Tai Freligh chats with Dirty Hands actor Michael Beach…
The crime thriller genre has long explored the fatal consequences of one bad decision, and writer-director Kevin Interdonato’s Dirty Hands strips that premise down to its raw, gritty essentials. Out now on VOD and digital, the film transforms a routine drug deal into a desperate, 80-minute race for survival anchored by a formidable ensemble cast including Patrick Muldoon (Starship Troopers, Melrose Place), Denise Richards (Wild Things, The World Is Not Enough), and industry veteran Michael Beach (Waiting to Exhale, Third Watch).
For Beach, whose career spans over four decades from his breakout roles to the brutal power dynamics of Mayor of Kingstown, this project represents a return to the lean, propulsive energy of independent filmmaking.
In a conversation that has taken on poignant significance following the sudden passing of co-star Patrick Muldoon just days before the film’s release, Beach reflects on the technical precision of the climactic shootout and the visual homages to 70s cinema icons. For Flickering Myth, Tai Freligh sat down with Beach to discuss building the formidable character of Dally, the intensity of orchestrating onscreen tension, and celebrating the legacy of his fellow collaborators in an ever-evolving industry.
Tai Freligh: I’m glad to be speaking to you again. I know it’s a tough time right now with the news about Patrick, and I wanted to start by asking about your experience working with him. You both bring such an intense energy to the screen in Dirty Hands.
Michael Beach: Anybody that knew Pat knew he was full of energy and life. He was such a great guy. Even when he complained about being tired, his positive energy was ever-present. It’s a shame he’s no longer with us.
Tai Freligh: It must hit close to home for you. I’m going to be 55 this year.
Michael Beach: Absolutely, man. It’s happening more often. I’m about to turn 63 and life’s fragility becomes more evident. Pat took care of himself but life is unpredictable. Enjoy every day and cherish those around you.
Tai Freligh: Since we last spoke during the Aquaman sequel, how has your perspective on the industry changed?
Michael Beach: I separate the industry from the work. I’ve been a professional actor for 40 years and love the craft. But the industry itself is often heartless and getting worse.
Tai Freligh: Dirty Hands freaked me out! It’s such a lean, high-stakes thriller. What drew you to Kevin’s script?
Michael Beach: Honestly, it was more about Kevin. I met him on social media, and we just clicked. When he later had a script, I was on board because of him, not just the script.
Tai Freligh: That coat in the movie—super heavy Shaft vibes.
Michael Beach: That was all Kevin’s vision. He envisioned that 70s feel, and he found the perfect coat to capture that vibe.
Tai Freligh: In that final scene in the parking garage, how much is choreography versus spontaneous energy?
Michael Beach: Though I wasn’t in that particular scene much, I know they dedicated a lot of time to choreography. Indie films thrive on urgency and raw energy, which often leads to more immersive performances.
Tai Freligh: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Michael Beach: I have a film coming out called Empire City with Gerard Butler and Hailey Atwell—sort of an action-comedy. We shot it in Australia, but it’s set in New York using cutting-edge volume work. It’s very exciting!
Michael Beach is a veteran actor of stage and screen with a career spanning over 40 years. Best known for his powerful performances in classics like Waiting to Exhale and Lean on Me, as well as his long-running television roles in Third Watch, Sons of Anarchy, and Mayor of Kingstown, he has become one of the most respected and consistent forces in the industry.
Many thanks to Michael Beach for taking the time for this interview. He can be found on IMDb and Instagram.
You can watch Michael in action as Dally in this special clip from Dirty Hands:
Dirty Hands is out now on VOD and Digital.
PHOTOS: Saban Films
Tai Freligh writes about entertainment and pop culture for Flickering Myth from sunny Huntington Beach, California…just a hop and a skip from Los Angeles. He can be found on LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok and his website.
