Jasper Cole is a vete ran character actor with over a 100 TV/film credits, Jasper continues his villainous streak having co-starred in t...
Jasper Cole is a veteran character actor with over a 100 TV/film credits, Jasper continues his villainous streak having co-starred in the box office smash hit film, The Purge: Anarchy as a "Homeless Man" produced by Michael Bay and more. Cole remains interested in playing bad guys and homeless guys as he dished his interest in joining a daytime show in such a role. Cole also talks about his upcoming appearance on "Training Day" which airs tonight, read the full interview below!
I'm so excited to hear that you will be on "Training Day" - tell me more about your upcoming guest appearance.
Cole: I play Jacque De León aka "Jacques the Ripper." He's a ruthless killer who kills for sport using sharp objects like knives, razors and swords. He operates illegal gambling sites all over LA and is involved in the main storyline where Frank and his team are trying to solve a crime spree. Working on this episode is so poignant now since the show's star, the great Bill Paxton has passed. His son James Paxton guest stars on this episode as well and is part of a father/son storyline. They were both wonderful to work with and it's still hard to believe that Bill is gone. I'm so happy the family will have this piece of film forever and my heart goes out to them.
How did you manage to get the role?
Cole: I got this role by auditioning like I usually do, however, I hadn't met the casters Elizabeth Barnes and Susan Putnam previously, so I'm grateful to them for seeing me. This marks the third time I've worked with the producers Danny Cannon, Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman. Danny directed me on CSI and I guest starred on their former series THE FORGOTTEN opposite Christian Slater. Ironically, I auditioned for the different role of "Sliger" in this episode and was on hold for it, but the amazing actor Troy Ruptash got the part so I was honored to be offered this role of "Jacques."
Will there be more appearances in the future?
Cole: I really can't say what happens to Jacques in this episode but I only shot this episode so far. Sadly, many of my bad guy roles rarely survive, but there's always hope for a resurrection.
You have a large film credit - any favorites?
Cole: I have been so blessed to work in Hollywood for the past 30 years and have played so many parts on stage and on tv and in films. My favorite stage roles are "Martin" in Sam Shephards FOOL FOR LOVE and "Harold" in the classic play BOYS IN THE BAND". It's so hard to pick favorite tv/film roles because each came along at the perfect time but I like some of my more recent roles in the past ten years starting with "Zeke Pleshette" in the Comedy MacGruber..that was a game changer for me, also working on the franchise THE PURGE ANARCHY was huge especially working with Michael Bay and Jason Blum. On TV, I loved working on EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS and BROOKLYN NINE NINE as "The Oolong Slayer" opposite Andy Samberg and Andre Baugher. I'm just grateful to still be in the game at this point.
What about daytime soap Operas have you ever thought about doing a role on one of those shows? Which would you do?
Cole: Years ago when I was just starting out I had small roles on the soaps SANTA BARBARA and GENERATIONS but I have auditioned for DAYS OF OUR LIVES for the awesome Marnie Saitta and actually studied acting with the great GENERAL HOSPITAL caster Mark Teschner. I would LOVE to play a bad guy or homeless man or how about a homeless bad guy? lol I love the pace of soaps and the feeling of being part of a rep company that reminds me of theatre. I have so many friends who either were on or are currently on soaps, and quite frankly I think they are some of the best actors in the industry.
You're also working on some upcoming movies - can you share more about that?
Cole: I'm happy to say I have three new films coming out in 2017: CAPTURED where I play "Shelly" opposite Brittany Curran. In MODEL HOME, I play the desert rat "Walker" opposite Kathy Baker, Monique Curnan and Soap veteran Maree Cheatam. Then, in AWAKEN THE SHADOWMAN, I play "Peter" opposite Jean Smart and I am reunited with my HANSEL & GRETEL director Anthony C. Ferrante (SHARKNADO) who produced the film.
What can fans expect from you as an actor for 2017?
Cole: I hope to keep playing more bad guys in 2017, it took me years to be Type Cast and I'm thrilled to be on that list with many other actors whose work I admire. I don't plan on ever retiring and hopefully as a character actor I can work til the end!
Training Day airs Saturday, April 15 at 9/8c - Please tune in tonight to see it!
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