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Billy Ray Gallion - LOST Interview

Don’t tell me what I can’t do

Billy Ray Gallion is an actor, known for Lost (2004), Hawaii Five-0 (2010) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013). He was known for his work at the Adventure, Drama, Fantasy Series "Lost" as Randy Nations.

 

- Thank being my guest again Billy Ray Gallion.

“A pleasure”.

 

- 2020, 10 years after the end of the Series "Lost". what is the first thing you can think of about the series?

“As an actor, how raw I was. Haha. I still needed a few years in acting to really feel that the job I was doing was good. But that’s sort of not seeing “the forest for the trees” in comparison to the experience as a viewer. To experience how incredibly moving and profound the show was.”

 

 

- Billy Ray , you worked from 2004 - 2010 in 5 episodes as Randy Nations. How was it for yourself working in Lost?

“Looking back it shows my naïveté in my craft as well as life. I loved working in the show, cause I love acting. I loved even more the experience of working outside of Los Angeles. There is a greater joy in making something. More pleasure than just work. And that seems to be top-down. Everybody seems to possess a greater level of joy in the process. My naïveté was not seeing that that was an experience to pursue. To travel and act, rather than sit in Los Angeles and wait for opportunities. I eventually had the epiphanic moment ring clear in my knucklehead. Thank goodness.”

 

 

- You worked with Terry O'Quinn. Do you have a special memory of the shooting with Terry you can share with us?

“I remember how his line, “Don’t tell me what I can’t do”, was like a sledgehammer to the sternum. Pretty sure we took at least 3 camera angles for that scene, 2 or 3 takes each, and every time he would just nail that line. It was crushing. The humanity in the delivery of his line made it so hard to be such a miserable cad to him. Hahaha.

I will also never forget his genuine kindness off-set. He is a distinctly good person. Anytime I see him in something I feel happy for him. Amazing the seed that kind acts can plant.”

 

 

- Randy Nations was just a little part , did you wish to see more of the role?

“Well of course, but any actor would say the same. I’ve never had the luxury of playing a part for so long that I grow tired and uninspired, or just plain sick of the guy. Haha. I imagine if I did get that opportunity, Randy would be first in line for that particular experience.

 

- 10 years after the last episode do you still have contact to some of the other actress/actors?

“I don’t, but not for any reason besides life rollin’ along. Any longer friendships born out of the acting world seem to have a greater amount of work time. More time together on and off set.”

 

- Please finish the following sentence: “Looking back at working on "Lost" …”

“Makes me miss Hawaii. Hawaii nō ka ʻoi!”

 

 

- After Lost you worked in Series like "Hawaii Five-0" , "The Young and the Restless" and more.Is there something special where you are personally looking forward to it?

 

“Always looking forward to the next project. Unfortunately world affairs are paramount for the foreseeable future. I did get to do a show that shot in the Philippines called “Almost Paradise”, and it was fantastic. Wonderful cast and crew and experience. A beautiful blend of work and joy like Hawaii. That aforementioned ‘travel and act’ that finally rang clear in my head brought me to the Philippines for work. I’ve never worked so much. I am incredibly thankful for all that this beautiful country has given me.”

 

- Thank you for your time Billy Ray Gallion! Let’s end this interview with some words for the fans?

“May you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.” 

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