I first worked with Irish actor, impressionist, and celebrity interviewer Eugene Horan 10 years ago now on back-to-back feature films. He’s honestly one of the nicest people you will ever meet. We still keep in touch regularly and I enjoy keeping an eye on what he gets up to from afar.

I’ve decided to ask him a few questions so that you too, can get a wee glimpse into the life of this talented Irishman.

David: Give us a quick explanation of who you are and what you do?

Eugene: My name is Eugene Horan. I like to think of myself as an all-round creative soul who likes to express myself in various ways. My titles range from actor and artist to celebrity interviewer and I'm always open to exciting new ventures.

David: Can you describe your journey into acting and what initially drew you to this profession?

Eugene: I've always been fascinated by film. I believe that comes from my parents. To this day, they enjoy going to the cinema and they regularly watch movies at home. I have very vivid memories of watching movies with them and it's something I still very much enjoy doing whenever I get home. I always had a unique ability to read and closely study characters. As a young kid, I would regularly record myself doing an impersonation of their voice and even their body language. I was always truly captivated by an actor’s capability to take you on a roller coaster of emotions, sometimes without even saying a word. As you get older, of course, you realise there's a lot more to it... Directors, Cinematographers, Writers, Editors etc... are truly the unsung heroes of filmmaking and I have the utmost admiration for all of them.

I did a little theatre in school of course but I must say, I never loved it. I was always more drawn to film and I had my first ever audition for a feature film at the age of 21 - and landed the part! I then got selected to go to LA as part of an Irish team of actors to compete in a week-long intense series of competitions, performances, and auditions. There was an awards night at the end and I got 3rd place from the several thousands who took part. From there I thought, "OK, I have something here that I need to pursue" and I was absolutely hooked!

David: Third from several thousand is pretty good going! What has been the most challenging role you've ever played, and how did you prepare for it?

Eugene: For me, they are all equally challenging but in various ways. In fact, that's one of the key factors in me choosing a project. I absolutely love to challenge myself in various ways and to show a wide range of acting skills. For example, I once had two movies back to back where I played a hot-headed zombie-slaying lunatic and then the most peaceful character I ever played as a monk. I swapped a machete for a bible and I loved the diversity of both roles. I certainly do throw myself very deep into the world of a character. I wouldn't call myself a method actor as such but I do very much 'become' that character in my everyday life and there are pros and cons to that. Allow me to explain... When I was in the zombie movie, I was incredibly highly strung. I remember one day, these kids were playing football and the ball went out onto the road and I had to hit the brakes suddenly. I'm ashamed to say it but I reacted horribly and snapped at the kid who came to retrieve the ball. He couldn't have apologised enough and I too apologised for snapping at him. I was very embarrassed because I used to be that kid. It sounds like a lame excuse, I know but that was the movie character reacting, not me. On the flip side, when I portrayed a monk, I've never been so calm and relaxed going onto a movie set as I did with that role. I was in a constant state of peace and it was beautiful. I always say, I'm not claiming I missed my true calling in life but it really was a deep, spiritual experience and it's definitely the role that has had a lasting effect on me and how I try to conduct myself.

David: Ah yes, I remember both of those films and the zombie one (Plan Z) was of course where we first worked together. Fond memories. Okay, you also do a lot of interviews yourself, mostly of celebrities relating to sport, what do you find enjoyable about being on the other side of the camera and conducting interviews?

Eugene: I think it's two things. I have always been a huge sports fan, football and boxing in particular. So, to have the opportunity to connect with many of my childhood heroes (whether that's through interviews or commissioned paintings) is something hugely exciting for me. Also, going back to what I said about studying characters in a movie... I very much did this with sports stars also. What drives them to be all they can be? What makes them keep going when many would accept defeat? What makes them tick? I'm fascinated by people in general, not just these successful athletes. Everyone has a journey. Everyone has their obstacles to overcome and I find it very inspiring when someone comes through all of that and defies the odds to achieve their dreams.

David: How do you approach developing a character, and do you have any specific techniques or methods you rely on?

Eugene: One thing I do is I write a journal as that character. This idea was given to me by a director I worked with once and I find it a really good technique. It helps me develop the mindset of the character, their history, and their journey up to that point. Where have they come from? What is their thought process? What is their 'why'? From there, the character is born into life for me. Then I will unconsciously develop certain character traits, tics, etc and I will read it back in their voice and their mindset. There's no wrong way to prepare but this certainly works for me.

David: How do you approach collaborating with other actors to build chemistry on screen or stage?

