Red Stewart chats with Mark “Rhino” Smith…
Mark “Rhino” Smith is an English bodybuilder turned actor who has been working in the television and film industries since the late-90s. He is best known for his roles in Gladiators, Renford Rejects, and The Last Ship. His latest work was for the upcoming British crime drama movie Yardie, which was helmed by Idris Elba in his directorial debut.
Flickering Myth had the privilege to interview him, and I in turn had the honor to conduct it:
I’ve noticed a lot of bodybuilders over the decades have transitioned into the film industry, from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Lou Ferrigno to David Prowse. Is there something about the craft that makes acting a natural development in your career, or is it simply a case of having the right height/weight for the role, as I recall Liam Neeson saying in an interview with Peter Travers?
For me, it was a natural transformation from Gladiators. Acting, to me, is a form of expression like bodybuilding, but obviously far deeper as calling on my childhood was often difficult. It is a release but instead of just physical (which I always need) it is a mental release as I am able to call upon my experiences and relay that into the characters I play. My first intro and love into film was Batman Begins in 2005.
You will be starring in Idris Elba’s directorial debut Yardie. I’m wondering, did he offer you the role based on knowing you from your previous collaborations with him in No Good Deed and Zootropolis (although with the latter I’m not sure you actually met him since animated films tend to do individual recordings), or was it just a case of giving a good audition?
Although I’ve known Idris from back in the day it had nothing to do with him offering me the part. Idris did speak to me about a role he would like me to audition for, but a lot of actors wanted to be part of this project. I feel so blessed that Idris and his team felt that I was the person for this part and that it all worked out. It was a dream to work with him and also to travel back to Jamaica and work on the streets that my mum was born.
You’ve worked under both veteran directors like Ben Affleck and newcomers to the craft like Scott Walker. Is there a big difference between the two for you as an actor in terms of their storytelling ability and confidence on set?
Yes, I have been extremely lucky to work under great directors. Personally, the difference with Ben and Scott was Ben was more of an actors’ director and very helpful and said a big thank you to me for looking so much like Yul Brenner. [laughs]
On that note, how was Mr. Elba as first-time director? Do you feel it was something that came naturally to him, or was it a learning process that he mastered over each week of shooting?
Idris was an amazing director, so invested and patient. His insight and his ability to get the best out of his actors was inspiring. He helped me tremendously, not only for this role, but generally as an actor and my approach. It was an inspiration to work on this movie with him.
Where did the Rhino nickname come from? Was it conceived when you were on Gladiators, or did it exist beforehand and the showrunners simply adapted it for the series?
The nickname Rhino came from bodybuilding competitions after winning the Junior British Championships in 1989 in Sheffield. It was mainly due to the size, wide back, strong legs and my stampede attitude. The Gladiators team at LWT loved it and asked if they could use it for me on the show. Bit of trivia- I am the only Gladiator with my own nickname!
Having worked in both British and American television programming, I was wondering if there is a big difference to you as an actor between the two production formats? Do you think both sides could learn something from the other, or is maintaining the status quo more beneficial at the moment?
I don’t think there is much difference between American and British TV. For me, the timing was slightly different maybe because of the demand on the turn around of episodes, like Criminal Minds, The last Ship, etc…I think the demand of British TV is not far behind though. I haven’t done a British TV show for a few years now, although I would love to have the opportunity to work back at home soon.
According to IMDB, you have been involved with stunt teams on several avenues like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Bad Ass. I was curious, with the death of the Joi Harris during filming of Deadpool 2 and John Bernecker in The Walking Dead, what do you believe are some initiatives the industry can take to ensure the protection of stunt crews, especially in bigger productions like these two?
Yes, I have done quite a few of my own stunts. It was extremely sad and gutting to hear about Joi Harris and John Bernecker and many others who have lost their lives. I think there has been some good initiatives that have been made. From my experience, before stunts are carried out, the whole stunt team is a lot more meticulous in the safety of the stunts before they go ahead. Now, it’s a must that things are double-checked by two different stunt coordinators before the stunts go ahead.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak with you sir. I cannot wait to see your work with Mr. Elba in Yardie!
Thank you so much for the interview!
Flickering Myth would like to thank Mr. Smith for taking the time out of his day to speak with us. Yardie is set to be released August 24th, 2018 in the United Kingdom.
Red Stewart
