After more than three decades on screen, Rex Linn reflects on the craft, versatility and perseverance that have kept his career moving, while finding joy in the work.
For Rex Linn, longevity is about more than simply staying in the game. Since breaking into the spotlight, the American actor has moved effortlessly between film and television, leaving his mark on projects as varied as “Cliffhanger,” “CSI: Miami” and “Better Call Saul.” His latest work continues that versatility, with appearances in “Happy’s Place” and “Young Sheldon” adding new chapters to an already expansive career. Away from the set, Linn is just as distinctive, with a deep affection for the Texas Longhorns and an enthusiasm for Tater Tots offering a glimpse of the man behind the seasoned performer. In this DAMAN interview, he reflects on his career, his craft and the experiences that continue to shape him.
DAMAN: You’ve been working as an actor for more than three decades. What still surprises you about the business?
Rex Linn: Yeah, I’ve been really fortunate, lucky and blessed to still be working. I can’t imagine being in any other business, quite frankly. But what still surprises me, and always has, is the number of people who don’t go to the movie theater to see movies. And I’m talking about way before COVID-19. I’m slightly biased, as I think the moviegoing experience is one of the best forms of entertainment there is. People have always made excuses as to why they don’t go: “We have kids,” “Our schedule is too busy” and “We have this and we have that!” It’s like anything else: You have to make time to go to the theater. And I think people have missed out on so many wonderful moments of entertainment by staying home. It’s a shame, really.
DA: After all these years, what still excites you about being on a set?
RL: I laugh so hard when I think of this moment. My dear friend, God rest his soul, Dennis Berkeley and I did a movie called “Tin Cup” in the ’90s. On this particular day, we were in little bitty honey wagons that were our dressing rooms. And when I say little, I mean little. And they don’t smell great. Dennis walked his big self up the three steps of his little cubbyhole, turned around and spread his arms out and said, “Mr. Linn, this is why we do what we do. Ah, it’s the roar of the crowd and the smell of the honey wagon.”
The fact of the matter is, we truly love what we do. And being on set is a big part of it. It’s the office. It’s also where you develop lifelong friendships. It’s intriguing. It’s exciting. It has different personalities. Some great, some good, some not so good. My fiancée and I were filming together late one night up in the mountains in New Mexico. We were both sitting on a huge rock and I was just looking down at the big movie set. We were taking a little break. She asked me what I was thinking about. And at that moment I said, “I’ve always been the happiest when I’m on the set.” No matter where it is, no matter whom I’m with, no matter what the role. I’m happiest when I’m there.
DA: Has your relationship with acting changed as your career has evolved?
RL: Yes, of course. Just like any other job, really. I’m far more comfortable in my own skin. For so long I felt like an imposter. I never grew up in theater. I was never in a play. So my relationship to acting was pretty nerve-racking at first. I didn’t know if I belonged or if I could even learn to be a good actor. But over the years, I’ve worked hard at this craft, in hopes of making a difference somehow. Carving my initials into this world in some degree. But I am proud to be an actor. I’m learning still every day. I hope to make a difference in someone’s life through acting and I also hope to be respected by my peers.
DA: Is there something about the industry that you understand very differently now than when you started?
RL: Yes, it’s attainable. In the early days, I was unsure as to whether it was reachable or not. Could it really come to fruition? Wasn’t sure. But after 36 years, I know that it certainly can be. Perseverance…
DA: You’ve played some intimidating characters, but you also have a strong comedic side. Which comes more naturally to you?
RL: That’s a tough question. On one hand, there’s nothing really as gratifying as making somebody laugh. There’s just not. But hell, it’s so much fun to play a bad guy. Yes, the good guys are normally better looking. Yes, the good guys get paid more money. But they’re not having as much fun, I can tell you that.
DA: What is harder for an actor: making someone laugh or making someone believe you?
RL: Neither one of them comes easy.
DA: You play Emmett on “Happy’s Place.” What was your first instinct about him when you read the script?
RL: That he loves rock ’n’ roll, college football and that he makes the best Smashburgers in the history of Smashburgers. And finally, he is a man of few words.
DA: If Emmett walked into a bar and sat next to you, what do you think the two of you would talk about?
RL: The kind of onions you put on your Smashburger. What do you season your griddle with? How good are the Tennessee Volunteers going to be this season? The pros and cons of being a short-order cook, etc.
DA: Emmett has a quiet confidence about him. Is that something you recognize in yourself?
RL: I don’t know how quiet it is, but yes, for the most part.
DA: What do you enjoy most about playing him?
RL: He’s fun to play because he is confident and he is a smart-ass. But he’s been around the block. He’s as seasoned as his grill is. There are really no gray areas with him. It’s all black and white. Which can be good and bad. And the other thing is, he doesn’t take any shit off of anybody else. Pardon the language.
DA: You’ve moved between drama, comedy and very different kinds of characters throughout your career. What keeps that variety interesting for you?
RL: Well, variety is what we hope for. You don’t want to just play the same old character. We all like to mix it up. I think in a lot of ways it’s variety that keeps us going. Keeps us intrigued. Keeps us looking for more.
DA: What do you think makes a character memorable, even when they aren’t the lead?
RL: Well, a lot of that depends on the role and the writing. I was fortunate enough to work with Sam Shepard on a film in the late ’90s called “Thunderheart.” I asked him, after a couple of scotches, if he could give me any advice about acting and how you navigate. I know that’s a general question and it’s also complicated, but I asked it anyway. He took a sip of his bourbon and tapped his finger on the bar several times. Then he looked at me and said, “It’s gotta be on the page, man. If it’s not on the page, it doesn’t matter.”
DA: Having worked with so many acclaimed actors, what have you learned simply by watching them work?
RL: I’ve been lucky to have worked with some great actors, for sure. All of whom I respect deeply. But mostly what I’ve learned from the really good ones is how to be still. I think it’s important to be still. Too many times, we try to add too much flavor to something. Just learn to be still.
DA: Is there something you still want to explore as an actor that you haven’t had the chance to do yet?
RL: Well, most people think that I must have been heavily influenced by John Wayne and the Westerns since I grew up in the Panhandle of Texas. But I was more influenced by Lon Chaney Jr., Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. I always wanted to be the Wolfman when I was a kid. I still do. But I realized that ship has sailed. Unless a new screenplay comes along entitled “Older Bald Wolfman”! I would also very much like to be in a Broadway production. Like we all do. That would be amazing. Reba and I have talked about it many times. We wish we had a project to do on Broadway.
DA: What are you most curious about as you look toward the next chapter?
RL: Well hell, that’s an easy one. Whether or not there’s going to be a next chapter.
DA: If this chapter of your life had a title, what would you call it?
RL: “This Is Where the Cowboy (or Wolfman) Rides Away.” Hopefully with Reba to the next project.
Photography Lensbymi
Styling Mark Jasson
Grooming Veronica Nunez for Art Department; Skincare by Shiseido Men and Haircare by Oribe
Production Media Playground PR