By Tanya Cook
What do Willie Nelson, chess, and cats have in common?
They’re all beloved by Canadian actor Tim Rozon, who portrays the legendary Doc Holliday on the international science fiction hit, “Wynonna Earp.” As a huge fan of “Wynonna Earp” and Rozon’s portrayal of Doc, in particular (I even cosplayed a female version of Doc earlier this year), to say I was excited to ask questions was an understatement. I didn’t think it was possible to any more “all in” on my appreciation, but loving cats and chess and Nelson?! Well, that’ll do it. Read on to learn more about this outstanding human, and don’t forget to catch Rozon in the upcoming adaptation of comic “Vagrant Queen” on Syfy next year!
Tanya Cook: Can you tell us about how you landed the part of Doc on “Wynonna Earp (hereafter ‘WE’)?”
Tim Rozon: I originally went in for the part of Xavier Dolls. I remember liking the Dolls character a lot. My agent called me a couple of days later and said production didn’t think I was the right fit for Dolls but that they would love to see me for the part of Doc Holliday. I was like “THE DOC HOLLIDAY”!? and my agent said, “Yes, that Doc Holliday”. I did an audition the next day and knew I was right for the part. I just hoped so much that production would also think I was right for it. They did and the rest is history.
TC: I have to admit, I’m a sucker for the Doc Holliday character in any iteration. Was this the first time you’ve portrayed a historic figure? What research did you do to prepare for this role?
TR: I knew exactly who Doc Holliday was before the part came up. I’m a huge fan of the old West and cowboys in general. I was a huge fan of Tombstone and Val Kilmer’s portrayal. “I’m your huckleberry”. I knew I didn’t want to do what Val did, so I just tried to make Doc my own. I did notice John Henry did have a fairly big mustache historically. So I told myself if I can’t be as awesome as Val, I’m at least going to have the mustache on point.
TC: I have really enjoyed the comics you’ve co-authored with Beau Smith. How did that collaboration come into being? Were you familiar with the original WE comics before joining the show?
TR: Writing the books with Beau has been a real highlight. Anyone that knows me knows I’m a huge comic fan and collector. I didn’t read Wynonna Earp books before getting the part of Doc but the first thing I did when I got the part was ordering the original “Wynonna Earp” books Beau did for Image. They were awesome. Wynonna looked a little different but it’s still the same kick-ass Wynonna we all came to love years later. Beau approached me first on behalf of IDW and asked me if I would like to co-write a Doc Holliday Legends book and I jumped at the chance. We got along really well as friends and co-writers right from the start. It was the beginning of one of my most cherished friendships and now work partnerships. We’ve written two graphic novels (Season Zero and Bad Day At Black Rock) for IDW since the “Legends” books. It’s a real honor and privilege to work with Mr. Smith. He’s a legend.
TC: WE is often lauded for its feminist point of view. My understanding is that you have worked with Emily Andres previously on “Lost Girl,” (and possibly on “Instant Star”)? How is working on a show run by a woman different, in your opinion, then other experiences?
In other words, do you see the show (and yourself) as feminist? Why/why not?
TR: I see absolutely no difference in working for a woman or a man. Feminism by definition is the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. I believe in equality and personally think everyone should.
TC: As a fan of the show I appreciate your support of, and engagement with, the fans on twitter. What most inspires you about the Earper fandom?
TR: Them. The Earpers. The support among themselves for each other. They’re magic. Being an Earper is a privilege.
TC: I was at the WE panel at San Diego Comic this year that easily filled a 3000+ person room. And even though you and Dominique couldn’t attend in person, you recorded a video to show. The crowd went wild seeing that, thank you! Have you appeared at comic conventions before WE? What is the con experience like?
TR: I used to go to the smaller ones up in Canada as a fan for years. The first time I was invited as a guest was by San Diego Comic Con for Wynonna Earp. To say it was a dream come true is an understatement. It was and is the highlight of my life. It was incredible and seeing people cosplay our characters was surreal and just freaking awesome. The whole time I thought I was dreaming. I mean I was going to do a panel at SDCC!!! How did this happen!? 🙂
TC: Are you a fan of any particular media, sports, or music? In other words, I’m sure our readers would love to know what you “nerd out” about.
TR: Willie Nelson, chess and cats.
TC: Anything you can share about the upcoming season?
TR: Lol. Nice try. Have you met Emily Andras.
TC: Other current projects you’re working on that we can share with readers?
TR: I have a new show coming to Syfy in 2020 called Vagrant Queen based on the Vault comic book of the same name. Written and created Magdalene Visaggio And Jason Smith. I highly recommend everyone pick up that book. Our showrunner is Jem Garrard. She not only wrote episodes, produced but she also directed. She’s one kick-ass person and a real inspiration. think EVERYONE is going to love Vagrant Queen !!!!
Written by Tanya Cook
