Mark Deklin – Love and Sunshine

By starrymag | August 3, 2019

By: Donna Sgrow

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects you have been busy working on?      

 

A) I’ve been gigging around on a number of different shows… “Grace & Frankie,” “The Code,” “Blindspot,” “Younger” …But, actually, the most recent project that I’ve been working on has nothing whatsoever to do with showbiz — it’s my side business.  I’ve partnered up with another dad who also happens to be in the TV/film industry (he’s a director) and who also happens to have a green thumb and a passion for gardening…And together we’ve formed a company called Grow Daddy. At Grow Daddy, we design and build gardens (organic, non-GMO and pesticide-free) and then we teach our clients and their kids how to plant, tend and harvest those gardens as a family. Along the way, we teach them about seeds, soils, fertilizers and various tricks and techniques.  Anyone who follows me on Instagram already knows how much I enjoy posting tips and photos from my own garden — along with the usual #BTS pics, #TBTs and other standard Instagram fare.

 

Q) What drew you to want to be a part of the movie Love and Sunshine?      

 

A) I love that it’s a movie that honors those who serve — both human and canine. A lot of people don’t necessarily think about service dogs, but these animals go into harm’s way right alongside our enlisted men and women and they’re there to do a job. This isn’t a pleasure cruise with a pet. I love that we’re recognizing that service.  Plus, I really liked the script.

 

Q) In this film you play a service man returning home. How was it to mentally prepare to play this role?

 

A) The day we shot the homecoming scene, when I shaved clean, put on my fatigues and stepped off that plane with my big duffel to see my “family” waiting for me on the tarmac, it was very moving and very cool. I felt cool, and moreover, I felt profoundly aware of how much cooler than me the people who really do this for a living are.  And it was neat, too, because some of the extras who were on the bus with me that day were actual military guys just doing background work on a lark and as we did take after take. We chatted a bit and it was great just to hear their stories and experiences.  

 

And as for me relating to the experience personally, well, it’s certainly not the same situation, but when I’m away from my family for long periods of time. I know how achingly I miss them and I can only imagine what it must be like to be deployed overseas and not see your family for months on end.  And that makes me appreciate the service that they’re performing on our behalf that much more.

 

Q) This movie brings an amazing golden retriever as your costar. What was it like to be on set and to work with the dog for this project?

 

A) It was really fun right off the bat because I’m a dog guy.  And, actually, the character of “Sunshine” was played by two amazing golden retrievers, Sawyer and Briar, both of whom are adorable and sweet beyond words. But they had distinct differences — Sawyer’s a little bit older and slightly more trained so whenever we had a sequence where we had a lot of movement or “choreography” Danica [McKellar] and I would always request Sawyer; but if it was a closeup with lots of snuggling and cuddling, we would request Briar, who’s really just an effusive puppy. So, it worked out really well.  They were both beautiful, wonderful dogs and we had a great time working with them.

 

Q) You and Danica McKellar have amazing chemistry on screen. Off screen did you guys have any fun times to keep the mood up on those long days of filming?

 

A) We had too many fun moments to recount.  We laughed A LOT.  One of our favorite things to do, because we’re both big nerds, was to play grammar games and invent new words. Our director Ellie [Kanner] and our producer Joey [Plager] were also in on it and together with the crew we were constantly trying to crack each other up between takes, which gave the two of us a very comfortable rapport with one another. And I think that comes through in our character’s romantic chemistry, which is one of the main things the fans will love.  Plus, a kind, honorable military man and a lovable golden retriever…what’s not to love?

 

Q) You have done both TV shows and movies. Do you find to have a favorite between the two or do you feel it to be the same type of work?

 

A) In many ways the craft is similar for both and I truly enjoy both. One big difference is that when you sign on for a TV show, you have no idea where your character is headed and that can be sort of a fun ride to be on as your plot unfolds. But at the same , it can be nerve-racking because maybe you don’t like the direction that your character is going in; whereas when you sign on for a movie or a play you have a much clearer idea of what you’re signing on for. Of course, there will be changes along the way, but you know what the story is and you can make informed choices for your character.  In TV, you sometimes have to make choices on the fly and then later find a way to backtrack and justify those choices — which, again, can be both nerve-racking and a fun challenge.  But I really do enjoy both forms of expression. I suppose when it comes down to it, I’m interested in just about any form of communication and self-expression. I’m a storyteller, first and foremost. 

 

Q) You have done some pretty amazing projects and worked with some pretty amazing actors and actresses. If you could choose one actor or actress or both that you haven’t worked with yet who would you want to work with in your next project?

 

A) Oh, man, there are so many phenomenal actors out there, I don’t know how I could possibly narrow it down to just one.  For some reason Bryan Cranston is popping into my head — and that’s a great choice, so I’ll stick with it — but I could go on and on…There are countless talented men and women out there with whom I’d be thrilled and honored to work. 

 

Q) You are also a father and a husband. What are some things that you love to do to help yourself stay grounded in such a fast pace Industry of acting? 

 

A) This is actually one of the main reasons why my gardening business started.  Gardening is precisely that: one of the things I do to keep myself grounded.  It’s very slow-paced and very connected to the earth – literally “grounded.”  It’s hard, honest, physical work and I find that it’s very good for my soul. It’s also a great way for me to spend time with my kids and teach them life lessons. So, that’s a big one for me.  

 

And gardening aside, I’m also very deliberate in general about maintaining my balance between work and family and carving out time to be with my family in a very present way.  I know too many people — good, well intentioned people — who have made too many personal sacrifices and who’ve missed out on precious, irrecoverable time with their families, which they now regret.  And I refuse to have that regret.  As a wise friend once said to me, “No one on their deathbed ever regretted not spending more time at the office.”

 

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

 

A) THANK YOU. Seriously, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love without you.  So, truly, thank you.