Tahmoh Penikett – Circle of Deception

By starrymag | March 6, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the movie Circle of Deception. 

A) Three friends, each down on their luck, see an opportunity to better their situation. Unfortunately, the opportunity involves taking a life to collect the life insurance. Each of these three main characters has a different motive compelling them and each will pay for their crime in a different way.

Q) How does your role of Jim Huden fit into the plot?

A) He and Peggy (Diane Neal) are from the same small town. She remembers him from high school and when he comes back to town they meet again and fall hard for each other. Jim, as charismatic and fun as he seems to be, quickly reveals a dark and dangerous side that will compromise those closest to him.

Q) What made you want to be a part of this film?

A) I was sent the script, read it and liked it, but thought it sounded a little fabricated. I was actually surprised to find out not soon after that this movie is based on real events and, in many aspects, quite accurately. Once I found that out, I was on board.

Not having played a character like Jim before, his unique history, his complexities, also was a real motivation for me.

Q) What did you find challenging about your role?

A) Playing someone who appears to most as a normal, successful and bright businessman, yet is hiding a dangerous and unfulfilled desire, was at times challenging. Jim has gotten through most of his adult life quite well, making money and playing music as a passion on the side. Yet, he gets to a point where he can no longer contain his demons and that was exciting to explore.

Q) Was there anything you added to the character that wasn’t in the initial breakdown? 

A) I usually make my own backstory and color the script with personal substitutions. I definitely made specific choices about the walking anxiety, the suffocation, that he dealt with when in situations of extreme stress or exceptional happiness. They helped me realize his actions in a truthful way.

Q) How close to the Ann Rule book does the storyline play?

A) I personally haven’t read the book. It’s on my list, though. I know that Ann’s incredible body of work and her loyal fans are so well recognized. I hope they enjoy this movie.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this film?

A) I’d of course seen Diane’s work on “SVU.” She’s a vet and I know that she’d taken a departure from acting for some time because of personal reasons. I’m so happy I got to work with her, she’s incredibly bright and has a great sense of humor.

Paul McGillion is a Vancouver favorite. I’ve known him for a very long time. We actually played cop partners in one of my first regular gigs on a TV series. He’s a seasoned actor with a wicked wit. April Telek and I also go back. She’s lovely and talented. It was my first time working with Jill [Morrison] and I’m a huge fan of her work now. She’s brilliant in this role. I also got to work with my friend Alison Wandzura and Viv Leacock, both some of Vancouver’s finest.

Can’t forget Ashley Williams, who’s work as an actor I’ve been familiar with for years. I love working with actor/directors. This was Ashley’s first big directing job, as I understand it, and she did a great job. I’m excited to see how her career as a director blossoms now, as it surely will.

Q) Often in Lifetime films the setting can play a role in itself. In what ways does it project itself in this movie?

A) It’s set in more than a few places in the states, east and west. Anyone who grew up in a small town will recognize what that often brings with it – hard to keep a secret, everyone in each other’s business and news travels fast. There can also be that feeling of being stuck and not able to better your situation. I think that was captured in this story.

Q) This was Ashley Williams first time directing a TV movie. As a fellow actor, what kind of perspective did she offer that helped you with your character?

A) She speaks actor first, director second. As a mentioned earlier, a lot of my favorite directors to work with over the years have been actors also. She gave us trust as veterans to do our thing, but also clearly and effectively communicated subtle adjustments for us to make with few words. We speak the same language, which isn’t always the case on set, unfortunately.

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming Circle of Deception? 

A) Honestly, joking around and sharing stories with Diane and the gang in the greenroom was a highlight. But the actor in me enjoyed playing some of the more volatile scenes that you’ll see when it airs.

Q) With such intense scenes and storyline, how did you shake off a long day of filming?

A) When you’ve been doing this for some time, you get better at turning it off and leaving the work where it belongs. Nothing like going home to your family and little ones to bring you back to reality.

Q) What do you think it is about this Lifetime movie that will make it a fast fan favorite thriller? 

A) I think what’ll really grab the audience is the fact that it’s based on real events and real people. It’s unsettling to see what seemingly normal, trustworthy people will do for money when put in the right, or rather wrong situation.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to the film?

A) I am apart of it, probably not active enough, but I do my best. I always look forward to interacting with fans about my work and hearing their reactions. I’m excited to see the film, also.

Q) You often take on dramatic roles. What is it about these parts or this genre that really attract you?

A) I’m a big fan of crime novels. I read many different types of books, but I’ve always loved a good true crime novel and this one is as good as any. I think the audience will enjoy getting to know these “people next door” and then seeing their journey go from good to … tune in!

Q) What are the other recent projects we’ll be seeing you in soon?

A) The Devil Has a Name is now streaming. Fantastic film by Edward James Olmos with David Straithairn, Alfred Molina, Kate Bosworth and Martin Sheen to name a few. The Last Victim with Ali Larter, Ralph Ineson and Ron Perlman. I’m also currently filming an amazing feature REHAB written by Andrew Genaille with Eric Johnston, Jennifer Podemski and Tanis Parenteau.

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

A) I can’t thank you enough for always supporting me through the years. Your words, loyalty and positivity are more appreciated than I could ever properly express.