Kenneth Martin
He played in Red Clark‘s Gray Matter Dollar Baby film as Timmy Grenadine.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Kenneth Martin: I’m Kenneth, a 20-year-old student at Beloit College studying political science and theatre. When I’m not at college, I’m in Chicago playing video games, watching Netflix, or volunteering for progressive political campaigns. In addition to all of that, I also enjoy fencing, soccer, sailing, chess, and quizbowl.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Kenneth Martin: When I was a kid, both of my parents were ensemble members of Stage Left Theatre in Chicago, so I spent a lot of my childhood around rehearsals and performances. In 5th grade, I decided that I was tired of just watching plays; I wanted to be in them. So I auditioned and miraculously got the part in a Stage Left play.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Gray Matter Dollar Baby film?
Kenneth Martin: One of the actors, Aaron Christensen, was friends with my dad and told him they were looking for kids to audition. I was super excited at the chance of not just being in a short film, but being in a horror film with blood and guts and monsters, so I said yes.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Kenneth Martin: It’s creepy and very gross.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Kenneth Martin: I did have to audition. I’m not sure how good my audition was, but apparently I was lucky enough to be the only kid to audition, so I got cast!
SKSM: You worked with Red Clark on this film, how was that?
Kenneth Martin: He was great to work with; he’s very smart, kind, and good at directing young actors who don’t know what they’re doing.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Kenneth Martin: My first day of filming was the day before my 13th birthday, and in a stroke of luck it premiered on my 18th birthday. Because of this, Gray Matter holds a very special place in my heart as marking the beginning and end of my adolescence.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Kenneth Martin: I don’t regularly talk to any of them, but I occasionally enjoy reading the horror blog run by Aaron Christensen’s alter ego, Dr. AC.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Kenneth Martin: Like all other college students, I’m trying to figure out how to deal with classes at home for the rest of the semester.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Kenneth Martin: I am! Gray Matter was actually my introduction to him. So far, my favorite book of his is The Eyes of the Dragon, which I think does not deserve its negative reputation.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Kenneth Martin: I’m an incredibly picky eater.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Kenneth Martin: Stay healthy and keep in touch with people outside your household!
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Kenneth Martin: Robert’s Rules are bad and should be abolished.
