Interview: Myles Clohessy

Myles Clohessy is an up and coming actor, writer, and producer with a serious set of professional goals. Based out of both New York City and London, and the son of veteran actor Robert Clohessy, Myles studied at the famed Drama Centre in London under Professor Giles Foreman, and was a Division 1 soccer player at CCSU before transferring to SUNY Purchase in order to focus on his acting career. Since graduating, he’s made guest appearances on major prime time television shows including ABC’s Quantico, NBC’s The Blacklist and CBS’s Instinct, Blue Bloods, and Bull.

Coming up in 2020, he’s landed a series regular role on the upcoming BBC2/RTVE/Netflix program Francis of Assisi: A Life of Adventure, which begins production in January. He’s also gearing up to shoot the indie horror thriller The Bog, which will be co-produced by the Scottish Film Fund, and centres on two couples, intertwined through friendship and infidelity, who take a hiking trip into the remote Scottish highlands, from which they may never return. Myles spoke with We Are Cult’s Nick Clement about his career, his passion for cinema, and his plans for the future.

Thanks for taking the time to chat, Myles. I’m curious – how did you get into the wild world of Hollywood?

I initially got started in the industry because my dad is an actor. I grew up on a set, watching Broadway plays that he was in, and watching him on TV. Because of this, I learned to play pretend and really have fun with it and see myself in different productions. From then, I got into musicals in high school and quickly learned this is what I wanted to do for my whole life.

What was your first big-break?

Guest starring on Blue Bloods was my first big break which I also got right out of graduating from acting school at SUNY purchase.

How did you land your first TV role?

By auditioning everywhere and working with Bowling Micia casting in New York City. Auditioning is tough. For one gig, I waited an entire month and just felt I didn’t get it. I thought I did amazing so it really started to hurt. I then finally got a call back and went in to do another scene. I then didn’t hear anything for a week and then I finally got a call that I would be coming in again to do an audition with directors and producers. It was down to me and three other guys so this fed into my anxiety about the whole thing but luckily I then got the call the next day that I got it!

That’s got to be so anxiety inducing, but also at the same time, very rewarding. Do you prefer film over TV or TV over film? And why do you prefer one over the other?

I prefer film over TV right now. You have the opportunity to explore the character’s development more with a film. But with the changing landscape of TV and streaming platforms, these opportunities are being afforded more and more to a much more frequent degree so who knows where my feelings will be down the line! Especially after this series regular role in Europe finishes up.

You’ve been on some big shows with big stars. As a young actor, how do you handle the pressure?

I think being around my dad and growing up in the business has trained me to deal with the pressure. I now have the confidence as an actor to know that no matter how much pressure there is, they chose me for the role and I deserve to be there.

What’s it like having a father who has had such a prolific presence in film and TV over the years?

I feel so lucky to have had him as a dad and as a mentor. He has always been there for me throughout every step of my career, from running lines, to talking about the ins and outs of the business. He has also helped to keep me grounded and to stay realistic about my expectations with the business.

What can you tell me about ‘The Bog’? What can we expect from the film?

The Bog is the first film that will be released under my new production company Clohessy and Ware Productions – which I started last year with my business partner Antony Ware. It is a horror film based on an idea I got while reading a New York Times article about remote bothy locations in Scotland. I can’t tell you too much more right now. You’ll have to wait and see, but it’s going to be scary! We currently have four films in pre-production and plan to release The Bog as the first film in 2020.

When did you begin to get interested in screenwriting?

It really started last year around the time we started the production company. I had all of these ideas and realised I didn’t want to always pay someone to write them. I mean, why can’t I right?

Do you want to direct?

Yes I do. I feel it’s the natural progression from now with producing and writing.

Who would you like to work with in the future? Any specific filmmakers or actors you’d like to collaborate with?

I’d love to work with the director Bong Joon-ho. He is the director of Parasite and is just so innovative. He is really turning the horror genre on its head and this is the genre I’m tied to right now with writing and producing.

What’s your favourite film? Favourite TV show?

Saving Private Ryan for film, and my favourite TV show is my guilty pleasure – Game of Thrones.

Who are some of your creative inspirations?

My dad, as he’s not only a great actor, but also because of his work ethic. I’m always inspired by my producing partner, Antony Ware, because of his drive and creativity. And I’ve long loved Tom Hanks, as he completely transforms into his characters, and has set the bar for me. He also is a genuinely good guy and you can see he still loves what he does. I aspire to that.

What do you do when you’re not working? Do you have any fun hobbies?

I love to workout. I’m big into fitness. I’m working on my black belt in Muay Thai and working on releasing an underwear line. More than anything, I enjoy spending quality time and eating and drinking with friends and family.