British actor Treva Etienne is known for playing exciting characters and this charming actor never disappoints with his outstanding performances. His vast credits include blockbusters like Terminator Salvation, Pirates of the Caribbean and TV hits like 24, Criminal Minds and Medium. Now he is about to grace our small screens as Dingaan Botha in Spielberg’s hit television series Falling Skies.
FTN: When did you first become interested in acting?
TE: I first become interested in acting when I was about nine or 10 after watching the James Cagney movie Angels with Dirty Faces.
FTN: How did you first break into television, was it by chance or through many auditions?
TE: I first broke into television from an audition through many auditions
FTN: You have appeared in a lot of well known Television programmes including London’s Burning, Only Fools and Horses, The Last Train and 24 to name but a few. What was it like to appear in such well praised television shows as a guest star and did the regular cast and crew give you any advice?
TE: It was great fun to be in those amazing TV shows and everyone was always helpful and generous. I really enjoyed working on Only Fools and Horses with the great cast, crew and the wonderful comedy writer John Sullivan. I was already a big fan, so it was truly an unforgettable experience.
FTN: You also have a very impressive film career which includes Pirates of the Caribbean, Eyes Wide Shut, Bad Boys 2 and Terminator Salvation. Did you encounter many difficulties or differences from working in television to working on big budget cinema releases?
TE: No, it was just a bigger project, so there were a lot more people and locations involved, but it was always fun and exciting.
FTN: You have just joined the cast of Falling Skies for the exciting fourth Season. Can you tell us a little bit about the character you will be portraying?
TE: I portray Dingaan Botha, who will be very involved with the Noah Wyle-led 2nd Mass group of resistance fighters as they battle new alien species The Volm.
FTN: It must be difficult portraying an alien, especially on a hit television show as you probably can’t do a lot research into the role. Did the writers or directors give you any information on your character Dingaan Botha’s back story to help you prepare?
TE: The writers were very helpful and gave me a lot of background information on my character’s back story, it was very useful in helping me prepare.
FTN: Falling Skies is one of those rare television shows that just seems to get more exhilarating with each new series and, indeed, episode. Were you a fan of the show before you got the part?
TE: Yes, I had seen a few episodes and then watched the seasons and got hooked on the show.
FTN: As the new season is about to air, can you give us any ideas of what we, as fans, can expect to see? Will the Humans continue their fight for freedom? Have the Skitters and Mech-Heads learn any new tricks? Will the Volm really protect the Humans?
TE: The 2nd Mass will be separated for the first part of the season, Cochise continues to work with Tom and the 2nd Mass and Robert Sean Leonard and Mira Sorvino guest star.
FTN: Due to your impressive acting résumé, your name has been often been mentioned as a possible James Bond. How do you feel about this and would you be interested in portraying 007, should you receive the call from “M”?
TE: It would be great to get the call from “M” to be 007 or 008!
FTN: We at Following The Nerd love all forms of sci-fi. As you are portraying an Alien in the new series of Falling Skies, do you personally believe in life on other planets?
TE: Yes, I do believe in life on other planets, we have only scratched the surface of what we think we know.
FTN: Finally, Star Wars or Lord of the Rings?
TE: Difficult… but… Star Wars.
Follow Treva on Twitter: @trevaetienne and Facebook
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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