“Anybody not wearing 2 million sunblock is gonna have a real bad day.” - Sarah Connor

When I was a kid, I didn’t think it got any dreamier than Dirk Benedict as Starbuck. I also thought that Jimmy Carter was solely responsible for canceling the original Battlestar Galactica and was ten before anyone told me otherwise. Luckily, when I grew up, I took civics classes and got cable, which obliterated my misguided thinking.

Who could possibly be dreamier than Dirk Benedict? Tahmoh Penikett, that’s who. Penikett plays Lt. Karl ‘Helo’ Agathon on the new Battlestar Galactica. Helo is one of the few characters who has maintained a moral compass and acts on it, which often pits him against the fleet. Here, Penikett talks about his current film projects, and the challenges of playing Helo.

Pink Raygun: “Shirtless Helo” is a popular Google search term. How do you feel about that?

Tahmoh Penikett: I’m obviously flattered by that. I promise I’ll keep working out as diligently as possible so that instead of a beer belly, you’ll get an in shape Tahmoh. Ha!

PRG: Pink Raygun was very happy to see a Helo-centric episode in “The Woman King“. What were the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of that episode for you as an actor?

TP: The most challenging aspects of that episode as an actor had to be the fact that I was finally given an episode to “carry”. This was obviously a Helo-centric episode and with that comes the responsibility to give the story a beginning, middle and end. There has to be a plausible arc that the character takes within the parameters that the writers have given you. It really comes down to how strong of choices you make as an actor.

I was lucky of course to work with Michael Rymer on this episode. We discussed at length where we thought Helo was at and what the internal struggle really was within him in this episode. I also had the luxury of changing some dialogue which better suited where I thought Helo was coming from and what he’s trying to communicate. After three some odd years, to have an episode which primarily features my character is extremely gratifying and exciting. I had the opportunity to act with four veterans, my favorite director and, of course, my lovely cast mate, Grace Park.

Battlestar Galactica Tahmoh Penikett autograph

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BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:HELO:TAHMOH PENIKETT AUTOGRAPH

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PRG: What scene or episode was the most challenging for you? Why?

TP: There’s been many, but I think recently the most challenging scene I had to do was from the episode “Rapture” when Helo shoots Sharon. Luckily, we filmed that scene quite quickly and efficiently. I was prepared and able to get to the place I needed and we didn’t have to run it into the ground as you often have to do with scenes like that, trying to get to the right place. It was obviously a very difficult place to go, having to kill your loved one. I was happy with the finished product. I can be hard on myself as an actor if I don’t get to that truthful place, but I’m finding with the more experience I get it’s sometimes easier to do.

PRG: How did you get involved with The Green Chain and Trick ‘r Treat?

TP: With the Green Chain I was approached by Mark L. Young, the writer and director of the film. He and I were somewhat connected with the fact he used to be a reporter in my home town of Whitehorse, Yukon at one of the local papers. He called and over coffee he discussed the project, who was attached and how much it meant to him. I was sold in five minutes.

With Trick ‘r Treat, my agent called and told me I had an audition and that the director was a huge fan of BSG. As soon I entered the room, the director, Michael Dougherty came and shook my hand and started to rave about the show.

Definitely a warm welcome. I found out I got the part not soon after and Mike and I have been friends ever since.

PRG: How is working on a film different than working on a television series? Do you have a preference for one over the other?

TP: It really depends on the project. I find with Canadian T.V. and film projects, because of the obvious budget constraints, the work load can often be more intense. There’s usually more to film in a day, with only a few takes and a little time. This can be challenging, but fun. With Hollywood projects the same rules can apply, but with there often being less of an intense shooting schedule with film than t.v. Of course, it really all depends on the project. At the end of the day it’s all acting, but with film you have the a beginning and an end to the story and character.

PRG: Do you ever worry that your role on Battlestar Galactica will overshadow your career in the manner of Galaxy Quest?

TP: No, not at all. I think BSG will stand the test of time as a truly relevant, important, social and political drama that really stands in a category of it’s own. I’m confident that when it’s done it’ll be a huge stepping stone for most of us. I’ll always be so proud to have been a part of this incredible show.

PRG:Do you aspire to move beyond acting? Perhaps writing or directing?

TP: Definitely! I’m looking forward to learning how to direct, hopefully I’ll be able to shadow someone this year. I also hope to write in the future, but realize it’s a difficult art form and I’m quick to admit I need some classes.

PRG: Is there a particular actor or film that he been influential to you?

TP: So many!! Sean Penn has always been hugely influential to me. One of my favorite performances of his is in Mystic River. I’m also a huge Marlon Brando fan, his autobiography is an incredibly candid and modest piece of work. His “horror” monologue in Apocalypse Now stands alone as one of the finest monologues ever put on film.

PRG: What, within your work on Battlestar Galactica, are you the most proud of?

TP: I’m proud of the show and the fan base. Our fans are truly the best! I’ve has such incredible conversations with fans who care and understand the show. I’m always so honored when I get a compliment about my work and how it’s affected someone. That’s what a aspire to constantly, to give my best and truthful performance. I’m proud that I’ll always be associated with this incredible show, writers, producers and cast.

PRG: How about outside of Battlestar Galactica?

TP: I’m proud of where I come from, my diverse ethnicity. I love how blessed I was to be raised by two incredible parents. I’m proud to be from the Yukon and also of my home of the last ten years, Vancouver.

Thanks again for being such loyal fans! Remember to convert as many as you can.

Trick ‘r Treat and The Green Chain will be released later this year. Battlestar Galactica returns for it’s fourth season on the SciFi Channel in 2008. You can read the Pink Raygun Interview with Tahmoh’s castmate, Nicki Clyne, HERE

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