. No spoilers on the ending, but let’s just say, you’ve got to see it to believe it.
Rudy wears a mix of vintage and H&M.
Imagista: Who are your role models?
Rudy Pankow: Man, I have so many but the ones that come to mind right now: Gary Oldman, Heath Ledger, Robin Williams, Adam Driver…the list goes on.
Imagista: What’s your process?
Rudy Pankow: Read the script, find connections to persons, places, and events, then rehearse, then perform. I think all you need to relate to is one thing and then you go from there and build off that.
Rudy wears a mix of vintage and H&M.
Imagista: How has social media impacted your career?
Rudy Pankow: Not entirely sure. It’s an ever-changing evolving thing. In some ways I think it’s helped immensely, in others I think it can distract you from connections.
Imagista: How do you feel streaming platforms have changed television?
Rudy Pankow: I think they’ve brought it to our homes so much easier, and I think it helps viewership. And, it’s not just changed television but also cinema. There’s something magical about watching something in a theater with strangers. You share that moment, that rush of emotion (if the film is good) in a theater. Which is so much fun. So, maybe starting a television theater is an idea?
Rudy wears a mix of vintage and H&M.
Imagista: What’s something about the industry you wish was different?
Rudy Pankow: This industry puts this expectation—that I think actors and actresses also put on themselves at times—to be perfect. And, because you’re a celebrity you have to stay in the public eye, or you can’t make mistakes or owe a part of who you are because people relate with you. But, I think we forget the main reason why that person is so relatable. They’re flawed just like we are. We all feel, generally, the same type of emotions. Holding them to that standard, I think, is why so many celebrities have so many mental health problems. It’s a mind game that takes a toll on people. Some celebrities own it better than others, but overall, I think most celebrities feel exactly the same way before they were a celebrity. That pressure “to be someone” is toxic and harsh on your mental health.
Imagista: What advice do you have for actors who are starting out?
Rudy Pankow: Have a purpose for why you act. What are you accomplishing as the artist and what message are you trying to tell with your craft. What is that thing that called you to the craft? If it’s strong enough, it’ll just happen.
The Outer Banks is streaming now on Netflix.
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Imagista Creative Director & Photography Director Michael Williams
@michaelwilliamsphoto
Photography by Kelly Balch @kellybalch
Article by Michael Raver @michaelraver
Imagista was founded by photographer, director, and photographer Michael Williams.
www.michaelwilliamsphotography.com
Imagista was created as a platform to support photographers, directors, stylists, and other professional creatives to create and promote their best work. If you’re interested in becoming a contributor or if you would like to submit a feature story please contact Michael directly at michael@theimagista.com
