Actor James Grixoni, best known for his role as Deputy Jesse Halcomb on TV’s Twin Peaks, on his latest film POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA.
Wes Hurley’s autobiographical dark comedy tells the story of a gay boy growing up in the collapsing USSR, his courageous mail-order bride mother and their adventurous escape to America. Full of unexpected twists, the film is an immigrant’s take on the American Dream and the power of cinema, proving that life is often stranger than fiction.
GVN: What a performance, James! What interested you about playing the part?
James: Wes Hurley (Director) pitched me the part and I have normally played characters such as gangsters, aliens and cops so I figured this would be a great opportunity to branch out into a role that I would probably never be asked to play again. It was an incredible learning experience and to be a part of such a unique film is humbling to say the least.
Did you know the director?
I worked with Wes briefly at a film festival workshop where we interchanged people of color and sexual identity with normally cis white roles and context (it was actually a pretty amazing workshop that justifies the idea that everyone is going through their own unique story) and I had an opportunity to meet him there. Wes is also a huge fan of Twin Peaks and we immediately bonded over sharing stories of the show.
Was it filmed in your neck of the woods?
Seattle has a very beautiful indie film scene and Wes took full advantage of capturing the city in all its intimate glory.
What was your initial thought the first moment you saw yourself in a dress?
“I look fucking sexy”
Did they try ‘different looks’ on you?
Of course. It was a process of finding the best way to visually express the character.
The wonderful Dan Lauria also stars. Did you get to meet him?
I did not, but in watching his performance I could see an amazing actor with a deep quality to his spirit.
Speaking of greats, how was it working with David Lynch on “Twin Peaks: The Return”?
David Lynch changed my life forever. Maybe not intentionally, but in being a part of his creations and the inevitable attention that follows his work has allowed me to trust myself as an artist, to have the confidence to move forward gracefully and to express my art however I see fit, just as long as it is authentic to me. I also have a lot of admiration for the fans of the show. They are like family.
I read an interview with you where you stated you didn’t even know you’d make the final cut of the series until the show’s premiere. Is that right?
That is correct. The entertainment industry is a rollercoaster ride and, in all honesty, nothing is for certain til its actually playing on your tv screen or in the theatre. This was the case for Twin Peaks, but through the obstacle I was able to find meditation and yoga to stabilize myself and ease all expectations. It is a constant practice but ultimately it serves me very well.
You worked with the legendary Robert Forster- how was that? A real treasured experience, I imagine?
Robert did something very kind on the first day of working with him; he gave me a gift. Normally, in theatre (which is where I started), actors give gifts to other actors as a sign of respect and appreciation for the collaboration. Robert did such a thing and it took me back to when I first started in this business. I will not forget about working with him for as long as I live and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity.
Do you know what’s next for you?
The skies the limit. I have a few projects I am working on but for the time being I wanted to promote “Potato Dreams of America” written and directed by Wes hurley. This amazing film is currently playing in eight cities across America, will have an HBO release in Europe and will be on demand February twenty-second. Thank you to Dark-Star distribution and to my manager Clint Morris for working with me and for getting this movie seen by the masses. This is such an amazingly beautiful film about love and acceptance and Wes Hurley is an artist in the truest sense of the word.
POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA releases On digital Feb 22.
Before we let you go, we have officially launched our merch store! Check out all of our amazing apparel when you click here and type in GVN15 at checkout for a 15% discount!
Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more! For major deals and money off on Amazon, make sure to use our affiliate link!
DC Fanboy! Superman is the greatest comic book character of all time. Favorite movies are Man of Steel, Goonies, Back To the Future
