Fans love this actor for his, believe it or not, endearing role as “Death’ on CW’s “Supernatural”. He will jump on stage to sing rock and roll, encourage and mentor young artists, and he has even been known to work for free if the material is fascinating enough.
This would be Julian Richings.
Richings is an award-winning actor that has been in over 50 films, and more TV shows to count! Originally from Oxford, England, this talent can be spotted as Peter Icabod in Amazon’s “The Patriot”, and in the series “12 Monkeys”, and of course as Benjamin Kertland in “Orphan Black”. Heads up for his part in the classic DC comic series based “Doom Patrol” is coming out next year. Find out what inspired him to create his classic character of ‘Death’ and learn about his cool projects that he has in the works.
Colleen Bement: Now that “Supernatural” is back for its 14th season, I wanted to catch up with former cast members. The SPN Family seriously misses “Death”. Fans absolutely love your character. Two questions:
Julian Richings as ‘Death’ on “Supernatural”. Credit to YouTube
1.) Where did you find the inspiration to portray our favorite Horseman?
Julian Richings: It’s a variety of things. Firstly, I took my cues from the script. The opening ‘Death’ scene in the pizza parlor is written with a love of language and a sense of the old world. Although Death scolds Dean and reminds him how insignificant he is, there’s a sense of stern fondness in the way he relates to this Winchester brother. That, plus with his love of pizza suggest a very real soft spot for all things human- and frail. Death is not vindictive or mean, he’s genuinely surprised and curious. These are good things for an actor to play, and they keep the scene alive. There is a real interaction and rapport between Dean and Death. It’s a little tense and frayed around the edges, which makes it all the more interesting.
2.) What do you miss the most about being on set?
JR: “Supernatural” is a very mature show. We’re in season 14, so everyone is comfortable and relaxed with each other. Crew and cast all work well together with a shared sense of purpose. But it’s not a complacent, lazy set- Jared and Jensen keep things relaxed and informal. There’s room for actors’ to be spontaneous and have fun. It takes a lot of work and trust to get to this point.
CB: You’re always entertaining and fans adore you at the “Supernatural” conventions. What is it like to meet your fans in person?
JR: I’m always surprised and humbled. It’s important to check in with the people who are watching your work. Supernatural Conventions have taken this to another level. I love the direct interaction with fans at various Panels, meet and greets and so on, but above all I’m always proud how important the show is to fans I meet, and the sense of belonging to an extended Supernatural family across the world.
CB: Let’s catch up with your busy filming schedule. You were fabulous as Benjamin Kertland in “Orphan Black” and in your role in “12 Monkeys”. Now tell your fans about your upcoming projects such as your upcoming films “Salvation” and “Spare Parts”.
JR: I have a few coming up. “Spare Parts” is a fun indie horror movie. I play the Emperor of a small town who oversees Gladiator fights in a local scrapyard. The weird element is that the gladiators are surgically enhanced in order be even more deadly….shh! I can’t tell you any more than that!
Season 2 of “Patriot” is coming out on Amazon Prime in November. If you haven’t seen Season 1 yet, please see it! I’m very proud of the show. It’s a very dark comedy that features some of the best writing and the most interesting characters I’ve seen in a long time.
And last but not least, look out for “Doom Patrol” coming out in the new year, a tv show based on the classic DC comics series. I think it’ll be a big hit.
CB: Do you get the opportunity to teach much anymore?
JR: Yes I do. I love going into high schools as a guest artist. I don’t so much share my craft as encourage and mentor young artists. I get a tremendous jolt of hope and energy when working with younger people.
I also make a point of working with first-time directors, trying to understand and help them realize their vision. Some of my favorite films have been the formative work of emerging artists.