Kevin Brief
He played in Jack Sawyers‘ Dollar Baby Gotham Cafe as Humboldt.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Kevin Brief: Well, my name is Kevin Brief, and I played the role of ‘Bill Humboldt’ in Stephen King’s Gotham Café. I am a professional actor living in Los Angeles. Prior to arriving in Hollywood, I workedat several theaters in various cities around the US. I have subsequently guest starred on about 60 TV shows and movies, a multitude of commercials, a smattering of feature films, and quite a bit of voice-over work in commercials and animation. I imagine you can find me somewhere on your TV on cable or syndication. I have a BA in Theater, and an MFA in Acting. Aside, from career stuff, I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Long Beach, Ca. I have also lived in Florida and Kansas City.
Some favorite pastimes include softball, golf, going to films and theater, time with my friends and family. Oh, and I am getting married in the spring…I’m very excited about that!
SKSM: How did you become involved in Stephen King’s Gotham Cafe?
Kevin Brief: I simply got an appointment from my manager to meet and audition. A fun side note, Julie Sands was kind of in ‘disguise’ as a reader. I had no idea she was also the producer, and the driving force behind the project. Also, after I left my audition, as I stood by the elevator…Julie caught me, and offered me the part right then! That doesn’t happen very often, and was very cool!
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Kevin Brief: As I just mentioned, I did audition. No, the part was not written for me, unless Stephen King has something to tell me!! The film was adapted from a King short story, so the character/role was already in existence before I came into the picture, no pun intended!
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Kevin Brief: I guess the fact that I had to lay with my face in a blood red, cold and sticky substance during many takes was pretty funny. Also, Cullen Douglas (‘Guy’ in the film) did a lot of fun things that kept us entertained. As far as a special moment…definitely…my father passed away during the filming. Julie Sands put a very lovely tribute to him on the Gotham Cafe website. My family and I very much appreciated it, and it attests to the type of people involved in the film.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Kevin Brief: Cullen Douglas and I really hit it off, and remain in contact. We email, have the occasional cup of coffee, and see each now and then at auditions. I am also still in contact with Julie Sands. She keeps me up to date on any Gotham Café news…and sends great e cards on holidays!
SKSM: What did you do after Stephen King’s Gotham Cafe?
Kevin Brief: I have done quite a bit. Specifically, in the Sci-Fi/Horror realm, I did a guest lead role in two episodes of
Star Trek:Enterprise. I played an alien, so was in heavy prosthetic make-up. I also did an episode of the short-lived ABC series, Night Stalker. In that one, I got to spontaneously combust at a gas station, very cool make-up, and a huge explosion. And in Gotham, I had my face slashed open with a knife…hmmm, is someone trying to tell me something? Recently I did an episode of a new HBO series called Tell Me You Love Me, which is not on the air yet. Also, I did Cold Case and Nip/Tuck. Another recent, fun thing was as voice-over job. I played a character on MTV’s Celebrity Death Match.
SKSM: Stephen King did an audio cameo in this movie. It is the first time King ever did a cameo in a dollar baby. Did you meet King in person for this, or was the cameo recorded in another way?
Kevin Brief: Nope, I wasn’t anywhere in the vicinity when that went down. I did find it very exciting! Quite a coup for the production, and I’m sure attests to the fact that Mr. King must have liked what in saw! Also, Steve Wozniack of Apple Computer fame appears in the film.
SKSM: Are you (or were you) a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Kevin Brief: Oh, absolutely…and thankfully he is so darn prolific. It gives us all plenty of chances to experience his work. Of course, I have favorites, but I won’t name names.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Kevin Brief: Just, thanks for your interest in hearing from me. Please keep your fingers crossed for more adaptations by Julie Sands. If you feel the desire to write in support of that, please feel free. Also, should anyone be interested in seeing more specifically what work I have done, please go to http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0108861/.
