Written by: Jayme Face
Oliver Bell is everywhere right now! He’s been on Once Upon A Time and you can currently see him on Westworld and Salem. He plays some exciting characters and has some exciting interests in real life as well and we learned more about both!
Photo credit: ELSIE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
upfrontNY: You play “Little John” in the show Salem, can you tell us about the show and your character?
Oliver Bell: The show is based in the 17 century, the Salem witch trials of course. My character started as a little boy and he became more powerful and evil over the course of the seasons. I thought he was a really interesting character to play. I get to play many different characters and versions of my character. It’s a blast!
upfrontNY: You are also currently on Westworld can you tell us anything about what is to come?
Oliver Bell: As for my character, I’m not sure how he’s going to develop. He was a great character to play as well. All my characters I really enjoy playing.
upfrontNY: You have played a lot of characters set in fantasy worlds, how do you prepare, get into character, or draw inspiration to play characters in worlds that aren’t real?
Oliver Bell: I really, really like fantasy films. It is definitely fun to create characters that you wouldn’t see in your everyday life, that they wouldn’t exist. So I just imagine how they put him and create something in my mind along the lines of that. That would really help me find his voice, his attitude, you know just characteristics.
upfrontNY: Would you say in a way it is easier to play a character like that or harder?
Oliver Bell: I like fantasy characters because for me they’re generally my sort of character and that’s who I enjoy playing. Yeah, I suppose you can say it’s easier.
upfrontNY: You have worked with amazing actors including Anthony Hopkins, what is it like working with them and what have you learned from them?
Oliver Bell: Well I was definitely lucky enough to work with all those amazing actors! They’ve all been fantastic! I continue to create a bond and a relationship with them and they are super generous. So I looked to learn a lot from them and yeah, I do tend to learn a lot. To work hard and be prepared. It is just stuff that helps me.
upfrontNY: Out of the any of the shows or movies you’ve been on what has been your favorite day on set so far?
Oliver Bell: Well I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some of those spectacular scenes. And Westworld is an amazing fantasy. With Salem I get a lot more of the physical action which is what I’ve always wanted. I mean I’ve been in situations where I’ve been drowned in a bath by Lucy Lawless, shot by guys, pushed into a blood swamp which wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but its a lot of fun to film.
Photo credit: ELSIE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
upfrontNY: What are your favorite shows to watch?
Oliver Bell: At the moment I am enjoying watching Prison Break and another show I’ve been watching for a while, Arrow, because you know those are action packed and that’s the kind of stuff I like to watch. So it makes you feel so full of energy and you could do the things in the action movies and its very exciting. So those are the things I like to watch.
upfrontNY: Your dad and Grandfather were race car drivers, are you excited for driving lessons some day and do you think you would ever follow in their footsteps?
Oliver Bell: Yeah, I’m definitely excited for driving lessons. My Dad and Grandfather have promised to teach me. I can’t see myself doing it as a career though, but I’d like to learn so I could do it maybe for like charity and for things that could help people. I think that would be a lot of fun. And useful, maybe.
upfrontNY: Besides acting what do you like to do for fun?
Oliver Bell: I like to do a lot of stuff that involves action like rock climbing, skiing, surfing, I’m not that good at it. Things that are intense. I really love animals so I want to do Herpetology when I’m older which is the study of reptiles and amphibians. I caught a lot of snakes in Louisiana with a snake wrangler course. That’s the kind of stuff I like to do. I like to go out into the wild. I just like animals in general, especially reptiles.
upfrontNY: Do you have any pets at home?
Oliver Bell: Yes, I have quite a few. I have a dog, a cat and hamsters. I used to have a fish. Of course everyone has had a fish. You know the same old story down the toilet after a month!
upfrontNY: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers and you’re fans?
Oliver Bell: Just to watch my show really and if you’re doing acting keep trying!
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