Rick Meyer
He played in Brian Johnson‘s Dollar Baby Uncle Otto’s Truck as George McCutcheon.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Rick Meyer: My name is Rick Meyer. I was born in Williamsport, Indiana, but spent most of my life in New York City where I went to school, and worked for decades. I did almost all possible jobs in show business, more in theatre but many in film and TV as well. For the last ten years of my working life I was a sound engineer on BroadwayBroadway shows. I was lucky enough to be able to retire early which allowed me to pursue the most rewarding part of my life when I had time to spend with my son as he grew up. I loved coaching his Little League team, keeping time for many of his hockey games, and coaching his golf team in high school.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Rick Meyer: My parents were both actor/directors so I was immersed in the business from early childhood. Mrs. McThing was the first profesional production I performed in when I was three. So rather than wanting to become an actor, it was my reality from day one. In theatrical jargón, I was “born in the trunk.”
SKSM: How did you become involved in Uncle Otto’s Truck Dollar Baby film?
Rick Meyer: Brian Johnson and I have worked together on each others’ films for several years now. Lately I have been doing more acting jobs and Brian was familiar enough with my work to cast me as George McCutcheon.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Rick Meyer: Uncle Otto’s Truck is a terrific ghost story that explores how Otto’s guilt about killing George eats away at him, eventually driving him to madness. Quentin’s entire life has been affected by his knowledge of the murder and George’s ghost haunts him which brings extra Depth to the story.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Rick Meyer: Brian did ask me to audition to verify his opinión that I could give George the energy he was looking for. I have no idea if anyone else read for the part.
SKSM: You worked with Brian Johnson on this film, how was that?
Rick Meyer: It is always a pleasure to work with true profesionals. And Brian is a true filmmaker and a Good friend. He has been a terrific DP/editor on three of my films, and he is a wonderful director to act for.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Rick Meyer: There were many exciting moments as the shoot came together and we found ways to illuminate the story, getting effects that we all knew would be eerie and exciting. The funniest momento actually came away from the set. I was wearing overalls that I could not get out of without help and my fase was covered with blood. There was no way to wash at the location, so I drove back to my room like that. When I got to the hotel my electronic key wouldn’t work so I had to go to the front desk. The girl who was on duty tried not to be freaked by the blood, but when I asked her to help get the overalls off my shoulders she eventually helped, but the look on her fase was priceless.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Rick Meyer: I have contact with Brian on a regular basis, I also am in contact with Joan Reilly, both of whom work on my films too. I have had a conversatin Rose Warshana and will certainly be in contact with Peter Holland and others. Film making is a team sport, and when you meet excellent professionals, you want to work with them again.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Rick Meyer: My writing partner Julianne Wargren and I are always suggesting story ideas to each other and when we find ones we both like we write them. She and I wrote and produced a short which Brian shot and edited, in which Joan and I acted that is being submitted to festivals.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Rick Meyer: I have always enjoyed his work. Some of my favorites are: The Stand, Carrie, Firestarter, It, ‘Salem’s Lot, and Christine.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Rick Meyer: That I was a New York City cabdriver for a couple of years.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Rick Meyer: I hope our film scares and delights you.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Rick Meyer: I want to thank Mr. King for allowing so many filmmakers to utilize his wonderful IP.
