Rockmond Dunbar – On the Run

Q) What are the current projects that you are working on?

A) We just wrapped the 22nd episode of “Prison Break” around two weeks ago. I started that following Monday on a new movie called Dirty Laundry. It’s basically a prodigal son story. I play the lead and am also producing it. Some of the other actors in the film are Loretta Devine, Veronica Webb and Terry J. Vaughn. It’s one of those independent films that kind of grab you and it’s a dramady. Right after that, I start Raft of the Medusa, which is a play by Joe Pintauro and has been adapted into a feature film. I got the financing to do it and I’m going to direct and produce it. We’ll shoot for the month of May and part of June. We’ll start editing and then I go back to work on “Prison Break,” I think, around June 13th.

Q) Please tell us about your character C-Note on the show “Prison Break.”

A) C-Note is one of the go-to-guys on “Prison Break.” He can get you anything you want and he’s sort of like Morgan Freeman’s character in Shawshank Redemption. He’s breaking out with Scofield. He joined on the chain gang and is, basically, doing the best he can to survive within the prison walls, but he desperately wants to break out to see his wife and daughter. It’s going to be interesting to watch and see how that unfolds because he’s lying to his wife and telling her that he’s still in Iraq helping to fight the war when he’s actually in prison.

Q) How did you prepare for this role?

A) There wasn’t really that much time to prepare because when I got the role I had to go straight into the character that following day. At that time, it was only recurring so there wasn’t that much within the pilot that I had to prepare for. So, I just relied on emotional recall and certain techniques that I have been using for years that I learned at the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico. I had hopped on a show that was on the FOX network that got cancelled, so they pulled me on in episode 8 to start as a series regular on “Prison Break.” I didn’t have much time to prepare, but I’ve been in prisons before because my sister is a correction’s officer. I’ve been in prisons before, but I’ve never been incarcerated myself.

Q) Are there any similarities between you and your character?

A) I think we’re both survivors. That’s the greatest asset and characteristic that parallels C-Note and myself. He’s doing the best job he can as an actor. You’ll realize in episode fifteen that he’s not who he is in when he is in prison. He is this person who is basically wearing a mask in order to survive the trials and tribulations of prison. So, that’s kind of like my story. I adapt and move forward in order to obtain this thing called longevity and happiness in my career.

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

A) Like every other struggling actor, it’s a job. For starters, I’m not one of those A-list actors yet so it’s not like I have an array of choices that I can just say, “I’ll pick this one,” or “I’ll pick that one.” I knew when I first read the script that I wanted to be a part of it because the writing was so well done. The pacing of the show within the writing was very intriguing, engaging and intelligent. That really drew me in as an actor.

Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming?

A) It’s an accumulation of memories that make up this very cold day. We’re filming in degrees that are sometimes in the negative. It’s probably not snowing and doesn’t look cold because we have to take off our jackets and run across an airplane strip or we have to do certain things within the confines of being cold, but we can’t wear hats or jackets. Those moments really shock you to life. It brings your conscience to the forefront of your mind. Most of the time, you can’t move or you’ll be shaking. I remember one time, we were running through a part of the prison and I jumped up and landed directly into a tree because there was a ditch right in front of me that I really didn’t see. That was one memorable moment! I ended up getting hurt a little bit, but those types of things really catch your attention.

Q) How do you feel being on a show that has received a People’s Choice Award?

A) It’s amazing! That’s what actors really hope for! They hope to get on a show that people like, people want to watch, that people want to tune in to, that the drama is good and that you are also a fan of. I was really happy to stand up on that stage with all of our cast members, producers and EP’s. It’s a nice thing. It’s very very nice! After twelve episodes, you get nominated for a Golden Globe, you get nominated for a Critic’s Award and you get nominated for a People’s Choice Award and to walk away with one…Ah, man! That’s great! That’s the icing on the cake!

Q) What is it about the show that captures so many viewers?

A) I think it’s the timeline of urgency. Not only do we have incredible actors on the show, but also we have this emergency time clock that is ticking every second and everyone wants to know, “Oh my God! What’s going to happen next?” Even when the actors are sitting down at the round table doing our read throughs, we’re intrigued and flipping through the pages thinking aloud, “Oh my God! What’s going to happen?” I think that’s one of the most engaging parts of the show, that time clock emergency.

Q) Is there anything that the fans would be surprised to learn about your character?

A) I really think that you’ll see his biggest fear. Right now, you really don’t see his fear. You see his mask of anger or disappointment. You’ll get to see his sensitive.

Q) Viewers saw you and Westmoreland (Muse Watson) connect over a shared family aspect. Will C-Note also be showing his soft side to others in the future?

A) He definitely will! One of those things involves a beautiful scene that Scofield and I have together in the finale of the season. It’s amazing! When we were filming it, we knew that particular scene was going to be very special and it turned out to exceed our expectations.

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) I think of another project I can do after I finish working. I’m a Capricorn so I work a lot. I’m a workaholic. I love what I do. I love my art of writing, directing, producing and acting. I love it all! So, that’s my life. Free time? What is that?

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) Thank you so much for the support and the love you have given to the show, my character and to the whole cast. This has been overwhelming for us and it’s one of those things where you sit back and go, “Everyone is super happy and surprised about this whole situation.” Hopefully, we’ll continue to do the show for many more years and continue loving it just the same.