Exclusive: Ronnie Blevins Talks His Steady Hollywood Career
Actor Ronnie Blevins discusses how to stay consistent in Hollywood.
For some it’s their dream to be discovered in Hollywood. To instantaneously become a star overnight is how many think it happens in Hollywood, but the majority of hardworking actors know otherwise.
Ronnie Blevins has been in the business for quite some time and he is not someone who is necessarily lucky, he’s just paid his dues. Whether it be television like “True Detective” or blockbusters like “The Dark Knight Rises,” Ronnie has had the experience that sheds light on how to make a steady career in Hollywood. We had the chance to speak with Ronnie about how he got started and where he’s going now. Take a read through below.
Film Fad:
Early on you had a long career in primarily television then you made a sudden jump into “The Dark Knight Rises,” a major blockbuster film. How did the jump to film come about after a steady line of work in television?
Ronnie Blevins:
I think in some ways it’s a natural progression. Although, frankly, now TV is operating at such a premium, I wonder if the roles have been reversed.
Film Fad:
You’ve had a lot of various roles in both television and film. Has your diverse set of roles opened more doors for you in terms of networking?
Ronnie Blevins:
Absolutely. It’s a beautiful thing. Work begets work. It sounds cliché, but as the years go by, I notice it. A good amount of my offers come from repeat business. It’s a small town. That statement only gets truer. People want to work with talented people. But also cool people they know they can count on.
Film Fad:
What were some of your more memorable roles that taught you the most about the business and better prepared you as an actor?
Nic [Cage] taught me so much while on set.
Ronnie Blevins:
I did a film called “Joe” opposite Nic Cage. Nic taught me so much while on set. He had no pretense about his process. Yes, it’s unparalleled. He reminded me how lucky I am to be doing this job. There’s no excuse for the work not to be born out of that enthusiasm.
Film Fad:
I see now you’ve got quite a few films lined up, are you beginning to make the transition from TV to the big screen?
Ronnie Blevins:
I kind of take it as it comes. I like the way I transition between film and TV. I feel very fortunate that I can do so. I judge the opportunity and the role based on the material, not as it relates to some sort of larger plan for my trajectory. Work is work and it’s good to be working.
Film Fad:
What is the appeal of television versus film and vice versa?
Ronnie Blevins:
Film allows more time to create a character. It’s nice to have that time. On the flipside, TV moves quicker and there’s less time to evolve a character. But there’s good training in that.
Film Fad:
With such a long career, more so than some big name actors, what do you think it takes to make it into that worldwide spotlight? Is it perseverance or is it just that one big break?
Luck helps.
Ronnie Blevins:
Luck helps. But you have to be ready when opportunity comes around. In the purest sense, I think if an actor focuses on being the most prepared he can be … something good is going to come by way of a career. It also takes managing expectations. Success in this town is measured by decades, often, instead of years. You kind of have to sign up for a lifetime of whatever it’s going to be.
Film Fad:
Of the films you have coming up, what stands out to you as a film that will garner more visibility from general audiences? Which do you think highlights your true potential as an actor?
Ronnie Blevins:
I did a film for New Line called “Within.” That has all the potential of being commercially viable. The film I did called “Joe”, I’m probably most proud of that as far as showcase for my talent.
Ronnie was very gracious and thanked us for the interview. It was interesting to see someone who has truly put in the work to move up in the movie business.
