Mark Gordon Buckley
He played in Rob Darren‘s Dollar Baby Mute as Jessie.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Mark Gordon Buckley: I am a multi-chaotic human who is always pulling myself in a varitey of directions. So, if you mean what do I do for money? Well, I am a The Muscle Relaxer Your Doctor Should Prescribe and the Pain Reliever You Deserve. I am a Medical Massage Practitioner. For fun I love to make movies, play paintball, and hang out with my wife and dogs. I am the person who would rather speak at depth and on broader topics than to just chat about the weather. I hope that gives you a little insight to who I am without a camera in the room.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Mark Gordon Buckley: A few years ago I took a few acting classes with the late and wondrous human being, Art Lynch. After awhile he suggested that I audition for the legendary Ted V. Mikels. I got the gig and showed up the first day with an eye patch. Ted thought it was a great touch, as we were filming on Hallowween of 2015. Except it wasn’t a prop. I had actually hurt my eye and got metal in it from working on my van. As it turned out, I was the only bad guy who consistently showed up through the whole movie. I got to make a few women disappear, and only got beat up at the end. After that I was hooked, and have been enjoying the industry ever since.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Mute Dollar Baby film?
Mark Gordon Buckley: For that, I give a tremendous thank you to the beautiful Donna Hamblin. She asked if I was interested and available at the times the shoots were scheduled. I have my own practice, and lovely clients that are super supportive, so I was able to make time for it. I am so glad I did.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Mark Gordon Buckley: Karma. We all have been the dupe in someone else’s scheme. Whether it’s a family member, a partner, or a phone scam. And, we all wish that something would remove that kind of scrum from the planet. Then, having someone else to do the dirty work while we escape without reprisal — we, as humans, love to see the little guy come through it all unscathed.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Mark Gordon Buckley: Neither. Donna Hamblin referred me to Rob Darren. He gave me a jingle, and we chatted for a few minutes. I informed him that I had been a bartender for many years, so had real-life experience. I was lucky to have a great reference from Donna, and that Rob trusted his gut. Everything just came togther for me, and for the entire shoot.
SKSM: You worked with Rob Darren on this film, how was that?
Mark Gordon Buckley: Stupendous. It was really nice to work with a person with his vision. he’s someone who could guide you without being overbearing. Anyone who lets me hang out and help on other parts that I wasn’t even in is always cool. Rob’s definitely someone you would want to go have a beer with.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Mark Gordon Buckley: Nahhhh… there was a lot more than one, so I’ll give you a couple. In the Bar scene with Doc (Ken) and Donna, we started out drinking shots. After we had done a few takes, I was checking in to see how we were doing, (as a good bartender should), and I noticed the first signs of intoxication beginning to show, so I started to pour sweet and sour to replace the shots. Donna looked me right in the eye and said, “maybe we should switch to mocktails.” Doc blurted out, “I concur dear sir, make it so,” and I said, “already on it.” I leaned in and whispered, “I am a bartender you know,” and for the next two takes we all kept flubbing lines because we were so engulfed in laughter!
The other was with Donna and Anthony Avery. I was helping with the lights and equipment for the shoot. Donna was on the bed being stalked by Stanley (Anthony) and as she is backing up she missed the the edge of the bed and fell over backwards with her legs straight up in the air and, had Rob not been such a gentelman, we would have had an up-the-skirt shot. After Donna flashed us a thumbs up, everyone burst out laughing. Like I said, it was a great time for all, I believe.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Mark Gordon Buckley: Most, actually. Doc asked me to do a short directed by Jeff Zampino that they had written together called Duds, A Fiddle Faddle Fable, that is cracking up the festival circuit right now. I have been on a few sets with the ingenius John Ward. Donna has remained a great friend, and I am positive I will have the fortune to work with the others in the near future.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Mark Gordon Buckley: I have a few irons in the fire right now. I’m creating videos for my massage practice, plus I have the pleasure of starring across from Donna Hamblin in a feature by Luc Bernier. We will be filming in Janauary. Uncommon Bond. I am really excited for it to start. Also, Doc and I are talking about a play possibility in Las Vegas. Anything to expand my comfort zone is what I’m looking for. And, I am always looking to do more. The next great adventure is the story we get to tell.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Mark Gordon Buckley: SURE! Both on the page and off. My tastes run in a different direction than most, — some might say I’m weird. My favorite book of his is The Eyes of the Dragon. It just runs so far from his other books that it really stuck with me. Such a glorious mind he must have — what it must be like to have a mind that works like his. In many ways I am envious of a brain so diverse.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Mark Gordon Buckley: I am an introvert playing at being an extrovert. I have a fear of social interaction. I had a job taking care of animals for years where I didn’t even SEE people, much less talk to them. So, I decided to do the scariest thing I could think of — Stand-Up Comedy. Some said I should do karaoke, but the problem with that is if you are bad, people will come help you so that it takes the pressure off. No one is going to get up and tell your jokes in your place. I went to Bugsy’s in Vegas to their Open Mic, and just did it. Best thing I ever tried, because it has led me to this wonderful life.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Mark Gordon Buckley: The world isn’t here to make you less afraid, that’s your job. Go out and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Help someone you don’t know — someone that doesn’t look like you. Pick up trash when you see it, and leave the World better than you found it.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Mark Gordon Buckley: First off, I would like to thank you and your readers for the engaging chat. And, did you know that walking backwards can help reduce or even relieve low back pain? Now you do! Live long and prosper! 🙂
