Kazy Tauginas is an actor and filmmaker who can be seen as Saul Bihari in “Dolemite Is My Name”. We chatted with Kazy about the film, Standing Eight, his favorite thing about NYC, and more!
upfrontNY: When did you find your passion for acting?
Kazy Tauginas: I think I’ve always really enjoyed performing. When I was younger, my sport of choice was figure skating. In hindsight, what really drew me to the sport was getting in front of the crowd. Before I made acting into a career choice, I owned a 24-hour diner. The diner came to an unfortunate end when the landlord and I couldn’t see eye-to-eye on a new lease. Prior to closing, while I was still the proprietor, a couple of filmmakers asked to use my diner to shoot a spec commercial for Heinz. I agreed. They had an actor not show up at the last second and ended up asking me to fill in. I obliged. When we wrapped one of them said to me “You’re good! You should be an actor.” That thought wouldn’t leave my mind. I eventually attended an open house at the New York Film Academy. After that day, I was hooked. I had to be an actor.
upfrontNY: You graduated from the New York Film Academy. What is your favorite thing about NYC?
Kazy Tauginas: I’m in love with the city. The energy of NYC is unmatched. It keeps me motivated. To the newcomer it can feel overwhelming, but after you put in work and earn your stripes, you’re addicted.
upfrontNY: What has been one of your favorite acting experiences?
Kazy Tauginas: I have really enjoyed every production that I’ve worked on. Especially, “Equalizer 2” where I played a professional assassin. But I love stepping into different, unexpected shoes as an actor. Part of my acting experience is being able to perform as many characters as possible. I worked on a film last December called “Invisible Love”- a 1920’s period piece that took place in Vietnam. I played a womanizing doctor. Being able to fully immerse myself in a story that took place in a different time and a different country was incredibly fulfilling.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new film “Dolemite Is My Name”?
Kazy Tauginas: So “Dolemite is My Name” is a 70’s period piece and true story about Rudy Ray Moore who took his career into his own hands and not only got himself a record deal, but created a hit film against all odds. The cast is stellar, the acting is second-to-none, the music, the wardrobe everything is top notch.
upfrontNY: You play Saul Bihari. Can you tell us about your role?
Kazy Tauginas: I play Saul Bihari, one of the four Bihari Brothers who run Kent records. Our label signs Rudy Ray Moore as a comedy act. While Saul was a real person, I had a difficult time finding recorded material of him, so I just created a character who was very analytical. Craig Brewer (the director of DIMN) told me I was the young brother who was still learning the ropes of the business so I ran with that idea.
upfrontNY: What was your favorite part of being a part of this film?
Kazy Tauginas: Being able to work with one of my childhood entertainment heroes, Eddie Murphy. Hands down.
upfrontNY: What was it like working with Eddie Murphy?
Kazy Tauginas: Just being a film that Eddie headlined was a dream come true. He was so committed to the role and it took him years to get this particular true story told. It was really an honor to get to work with him. Once I got past being starstruck, I just loved watching him workin. He’s a legend.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about “Standing Eight” and what it means to you?
Kazy Tauginas: “Standing Eight” is an award winning short film about a boxer who is forced to retire after being diagnosed with Lupus. The film carries a ton of emotional weight for me, not only because I wrote, produced and acted, but because my mother actually has the disease. She’s been fighting it since before I was born. For your readers who don’t know, Lupus is an autoimmune disease wherein the body’s immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues. Essentially, your immune system is trying to kill you. While it is treatable, it can still be fatal. There is no cure. I made the film because I simply wanted to help raise awareness for the disease. We played in festivals around the world. Did very well on the indie circuit. And I’m proud to say it caught the attention of the Lupus Foundation of America.
upfrontNY: Proceeds from this film are going to Lupus Foundation of America to help find a cure. What does it mean to you to have others supporting this cause?
Kazy Tauginas: The film is currently available on Amazon, Vimeo, iTunes and Google Play. Just the fact that there is a film using lupus as a plot device out there in the world for audiences to see, means so much to me. There is still very little public knowledge of Lupus despite huge name entertainers like Selena Gomez, Toni Braxton and Nick Cannon battling the disease. My focus is now on putting together a feature film that uses lupus as a plot device. I truly believe that awareness is key. The more awareness, the more dollars for research which will eventually lead to a cure. So to all those who suffer from the disease, know that I am out here fighting to represent you.
upfrontNY: I noticed on social media that you often share very positive messages, which we think is great and so important! What is one of your favorite positive message or quote?
Kazy Tauginas: My favorite quote isn’t particularly positive as much as a testament as to how I live my life. It’s from Muhammad Ali. “I know where I’m going and I know the truth, I don’t have to be what you want me to be, I’m free to be what I want.”
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