Christopher B. MacCabe
He played in Stephen Baxter‘s Dollar Baby Rest Stop as Boris.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I am a Canadian Actor of Irish and Scottish descent. I started off as a Sailor working on cargo ships when I was 18 years old, which I still periodically do to this day, I am at sea at the moment.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I was 20 years old, an introvert and I went to see a play, Nothing To Lose, by Canadian playwright, David Fennario. I was hooked. I harnessed my will and dove right in and joined a theatre company at 21 years old and my first role was a Sailor in the shipwreck scene of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and also as Second Officer. I spent seven years doing amateur theatre and then went on to study at the prestigious Banff Centre, School of Fine Arts for three years. Later I was honoured to join the World Renowned Warren Robertson Atelier in Montreal for several years.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rest Stop Dollar Baby film?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I saw a casting post for Rest Stop on Facebook and seeing it was based on a Stephen King story immediately sparked my interest. When I read the character breakdowns, I submitted myself for the auditions.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I think many people dream of living another life, living in someone else’s shoes; creating change in our world to better it; making a difference. The path of a hero can fulfill that dream. Storytellers, I believe are the guiding lights for humanity. Amy Halloran’s clever adaptation along with Stephen Baxter’’s gifted direction, Wyler Diome-Montour’s captivating cinematography and Eric Davis‘s outstanding performance elevates the audience’s experience.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Christopher B. MacCabe: Stephen Baxter, the director contacted me by phone, after I sent him my resume and reel. I informed him I was very interested in the project. Being a dialect coach as well, I mentioned that I could do several accents. He asked to hear my Russian accent. I did several versions from authentic to stereotypical. He later contacted me and offered me the Role of Boris. I quess I auditioned by phone. I was very happy.
SKSM: You worked with Stephen Baxter on this film, how was that?
Christopher B. MacCabe: Stephen Baxter is an actors’ director. He has worn both hats. He understands actors and has a way that makes you relax and create and trust. He was well prepared and organized. I wouldn’t hestitate to work with him again.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Christopher B. MacCabe: The (awesome) Blood Brothers who did special effects when I got shot and my mouth was full of fake blood, I was always fighting not to swallow it because it tasted so good and it always made me want to smile, like you do with ice cream.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I still stay in contact with Stephen Baxter and longtime colleague, Andrew Campbell from Cold Blue Rentals Regd, one of our country’s best Weapons Masters and Armourers. Having worked with him in the past on huge to small projects, hearing he was onboard was a delight, a safe professional, a must with shootouts and I got to act with him as well! I also keep in touch with the Multi-talented Ashleigh Faith Williams, it was her first film role and definitely an Actress to keep your eye on!
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I am working on a web-series about a handler of undercover agents and a Shakespeare podcast of his famous scenes and monologues.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Christopher B. MacCabe: Yes, definitely, The Shawshank Redemption and Dolores Claiborne are two of my favourite films and books. Countless other films and series.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Christopher B. MacCabe: Well, that I steer large ships.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I want to thank them for enjoying and supporting Stephen Baxter the Director and Amy Halloran’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Rest Stop. A lot of hard work and love was put into this project and the fans support makes it all worthwhile! There are storytellers in all of us!
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Christopher B. MacCabe: I hope I am privileged to work with Stephen Baxter and his team again. Shout out to the whole crew and cast that brought this project to fruition! Claudie-Ann Landrie our stylist and Liliana Saavedra; thumbs up!
