Dakota Daulby – Billy the Kid

By starrymag | April 24, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise of the new series “Billy the Kid,” the series surrounding one of the most iconic outlaws.

 

A) “Billy the Kid” tells the story of America’s most iconic outlaw, from the struggles in childhood to the choices he made as an adult which led him to be one of the most hunted criminals of his time. Along the way we get to meet the iconic men and women, including the Seven Rivers Gang which shaped a lot of his inevitable destiny.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show initially?

 

A) I fell in love with telling stories through Spaghetti Westerns. Classics like The Man with No Name and, of course, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, especially that one. These films were my exposure to the power of visual storytelling.

So, given the chance to join a show, set in a world like those films where I get to ride a horse and shoot old revolvers for a JOB! Uhhhh, hell ya? I mean, HELL YEAH.

Even as I am writing this, I’m looking at a signed photo on my office wall of the Seven Rivers Gang on location in Calgary. “Billy” was an opportunity to have incredible fun, with truly brilliant artists.

 

Q) How was your character John Beckwith originally described to you?

 

A) Beckwith is a tough son-of-a-bitch and quite possibly a permanent drunk I discovered. He’s based on a real guy, but there isn’t a ton written about him, so it gave me the freedom to really craft my idea of him. I kinda just gave myself the go-ahead to live in that outlaw mindset. I embraced that vulgar, utterly free and immensely dangerous persona, which of course led to some crazy nights out after filming. Everyone on that show kinda did that. It’s why we bonded so well and really showed on screen.

Though, I’ll admit, I was excited to get home since I didn’t sleep for three months (I was next door to Sean Owen Roberts who plays Olinger…He knows what I’m talking about.)

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on “Billy the Kid?”

 

A) For sure, “Billy” is written by Michael Hirst, who is the genius behind “Vikings” of course. So, when you have that level of talent in the writing, it gets artists really eager to jump on board. We had a wicked cast, ironically mainly from across the UK, Ireland and Canada. Plus, shooting with the local Calgary crew, especially the real-life cowboy wranglers, made the months that we were there one of the highlights of my career.

 

Q) What kind of horse and gun training went into preparing for the series?

 

A) We did a TON of riding with the wranglers. The horses were provided by John Scott and his ranch, who is probably the most famous of us all! Honestly, that guy has worked with EVERYONE who’s ever used a horse in film. Well, his team were the ones that really showed us how to embody that lifestyle, how to hold yourself on the horse, how to put your cowboy hat down on a table properly (I wonder if everyone reading knows) or whether or not to tuck your pants into your boots! Honestly, we learned everything from these men and women. That was the best part, getting the opportunity to meet those people and to ride their BEAUTIFUL horses – oh how I miss the riding!

 

Q) The show is gritty and intense. What were some of your favorite episodes to film or memorable moments from working on it?

 

A) We had a scene where Dan [Webber], Ian [Butcher], Sean, me and our wranglers were galloping across this huge open field on our way to deliver some carnage of course. We must have done that gallop six or seven times and each time we reset I think we went further and further back because we all wanted to ride for longer! It was exhilarating, so badass having this beast of an animal underneath you as you go full tilt with cowboys on either side. In that moment you realize why this lifestyle was so attractive to young men and women in that time period.

 

Q) What do you think it is about this series that is going to make it such a fast fan favorite?

 

A) When we think of Billy the Kid, you think of a ruthless gunslinger. For me, our show depicts his loss of innocence. It shows the audience how Billy became ruthless and how the people surrounding him led him down the path of an outlaw.

Plus, let me tell you, from what I’ve seen the show looks f-ing beautiful; and who doesn’t love a crew of badass outlaw cowboys delivering carnage?

 

Q) You were born with CP. What would you like to see the entertainment industry do to be more inclusive?

 

A) Personally, it’s never been about what the entertainment industry can do for me (they’ve done a lot, I have a wonderful career). Rather, I’ve always tried to approach my life’s work with the hope that I can encourage others through my movies or shows.

I try to remain honest and open about my challenges, and by doing so maybe someone in a similar situation will find encouragement through it.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

 

A) Well, like you mentioned I was born with CP. I actually didn’t learn to read or write until around fourteen years old because of CP and recently dealt with cancer (actually while shooting “Billy.” It’s all gone now). BUT I’ve always felt that each challenge presents an opportunity for growth. It’s these struggles that make us better people.

So, I’d like to thank fans for giving me a platform to utilize these “opportunities for growth” within my work. And hopefully by doing so, together we can keep encouraging others to follow suit.