Greg Bryk – Mary Kills People

By starrymag | May 21, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What was it that attracted you to the role on Mary Kills People?

 

A) Two things drew me to the role of Grady on “Mary Kills People.” The first was a desire to join Tassie and Amy Cameron on their first adventure as a new production company.  I have a great respect and affection for both of them. Holly Dale’s involvement was also a big plus. As well as my home away from home at EONE. The second, and most important factor, was the wonderful character Tara Armstrong created. I auditioned with the Chronos and Kairos speech and the restless brilliance of this madman struck a chord with me. I love a kite torn free by the storm. I like flying without an anchor and menacing the sky.

 

Q) How was the project originally described to you?

 

A) The project was described as a doctor illegally helping terminal patients kill themselves. So, obviously a light and whimsical romantic comedy. But seriously, there is a dark humor and the subject matter is handled elegantly and with a sure hand right from the first episode. There were some early discussions about me playing different characters on the show, but I fell in love with Grady and his dangerous, and slightly unhinged, charm.

 

Q) After playing Jeremy Danvers on “Bitten” how difficult was it stepping into a new character?

 

A) The transition from playing Jeremy on “Bitten” to Grady on “Mary Kills People” was therapeutic. The journey as Jeremy moved from order towards a personal chaos as the seasons progressed. My idea of myself as a father and leader was reinforced and strengthened by playing Jeremy as Alpha in the first two seasons, but his descent and unraveling in Season Three really affected me. I had a very difficult time living with the answers to the questions I had to ask myself.  Out of this turmoil, and reimagining, Grady was conjured. As a person struggling with his own existential dilemmas, and making up new rules as he goes along, Grady and I had a lot to teach each other. Two lunatics whispering proofs of reason into each other’s ears.

 

Q) What have you found to be the biggest challenges you’ve faced playing this new role on”Mary Kills People?”

 

A) Every role has its own demands. I think trusting my impulses and subconscious desires fully was both a challenge and incredibly liberating with Grady. A romanticism and vulnerability emerged that surprised me and the writers. I found things in the playing with Caroline [Dhavernas] and Richard [Short] that startled me. There was such a deep need to connect and a profound loneliness to Grady that was unsettling. It was truly vulnerable – the disquiet of his dangerous love, betrayed.

 

Q) How would you describe your character Grady?

A) Grady is brilliant, dangerous, mad, lonely, ambitious and ruthless. He is a sociopath with the echo of love haunting all his dreams. He is also rich and violent and chivalrous. A romantic. And sharp dresser. And a killer. Swipe right.

 

Q) How would you say Grady differs from your previous television character, Jeremy?

 

A) Jeremy and Grady have similarities – they both look a lot like me. Both are leaders and each has their own strengths. Both can be decisive and brutal. Both have soft spots, Jeremy for Elena (Laura Vandervoort) and Grady for his niece and also Mary. Jeremy is driven by his connection to his pack and Grady is very much the lone wolf. Both men are guided by a strict sense of loyalty. Both seem to have crazy eyes. See similarity number one.

 

Q) Do you and Grady share any personality traits?

 

A) I share personality traits with all my characters and Grady is no exception. My work is intensely personal and revelatory. Grady is like me freed from any social mores. He is my Id, Jeremy is the Super Ego and I am the Ego. See Freud for explanation of ID, EGO and SUPER EGO.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Mark Kills People?”

 

A) There were a number of memorable moments from shooting “Mary Kills People.” The scene with Caroline in Episode Six was so full of menace and longing. It was a beautiful dance in a mine field. Each step full of love and death. I also really enjoyed working with Richard, a brilliant and playful actor. Having my son Dempsey, in his first role as Tristan, on the show was a thrill. Also, having Joel Thomas Hynes give me a book of his poetry and then spending a weekend drinking beer and dirtying my heart with his lovely words was great.

 

Q) What did you think about the shorter season format of “Mary Kills People?”  How has it been developing a character with the limited amount of episodes?

 

A) There is a movement towards shorter series now, especially in serialized dramas. I think “Mary Kills People” used it to its advantage. Each episode was full and it moved at a great pace.  The characters all have an urgency to them, there is no time to waste. That seems particularly fitting considering the subject matter,

 

Q) Would you ever want to try your hand directing?

 

A) I definitely will direct in the coming years. It has been a growing desire in me and I feel ready to take that step. I love working with actors and I believe I have a lot to offer.  Now, I have to go out and make it happen. I will.

 

Q) What do you think it is to “Mary Kills People” that has made it a fast fan favorite?

 

A) I think that “Mary Kills People” has resonated with fans because the characters are incredibly compelling and the story is so engaging. Caroline is a brilliant and complicated leading lady, he writing and direction are first rate and the subject matter is provocative. That is the cocktail recipe for great television. And we all will die. How will we face that moment? What if we decided the hour, the very second of our last goodbye? What is that like?  Having to let go is so intensely personal, and yet universal. That is what makes this such a satisfying drama. It is honest and charming and sexy. I am proud to be a part of it.

 

Q) Are there any other projects that you are involved with that you can share with our readers?

 

A) I am involved in a few projects right now, none of which I can mention yet, but this is a tremendously exciting year for me. More madness and joy and adventure. Hearts full and breaking and all singing with my voice the best they can. Some old friends return and I’ll introduce you to a few new ones. Stay tuned.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I am blessed. The fans of my work have been so incredible and generous. It can be a lonely life as an actor. You reveal the best and worst of yourself and you stand in front of strangers naked and open for their judgement. The complimentary words, and tweets and follows are heard and appreciated. I do my work in the only way I know how, from my heart. I am lucky enough to get to share it all with you all though my acting or TedX talks or poetry. Thank you for listening to me.