SSP STAFF WRITER: ENTERTAINMENT ZONE: November 2, 2020
Today, we got to chat with always-on-the-go Rick Ravanello (The Cave, Hart’s War). Whether it’s jetting off to Romania to film his new series The Pact or hitting the golf courses of Palm Springs, Rick doesn’t sit by and let the days just pass him by. Even with all the activities that comprise his busy life, he still makes time to save kittens and chat with friends.
So, tell our followers a little about Rick Ravanello, the man of mystery.
Not much to tell. Been an actor now for 23 plus years. Sometimes, a little mystery is fun.
What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?
I never imagined I would have become an actor. I wanted to be a cop. I was in a shopping mall one day with my wife and a lady came up to me and asked I’d like to audition for a ChapStick commercial. I said no — but my wife convinced me to give it a try. I did and I got the role. A few weeks later, the ad agency called and asked if I’d consider doing a Crest toothpaste commercial. I agreed.
Was it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
Getting started was easy because I wasn’t chasing it. Once I fell in love with what I was doing, there were many ups and downs. I learned that patience and fortitude are key components of success in the film world.
When was your first major role as an actor? And how did you get it?
My first major role was with Bruce Willis in Hart’s War. I had done quite a few roles leading up to it. I had a Steven Spielberg deal that brought me to LA and I eventually landed the Hart’s War audition. Actually, I thought I had a terrible audition. I was driving back to my home afterward and decided to stop at a barber shop and have my head shaved. The next day, I got a callback and I freaked out. I had to go back and read with some other actors. I remember the director seeing me the shaved head and he asked, “What the heck did you do?” I told him that I thought I had a bad audition and that I wanted a change of look and feel. He laughed and I got the role of Major Clary.
A star of both TV and film, which do you enjoy more? And why?
Film is always my favorite but I found a niche for a lot of television. These days, work is work. The choice isn’t as important to me.
How was it working on Hart’s War with so many young, talented actors? What was the best part of that experience?
So many experiences there. I made a lot of great friends who have become best friends to this day. Being in Prague for all of those months was an amazing experience.
When digging into a role, what is the biggest challenge to becoming the character?
I tend to read the script 15-20 times before I dive into any character prep. Understanding the writer’s story is paramount to getting into the head of any character. I try not to memorize lines. The more I ingest the script, the easier it is to find the character. If I stress too much about dialogue, I lose the freedom of being present with various actors on the day.
Many of your movie roles were part of a large ensemble cast. Do you prefer working with a big cast? Why or why not?
I have no issues either way. The quality of the performers is the key for me.
Have you progressed in your acting career as you have expected?
I’ve done up to 140, perhaps more, projects during my career. Every time I walk on a set, I expect to bring up my game. Every job and cast is different. Confidence has been my biggest progression over the years.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your career? How did that lesson happen?
Early in my career, I worked on a movie with Louis Gossett, Jr. His advice to me was, “Never give your dignity away. Many want to take it from you.”
On the set of The Cave, what was the greatest challenge for you as an actor? And what did you learn from this experience?
The Cave was a great experience in many ways. We trained for scuba and rock climbing for two months prior to filming. The cast was fun. It was my first time in Romania. The production was huge. The sets incredible. We had to do a lot of underwater filming. It really was a challenge.
How do you seek out roles?
I don’t seek out work anymore. I have two shows that are in production right now. One films in the Middle East and the other films in Romania. On top of all of that, I just trust my agents and manager to decide what’s right for me.
Who are your biggest influences?
Dang… I have always looked up to great performances from many different actors. My biggest influences came from my grandparents, my father and all my family. I love that they just feel proud of what I’m doing. I try to be myself. My foundation of who I am has come from those I just mentioned.
What are personal attributes that make for a good actor, and what do you do to foster them?
For me, I believe a good actor is one who listens more than they talk. I believe letting go in the moment is key to any delivery. We can’t allow ourselves to be inside our own head. The best actors I’ve worked with were those who tried to give rather than take in a scene.
When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
There are always going to be setbacks. Always. I try to never allow them to affect me emotionally. Emotions create decisions that we may, eventually, regret. Understand what the root of the problem is and work within it.
Is the film business fair? Why or why not? How do you make the apparatus work for you?
Some will say it’s fair and some will argue that it is not. It’s not for me to say. Everyone should have equal opportunity in any profession. I truly believe that looking at our industry in that manner has allowed me to be at peace with myself. I congratulate everyone who gets the job. If they got the job, they deserved the job.
What has been your greatest accomplishment as an actor?
Gosh… longevity. I can understand why so many actors get frustrated. I believe longevity exists for those who are always changing. Create something new. Mix it up. Prove that you’re not one note.
Given that you have had a long and successful career, is there still any area in which you would like to improve as an actor?
Honestly, every role should be a learning experience and we should improve every time we go out there. You have to believe that you can improve and that the work is never perfect. I continue to believe that I’m a student and not yet the teacher.
Of all the movies you have done, which role did you love the most and why?
So many. They are all different and exciting for many different reasons. I, honestly, can’t pick just one. They all affected me in good and different ways.
What sort of acting roles will you be seeking in the future?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m always looking for a new and different challenge. The two shows that I currently shoot are gritty and dark. I like that feel and I’m going through that phase as being my preference.
When not on a set, what do you do in your spare time?
Golf. Good. Golf. I live in Palm Springs, California. I moved here because of the amazing golf courses.
Are you on social media and do you use it in your work? Why or why not?
I am on social media. I quit Twitter years ago. The following was just too much to keep up with. I didn’t like it. I don’t want to sound pretentious. I just don’t like social media but I realize that it can be a good booster for being noticed. I do use FB and I just started another IG account. It can be fun and helpful but most also be aware of what you’re writing. People can have a different perception from reading words than they can from hearing those same words.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
“God’s Country.” I’m a country boy.
What would be on the gag reel of your life?
I have plenty of real ones. That’s a tough question.
If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you? You. [laughing] I love to see that film.
[Laughing] that would be something to see. Thank you so much for joining us today Rick. We are looking forward to seeing you in The Pact. We know you are going to be brilliant. Be well and stay safe.
If you want to enjoy some of Rick’s work, check on Hart’s War on Amazon or Lincoln Heights on Hulu.
You can also see Rick in our short film Caged on RevryTV.
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Until next time, live your passion and chase your dreams!
