Sarah Drew, Bradley Stryker and more star in the new Ripped from the headlines movie “How She Caught a Killer”, premiering September 16 on Lifetime. We at Survived The Shows had the chance to speak with Bradley Stryker, who plays Wilson in the movie, about his experience on How She Caught a Killer and his career. Check out the full intreview below!
Can you tell us a bit about your character in “How she caught a killer”?
Bradley Stryker: This was loosely based on a real story about a guy named Steve Pennell, he was an awful person, but from an acting perspective, he was very intriguing. A family man with a very dark secret life.
What initially attracted you to the role?
Bradley Stryker: I love playing these types of roles. Very complex characters with deep/dark secrets. The real challenge is to figure out what makes them relatable and human. And it’s that challenge that always attracts me to these types of roles.
What do you think makes the action in the movie so special and captivating?
Bradley Stryker: Because it feels real. The stakes are life and death, and in the truest sense it’s good vs. evil. How can you not root for Detective Murphy to catch the bad guy.
What do you hope audiences take away from watching “How she caught a killer”?
Bradley Stryker: A couple things. 1) Appreciation for our law enforcement and a true appreciation of the sacrifices they make. 2) That there is worth in doing a job that is for the greater good of society. I often find our current world to be so indulgent — so much; “me, me, me” — it’s nice to see a true story about someone whose life was dedicated to helping others. I think we could use a whole lot more of that in our world.
What was it like working with rest of the cast on set?
Bradley Stryker: Amazing. So much talent all around. I hold Sarah Drew in very high regard. She is wildly talented, and was the perfect acting playmate to go to battle with in this story.
What can you tease about your character Journey?
Bradley Stryker: That he is unique. A loving father… and he has some secrets :)…
What was your favorite scene or moment while filming “How she caught a killer”?
Bradley Stryker: The climax. It’s what we live for as actors. High stakes and the full evolution of your character arc is coming to an end. It was a complete blast.
What makes this movie special?
Bradley Stryker: That’s it’s based on real events. Makes it very intriguing… and terrifying.
Throwing back to the origins of your career, how did the passion for acting come about in your life?
Bradley Stryker: In college. I took a drama elective, and I can still remember the day acting sunk it’s teeth into me. I was doing an emotional monologue, the emotional floodgates opened up, and personal release I felt, coupled with the connection I instantly had to my classmates, was like a drug to me. To be able to affect other human beings on a such deep level… I knew that was something that I wanted in on.
Can you share any memorable fan encounters or experiences related to your characters in popular TV shows?
Bradley Stryker: I often disappear pretty deeply into my characters — I can honestly be hard to recognize. So it’s my favorite when I get to see people go, “Oh my God, that was you?!” Happened with Skipjack in Lizzie Borden Chronicles — my own family didn’t even recognize me — I find that as the ultimate compliment.
Among all the roles you’ve had the chance to play throughout your career, is there any particular role you’re most fond of?
Bradley Stryker: I love so many of them. WILSON in this movie was a blast, and I will not soon forget him. I also loved, BROOKLYN, in Sheltering Season (which I just won a big award in Western Canada for — Best Actor in a feature film — it can be seen on TUBI in the US, not sure about the rest of the world yet). And I really loved STERLING, in Crawlspace (which can be seen on Paramount Plus and/or Showtime). And my oldie, but goodie — SKIPJACK in Lizzie Borden (also on Lifetime). All complex men with so many layers to pull from.
What were the key characteristics or traits you focused on to make Trey from The OC memorable and relatable?
Bradley Stryker: Again, a flawed character, who wanted the best for his family; but his way of getting it was rife with issues and internal conflict.
Were there any specific moments or scenes in Chesapeake Shores that you found particularly challenging or rewarding to perform?
Bradley Stryker: I really loved the first season I was in, where they introduced my character and we got to see the history play out between Jesse Metcalfe’s character and mine. It’s no surprise we became good buds in the process.
If you had to give some advice to people who want to pursue an acting career, which kind of advice would you give them?
Bradley Stryker: It’s a marathon. Slow and steady wins the race. And if your goal is to be rich and famous — become an influencer. If you want to affect other human beings; if you want to spend years understanding yourself and those intimate details that make other human beings you’ll inhabit tick… then acting might just be for you. It’s not easy… it takes years of hard work… and the payoff is tremendous.
Can you tease something about your next projects?
Bradley Stryker: I would tease about THE ORDER — a Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult film I did in June. It’s directed by Justin Kurzel, and it is going to be a special film.
Inspired by a true story, How She Caught a Killer will debut Saturday, September 16 at 8p/7c on Lifetime.
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Chiara
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