top of page

Xander Berkeley Interview 

> Xander Berkeley is an American actor. He is known for his television roles of Sheriff Thomas McAllister on the crime drama "The Mentalist", Gregory in AMC's "The Walking Dead" and many many more.

> - Thank you Mr Berkeley being our guest on "The Walking Dead Scavengers Germany" and "The-Entertainment-junkie.de”
You are most welcome.
 
> - You work since many many years as actor,starting with series Like "M.A.S.H," ,The Incredible Hulk and more in the 80´s. When you look back will you do all once again?
Absolutely
 
> - With the work on "The Walking Dead" your fanbase get bigger, did you watch the show or read the graphic novel, prior to your casting to The Walking Dead? 
No. I hadn’t.
 
> - How did you get your role in the AMC Series The Walking Dead as Gregory?
They offered it to me.
 
> - How would you describe Gregory and how much Xander is in the Role?
Very little. I changed the way I look, stood, walked, spoke, reacted, and the words they had written for the character are words that would likely never be heard coming from my lips. Perhaps I subtly slid my humour in there where I could (and where it was written), to keep the audience from being entirely revolted, but rather, somewhat entertaining, if laughable.
 
> - Working with Andrew Lincoln, Jeffrey Dean Morgan , Lauren Cohan or one of the Maincast Members will be a dream for every TWD Fan, what can you say about working with some of this guys? 
You have to remember I’ve spent the last four decades working alongside all the biggest movie and tv stars out there so its just going to work for me. But, I will say, as I’ve said before, that Andrew Lincoln is different. He is perhaps the most remarkable "#1 on the Callsheet” (as we call it in the industry). As in any field it starts at the top and works it’s way down, and I attribute an enormous part of TWD’s success to Andrew Lincoln and his professionalism, kindness, inclusion, and overall sense of leadership. 
 
> - Before you was a part of TWD you worked in many series like "The Mentalist" , "Salem" , "Being Human" and many more. What was a special one for yourself?
Well, “24", that’s obvious for anyone who knows me. I met my wife, Sarah Clarke while filming the pilot episode. We were married by the second season. Our kids wouldn’t be here without that show. So nothing tops that. However, in addition to that, the character of George Mason was written in such a way (and they gave me the opportunity and freedom to write for myself along the way, for which I will always be eternally grateful) that he is in many ways the most dimensional character I’ve ever gotten to play. Another series, less well know, is “The Booth at the End” which my wife is Also in, and in which I was given the role of a lifetime.
 
> - You also had part´s in many moviews like "Apollo 13" , "Deepwater" , "Amistad " and many more. If you weren't involved in acting what would you be doing?

When I am not acting I am painting or sculpting in my studio. And I am currently working on two historic properties near where we live in Maine, preparing them as film locations for the next stage of my career, which is producing and directing.
 
> -  How much has the series The Walking Dead and your role as Gregory influenced your life?

I am going to think long and hard before I let someone talk me into playing another irredeemable character. As much fun as it may be for a while, and regardless of what company you may be keeping while you do it, it is ultimately a fairly thankless job, and at a certain point feels bereft of humanity. 
  
> - Are you currently working on anything interesting Movie or Series after "The Walking Dead" that you can reveal? I saw "City of Lies" with Johnny Deep and Forest Whitaker and "Not Born” on IMDb
I have a movie coming out in February which I am very excited about called “The Maestro” About a man exiled from Mussolini’s Italy and went on to become arguably the most influential teacher of modern film composition in history. It is about the painful and beautiful journey of the Artist and the Teacher who helps the students to find their own true voice. 
 
> - Is there anything else you would like to let The Walking Dead Fans and your fans know?
Yes, That I have had a brilliant time meeting all the fans, and being a part of this extraordinary community. I have really enjoyed crossing over with the artists that are a part of the Walking Dead world as well. Hope to meet and see you all in Germany at some point.

> - Thank you in the Name of "The Walking Dead Scavengers Germany" and "The-Entertainment-junkie.de" and we hope to see you soon in Germany.
Oops, I just said that, so I guess I just say, Me Too! Again! :)  

 

Xander photo by Kara Nelson

Xander Painting photo by Kara Nelson

The Maestro

Copy of XB The Maestro

Visit The Scavengers on Facebook

Follow Doris on Facebook

bottom of page