Tarun Keram had to pull himself from a real-life pandemic to playing a Vet Technician in CBS All Access series “The Stand.” It just had to premiere in 2020, right? Who knew that viewers dealing COVID would want to watch what Stephen King published back in 1978? It turns out that plenty of people are watching and enjoying the new version. The series finale airs this Thursday, Feb. 11th on CBS All Access. The battle between good and evil comes to living rooms where along with Keram are actors including James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgard, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Right out of Vancouver Film School the talented actor landed roles and has not stopped since. Fans know him from “Arrow”, “Supergirl”, “iZombie” and “Supernatural”, “Upload”, “Travelers”, CBS’s “Twilight Zone”, “Charmed”, “Marvel’s Helstrom,” and “The Magicians”. Get to know Tarun better.
Colleen Bement: Congrats on your role in “The Stand.” Can you tell us about your experience filming this new version of Stephen King’s novel?
Tarun Keram: Thank you! I had such a great time filming this! I think the best take away from this was the friends I made on it. Shout out to Olivia Cheng!
CB: I watched the original “The Stand” from 1994. Have you seen it and what is different about this exciting new version?
TK: I haven’t seen it! I was tempted to watch it, but it’s important as an actor to know that this tone will be different from that version. That being said Stephen King worked alongside the writers on this to make it a 2020 version of the book.
CB: I understand that your character is a vet technician who must teach himself to be a doctor. That sounds challenging. Tell us more about your role.
TK: I think the hardest part was the research. Coming to terms with the fact that the Vet Technician job may not be a thing anymore and it’s time to start saving human lives.
CB: Are there any other projects in the works that you are allowed to tell us about?
TK: I just shot an episode of Debris and I’ll be in a new episode of “Nancy Drew!” Both coming out very soon!
CB: You have been featured in two “Supernatural” episodes years ago. Would you happen to have any stories from the set?
TK: I don’t think I have any crazy stories to tell other than I LOVED kicking in that door. I’d do it again if they let me.
CB: How have you stayed sane during the pandemic?
TK: I was MVP and Captain on my highschool Ultimate Team. I just had to pick up a frisbee and start throwing again. Other than that I’ve just been taking it easy and doing some gardening!
CB: I read that you are very superstitious. I’m a big baseball fan and I certainly understand the stress that comes with that. What are you superstitious over?
TK: I have the same routine every morning for every audition. I find that if I switch up my morning routine then I’m inviting some bad energy to mess with my day. Sometimes you gotta roll with the punches, but not today!
Are you watching “The Stand?”
Written by Colleen Bement
Lynn Makes
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson