Thanks to his unwavering work ethic and undeniable talent Ty Simpkins has earned his place among the hardest working actors in Hollywood
From a young age, American actor Ty Simpkins has demonstrated admirable dedication to his craft as he fearlessly takes on diverse roles in blockbusters films and television shows. It’s not much of an understatement to say that Simpkins is probably one of the most hardworking actors in Hollywood. So far, his filmography includes prominent titles such as “Iron Man 3,” “Insidious Chapter 2” and “Jurassic World.” More than anything, his impressive range and ability to effortlessly transition between genres showcase an uncommon versatility.
As Simpkins continues to evolveas an actor and venture on to more mature roles, his future seems full of remarkable performances. For now, he will enthrall worldwide audiences as he reprises his role as Dalton Lambert in the gripping “Insidious: The Red Door.”
DAMAN: We’re definitely excited about your upcoming film “Insidious: The Red Door.” How do you feel about reprising this role after all these years?
Ty Simpkins: I’m excited too, because as a child in the first two movies, your job is simply to act scared or be creepy. But now that Dalton Lambert is older, I get to play with this character and discover who Dalton has become as a young adult.
DA: The latest “Insidious” installment also marks Patrick Wilson’s directorial debut. All in all, what was it like to be working with Wilson?
TS: Patrick has played my dad in four movies, so it’s been really fun continuing to grow our relationship in and out of work over the years. As both a director and actor, he’s good at communicating things in a technical sense that makes it incredibly easy to understand and much more enjoyable to work with. My best performances always come out when I feel comfortable in my ability and character—and having a director you are close with, like Patrick, really brings that out.
DA: “Insidious” is known for its tense and scary atmosphere. How did you and the other actors work to create that atmosphere in what we see on screen?
TS: Having such an incredible art department as we do, and when everyone on the cast is on the same page about the scene we are trying to capture, everything really falls into place.
DA: The “Insidious” franchise received praise for its originality and unique take on the horror genre. Why does the film resonate so strongly with audiences?
TS: James Wan and Leigh Whannell did really well with the first movie in that they made a terrifying thriller, but the core of it was about a broken family. They always attended to the crucial plot points needed to drive the story forward and still hit all the suspenseful, scary moments needed to make an incredible horror film.
“My best performances always come out when I feel comfortable in my ability and character”
DA: What is it like to be a part of some of the biggest film franchises of this age?
TS: I’m very proud to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the “Jurassic World” franchise. They were a wonderful part of my childhood and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
DA: How did growing up in the industry shape your childhood and adolescence?
TS: The very talented people I had the opportunity to work with over the years really shaped who I am today. I’m incredibly thankful for all of them.
DA: And how has your approach to the art of acting changed as you’ve grown older?
TS: My approach to any role will always be different. A big part of it for me is how the director does his job and how I can tweak my approach to meet the director so we are on the same page.
DA: You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the film industry, from Steven Spielberg to Darren Aronofsky. What’s it like to collaborate with such talents, and how have those experiences impacted your growth as an actor?
TS: Every actor and every director has shown me something new. Whether it’s about life in general or the job, I’ve always taken something away from it. I would not be as successful as I am now if it weren’t for those teachings.
DA: We learned you recently finished filming for “The Re-Education of Molly Singer.” What can you tell us about the film and your role in it?
TS: “Molly Singer” is a college comedy and I play Elliot, who is known to keep mostly to himself. Throughout the film, you see his growth as a character as he becomes more social and confident in himself.
DA: Festivals like TIFF and the Savannah Film Festival have recognized you as a rising star in the film industry. What does this mean to you?
TS: To be recognized for my work as an adult is such an amazing honor. I don’t think we can ever really plan how we grow and I’m just trying to enjoy my life as it is now. In time, something will present itself for me to grow into.
DA: You’ve worked in a wide variety of genres. Do you have a particular favorite?
TS: I loved working on the “Insidious” movies because the world is anything but reality. Anytime I have the chance to explore such a wild concept like that, I have a lot of fun.
“I don’t think we can ever really plan how we grow and I’m just trying to enjoy my life as it is now,”
DA: Moving forward, what kinds of roles or projects would you like to pursue more of?
TS: I would love to do more action and comedy. Those are my favorite types of movies to watch in theaters and exploring them more from an acting standpoint would be a fun challenge.
DA: What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned from your career so far, and how do you plan on using that knowledge in the future?
TS: The most important thing I’ve learned—aside from playing to your strengths and always having tough skin—is never to be complacent about where you’re at with your career and success. You should be content and happy with where you’re at, but always know that everything you’ve worked towards can disappear in a second and never let your hubris get the best of you.
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