Eugene: That's a tricky one because it requires teamwork and the chemistry part, I believe, is either there or it isn't. You cannot force chemistry. If, for example, you have a scene with a child, you have a big responsibility to make that work but I feel like that's something I'm naturally good at. I'm good at making people feel comfortable and getting the best out of them. I like to think that applies to life, not just on set. But every now and then, you work with someone who you are just destined to share a scene with. For me, that's Scottish actor Chris Capaldi. Chris is a fantastic talent. I remember the first time we met, we actually had zero rehearsals together. We stepped aside for maybe 20 minutes before actually shooting and went through our first scene together. To this day, I really can't explain it. We just clicked - instantly! We shared many scenes together and they are among my favourite scenes ever. To look at the two of us together, we look the complete opposite. Chris is a larger-than-life ex-rugby player, built like an ox, six foot plus and well, I'm not! ha! But we just had such an amazing natural connection and that spilled over into real life because although I haven't met him in several years, there's a bond in place that will last a lifetime.

David: Chris is a great lad and he’s been part of the Zoghogg team for a long time. So what role or project are you most proud of, and why?

Eugene: Honestly, I'm proud of them all because I poured my heart and soul into each one. But in terms of a single moment, it has to be sharing a stage with the legendary Al Pacino in front of one thousand people. That was pretty epic, to say the least!

David: I remember you doing that! Epic indeed. Are there any specific themes or messages you try to incorporate into your work in film, interviews, or art?

Eugene: Yes. It seems like a very simple rule but for me, it's an important one. 'Always be true to your character'. If you do that, you cannot go wrong. Patrick Bergin offered me advice on the first movie I ever worked on. He said, "Don't act, RE-ACT!". If you react to a scene, a line, or a situation as your character, then you really cannot go wrong. Everything will be far more natural and believable on screen...because it is true! This also applies to my paintings. I take great pride in accurately capturing the emotion of a powerful moment. In terms of my interviews, the most important thing for me is for my guest to feel comfortable and to know that they can place their 100% trust in me. The object of my interviews is to get to know the person behind the success, explore their journey, inspire others, and make them realise they can do it too.

David: What’s the most rewarding aspect of what you do, and what keeps you going?

Eugene: It's a good question because I have had many setbacks, letdowns, disappointments, and moments where you feel like giving up but your passion will always resurface and passion is a beautiful thing we need to fuel. Remember, you cannot use up creativity... the more you use, the more you have.

David: I agree and I think working in the creative industry - especially film - you will always have setbacks and disappointments and all you can do is learn from them all. So how do you choose the projects you work on, and what factors influence your decision?

Eugene: First of all, I need to be gripped by the script. Everything else is secondary. Of course, it's very important to have the right people on board and for everyone to share the same vision. Also, going back to what I said earlier... I enjoy a new challenge so if there's an opportunity for me to show a side I've never shown before, count me in!

David: On that note, what’s a movie genre, a role, or a type of character you haven’t played yet but would love to explore, and why?

Eugene: I have always said, my dream role would be to play a boxer. This is because of my father. The very first boxing movie I ever watched was the old classic 'The Champ' with John Voight and a very young Ricky Schroder. I watched it with my dad and it's a beautiful movie about a father and son. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it. Another boxing movie we enjoyed together was 'The Raging Bull' with Robert De Niro but I have to say, the Rocky movies stand alone at the very top for me. My dad got me into them from a very young age and he mesmerised me with stories of what it was like watching these movies upon release in the cinema all those years ago. He told me how people were standing up out of their seats, cheering, screaming, and throwing every punch with Rocky. Ah, man, I get goosebumps imagining that even now! And the soundtrack... what can I say... it's still on my playlist when I train in the gym! The funny thing is, back then my dad reminded me a little bit of Rocky. He laughs at this but it's true! If not his looks, then at the very least his fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude. My father’s name is Owen Horan and he is a hugely successful sportsman in showjumping. Although my sporting interests took a different path, my dad will never grasp just how much he has inspired me to chase my dreams, get back up after a fall, or set back and do everything I can to take care of my family. The man is my hero.

Eugene (cont): In 2014, I had the great honour of meeting both Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone at the same time. I spoke to them at length about the movies that I loved so much and I spoke highly to them about my father. I have several photos from that night in New York but then they both put their arm around me and raised their fist to my face ...wow...I took one on the chin from The Raging Bull and Rocky...and I lived to tell the tale... A photo I could not wait to show to my dad... Stuff of dreams

David: Thank you very much Eugene for a brilliant Interview. Always a pleasure.

Eugene can be found online at the following links:

Website - http://www.eugenehoran.com

Instagram - @eugene_horan

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@eugene_horan

Facebook - @Eugene.Horan.Official

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