Actor Bodhi Rader chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in the second season of “Sugar” on Apple TV.
On his experience filming “Sugar,” he said, “Let’s just say if they asked me to come back right now, I’d be there with no hesitation!”
“I truly looked forward to each day on set. The team was really engaging and positive to work with on all levels; from crew to co-stars to the admin team,” he noted.
“On top of that, I learned so much from interacting with a legend like Colin Farrell and the three visionary Directors I got to collaborate with. Lastly, driving onto the storied Paramount lot delivers magic no matter how often you do it,” he added.
On playing his character, Rader said, “What initially started in my mind as a standard issue Sheriff’s Deputy, turned into something more complex. I love characters that portray one thing, but also live a hidden truth, and I hope I get to explore characters like that on a grander scale.”
From the Air Force to acting
Rader opened up about his transition from the Air Force to acting. “In a nutshell, it was unanticipated. While I was serving, even prior in college and then post-graduate education, I never seriously saw being an actor to be an option. It emerged as I learned to give myself permission to allow creativity in and free myself from what I thought was expected of me.”
“As I look back now, I understand I am an elevated actor for the outstanding skills and life experiences I can bring to each character’s life from my time in service, and the variety of ‘office nine to fives’ I did,” he noted.
“As an example, I recently worked on a Jeep / Marvel commercial that made a point to hire verified veterans for the principal roles, which brought these worlds that seem so far apart together for me. I think veterans have a work ethic, team ethos, and drive that are assets both in front of and behind the camera,” he elaborated.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, he said, “It’s complex. I wish I could time travel and experience the ‘golden-age studio system’ as an actor and compare it to today. From what I’ve heard from more seasoned actors, today’s performers have to be much more multifaceted when it comes to competencies, training, and finding ways to support themselves.”
“Interestingly, it is a career that requires you to look others in the face, be vulnerable, and trust. The digital age tends to erode that, so I wonder how that impacts productions moving forward,” he noted.
“Lastly, while I am sure most actors would agree that we’d all love to work way more, I am blessed to have had some unforgettable opportunities in this digital age my younger self couldn’t have dreamed of… so I suppose I try to ‘thrive where I am planted’,” he added.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “Find ways to support yourself, especially financially and emotionally, as you embark on this journey. Your job is to audition, train, and enrich your life experiences and understanding of people. Then when you’re given the chance to be on set, show what a professional team player you are.”
“The opportunities will come, but rarely on the timeline nor as often as you wish, so be prepared to enjoy the winding longer path, rather than seeking a shortcut. And while you travel that path, you need the gear to sustain you,” he added.
Plans for the future
On his future plans, Rader shared, “I can’t wait to be trusted with lead roles that carry a film or show while continuing to learn from those that have tread that path. In addition, I’d love to find ways to explore mentorship between actors at different levels.”
“On the opposite side of my brain, becoming more expert in AI-enabled building, learning and coding keeps me looking forward,” he added.
Success
Regarding his definition of success, he said, “I find that can be a moving target. Related to the industry…yes, I’d love to become a global star and experience that life. And yet on a different day I might feel working consistently on recognizable projects is success.”
As an ambitious person, I want to keep challenging myself, but I recognize that perhaps contentment is truly the ultimate goal,” he added.
Message for fans about ‘Sugar’
For fans and viewers, he remarked about “Sugar,” “There is more than meets the eye. The show has something that will engage such a wide audience, just do yourself a favor and dive in!”
For more information on actor Bohdi Rader, follow him on Instagram.
