David Lee Hess
He played in Thomas Magnuson’s Dollar Baby The Man Who Loved Flowers as Love.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
David Lee Hess: I’m an actor, improviser, writer, director, and musician living in Los Angeles, California.
SKSM: How did you become involved in The man who loved flowers film?
David Lee Hess: I auditioned for the role of “Love” in Austin, Texas when I still lived there. The Man Who Loved Flowers was one of the last films I shot in Austin before moving to LA in 2015.
SKSM: What do you think it is in the story that attracts people so much?
David Lee Hess: The character and plot unfold over time in surprising ways. It’s mysterious and eerie and while it’s violent, the violence is secondary to the tone, the mood of the story.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
David Lee Hess: I auditioned.
SKSM: You worked with Thomas Magnuson on this film, how was that?
David Lee Hess: Thomas was easy to work with. I don’t know if you’re aware that Thomas was in high school when he shot the movie. And while many directors don’t have their stories written by someone as capable as Stephen King, Thomas did an amazing job with verey few resources.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
David Lee Hess: Thomas told me later that his crew members were concerned about me because I kept giving them creepy looks. I don’t remember if I was playing the character or just being weird, but they were compelled to report it.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
David Lee Hess: Thomas just moved to Los Angeles in August 2017, so we’ve hung out. I didn’t keep in touch with the rest of the crew.
SKSM: What are you working nowadays?
David Lee Hess: In addition to acting in projects out of Los Angeles, I directed a short film called Fetish and have begun submitting to festivals.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
David Lee Hess: Yes. I grew up reading his books and watching the movies based on his work.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
David Lee Hess: I’ve been a musician for over 35 years and have recorded about a dozen albums. Most recently I released two albums: Boo by Baby Got Bacteria and Every Fool in Love by Paper Lawn.
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?
David Lee Hess: Thanks for watching the film. Thomas did the lion’s share of the work on this movie and given the fact that he was a high school student at the time, I think it turned out great. I’ve worked on all kinds of projects: network television, indie films, student films, etc., and I’m very proud to be part of The Man Who Loved Flowers.
