 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Robyn Griggs
Cleanliness is next to Godliness: An Interview with former soap actress Robyn Griggs
by Allen RichardsFormer soap star turned convention goddess Robyn Griggs has left the glitz of glam of daytime television and found a new home among the zombies, serial killers, and evil clowns of independent horror.
Q - Why acting?
A - Well, actually my first choice has always been singing. I kind of just fell into acting due to musical theater. Then an agent spotted me and I ended up doing more acting than singing:)
Q - Do you still sing?
A - Yes, I actually completed a full cd produced and written by Matthew Jason Walsh. It is like a goth Rock Opera. It really is great, Matt is extremely talented. The CD is called Loves Young Nightmare. it will be out very soon :)
Q - How in the hell did you go from soaps to no-budget cinema?
A - I went from Soaps, to being a real person for once, and then to independent films. I enjoy it, everyone has been great and actually the independent world is letting me take on more challenging roles. It is great and I have met so many wonderful people.
Q - How do you mean, "a real person?"
Well, I started acting at the age of 3, so never was able to just be a normal person. I tried my hand at gardening and killed every plant I got, so I went back to acting :)
Q - Challenging in what respect?
A - Well, I am not always playing th dumb blonde or the sexy lady, I am playing the villains and I love it.
Q - What''s the biggest shock between the two separate acting worlds?
A - As far as acting goes, I think the biggest shock would be actually talking with a director instead of hearing them over an intercom. I like independent directors, they are very giving and open minded.
Q - Do you approach the work differently?
A - No, I am used to walking on a set and giving what I can give to the character, I am used to working and doing my scenes then leaving. I, of course, am still the same goof ball. I always love for everyone to laugh and have a good time, but that of course is ok as long as we are doing our jobs and getting the film completed and making the director a very happy person with the finished product.
Q - These past few years you've focused primarily on horror. What is it about the genre that intrigues you?
A - I grew up watching horror films with my brother Sean and my niece Stephanie. we always would watch anything horror. Our favorites would be any of the Hellraiser's and of course anything by Fullmoon and My Bloody Valentine.
Q - That's funny. Recently I've had a number of discussions with people regarding My Bloody Valentine, but I''ve never seen the movie. What is it about that one that intrigues you?
A - I think I love my bloody valentine because you cant compare it to any other story, st least not in my opinion. it really was a good film and yet had the gore too. I liked that it told a whole story from beginning to end.
Q - You've worked with some directors repeatedly. What is it with guys like Chris Watson (Zombiegeddon) that keep you coming back for more?
A - Chris is a great friend, I feel comfortable working with people that make me feel like a friend. The directors I have worked with have been extremely awesome. Very kind to me. I am a very outgoing person and to reach me is just to talk with me. I am not stuffy or have diva syndrome, I am a normal person whom thinks good of everyone.... until they prove me wrong...mwahhhwahhwahhwahhh
I also feel that after one time working with a director I always do a better job if they hire me again because I start to feel comfortable and that is the key to getting a good performance of me, make me feel like a friend and comfortable. hope that makes sense.
Q - Are you critical of your own work?
A - Yes, I cant stand to watch myself, but maybe I should it might help me with future performances.
Q - Would you say you''ve given any bad performances?
A - I think if an actor says they never have given a bad performance , then they are full of it. bad performances are what makes us learn, work and become better at our craft.
Q - Your roles from Watson are the most distinctly different of your resume. Do you find yourself pigeon-holed by other directors?
A - No, I think actually they have been offering me the really challenging roles and I am thrilled.
Q - What can we expect to see in these rolls?
A - Hmmm, lots of blood!!!!!!!! hahahaha. Seriously though, I haven't been a good girl in most of these films and it seems like the more I play the evil woman, the more people are shocked by this when they meet me, I love it!
Q - What can you tell us about Dead Clowns?
A - Well, I am in a small part of dead clowns, but they have the original segment I shot as an extra short on the dvd. I loved the segment, I was downright evil :) heheheehe FUN!
Q - That was directed by Steve Sessions, correct?
A - Yes, what an eye he has, he is naturally gifted with a camera. he just has it!!!!!!!!!!
Q - What can you tell us about The Absence of Light?
A - Absence of Light, I play Fiona, she is David Hess's assistant and has lots of evil about her, she''s a character to watch for in a sequel... oh did I say sequel...hmm
Q - Who else is involved in that project?
A - Let's see, they have an all star cast for that film: Tony Todd, Reggie Bannister, David Hess, Tom Savini, Tom Sullivan and many more. I loved working with everyone involved with that film. what a great group of people. Patrick Desmond is just the nicest , warm hearted person and the rest of the group is too. it really is a great group of people, no bad seeds in that crowd. if anyone ever gets a chance to talk with them, please do, they are wonderful people.
Q - Who would you like to work with?
A - I would love to work with Brinke Stevens, she has been a very nice stable person in this crazy Biz, she's classy and handles herself with grace, I admire that. I would absolutely love to work with JR Bookwalter, he just has it, he has been there for advice and a very great friend to me. I could go on and on and mention tons of people, you all know whom you are! One of my dreams is to work with Peewee Herman (im serious)...just thought I would add that :)
Q - What advice can you give young directors on what an actor needs to help craft a solid performance?
A - I think the most helpful thing is for a director to know what he /she wants from a character and script and not stray from it, do not be afraid to give direction and do not be afraid of the actors. we look to you for guidance:)
Q - And what's in store from Robyn Griggs?
A - I have a lot going on right now. I just finished a Tai chi video, I have started my own line of soaps, I was cast as one of the leads in the next Robert Englund Film The Demons 5, there are lots of projects that I am looking foreword to. Not to mention the convention, www.twistednightmareweekend.com
This interview originally appeared in Hacker's Source issue 17.