Sherman Augustus – Stranger Things

By starrymag | May 27, 2022

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

Q) How were you approached for the role of Lt. Colonel Sullivan for “Stranger Things?”

 

A) I got a call from Carmen Cuba. She’s an A-list casting director who has been aware of my work and asked me to put myself on tape for the role of Lt. Colonel Sullivan on “Stranger Things.” Three months went by, and I didn’t hear a word. Next thing I know, I got a call saying I got the role! I am seriously very lucky.

 

Q) Was there something about the series or your character that really excited you about working on the show?

 

A) I was happy to finally play a classic “military officer” role, which I’ve never had the opportunity to do before. I was excited because there have been so many great military officers portrayed on film and TV and having my chance to play such an iconic, classic type of character was incredible.

 

Q) How was this role initially described to you?

 

A) Lt. Colonel Sullivan was described in one line: He is a man who knows how to squash the evil that is playing out in Hawkins.

 

Q) How did you prepare for this role?

 

A) I had to find a way to get Lt. Colonel Sullivan off the page and I was lucky enough to have many examples of real-life Black/African American military men of gravitas and stature to inform this fictional character. For example, Lt. General Russel Honoré (who oversaw military relief efforts to clean-up for Hurricane Katrina), General Colin Powell (former United States Secretary of State), the 761st Tank Battalion, the Black Panthers, who served under General George S. Patton, the Tuskegee airmen and so many others.

They went through a lot as black men in the military and as black men living in the United States. They had to prove themselves and show people that they deserved those jobs – and they always did.

Additionally, my own personal experience of playing professional football and other challenges gave me a toughness that I’ve continued to build on over the years.

Once I studied the character and did some soul-searching, by the time I put on Lt. Colonel Sullivan’s uniform everything made sense.

After a while, when I came to set, people would say, “He’s here. Here comes his walk. It’s time.”

The environment of the set also makes it easier to get into the mindset. For instance, when you see extras with guns, it feels more real. It’s not method acting, you just see everything at your disposal.

 

Q) “Stranger Things” has had a cult following since the beginning. What was it like to join such a connected and established cast?

 

A) It’s a privilege and honor to join such a tight cast. From day one I felt welcome and part of the community. That was an incredible feeling.

And everyone shows up to work to work. Not just the amazing cast, but everyone on the production brings their A-game.

 

Q) Who were you most looking forward to sharing a scene(s) with in Season 4?

 

A) I was looking forward to working with everyone, but I was ecstatic when I got to work with Paul Reiser. The truth is I nerded out. I’m a total graphics novel and sci-fi guy and Paul played Burke in Aliens (1986). Hearing all of the behind-the-scenes when filming Aliens was amazing.

 

Q) What are some memorable moments you had working on the show or episodes that you are excited for fans to get to see?

 

A) I really wish I could tell you. There are so many, but secrecy is everything for this series. That’s the first thing you learn, and I understand why. Spoilers are called spoilers for a reason and protecting the storyline is out of respect for the fans. We want them to discover new elements of the show for themselves.

 

Q) What do you hope people enjoy about this season of “Stranger Things” and your addition to the show?

 

A) I hope fans will think the wait for “Stranger Things” Season 4, given pandemic delays, was worth it – and I’m sure they will. The “Stranger Things” team really stepped it up. As for my character, I hope they like the dynamic Lt. Col. Sullivan adds to the mix.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving to episodes?

 

A) Yes, absolutely! I hope they love the show and share their thoughts.

 

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

 

A) There are some cool things in the works, but unfortunately, I can’t talk about them. But I’ll be back to let you know once I can.

One of my films The Accursed screened at Cannes Marché, which is the film market which coincides with the festival. That was kind of exciting.