Cle Bennett - Photo by Rafy photography
1. Can you tell us about your experience and your role working on ‘Barney’s Version’ with Dustin Hoffman and Paul Giamatti in Montreal and Italy.
In the film I play Cedric Richardson, a member of Barney’s “crew” of artist friends. I was honored to be a part of a cast of that calibre, and to get to work with them in Montreal and Italy was gravy!
2. You have worked with some inspiring actors, who has given you the best advice?
I actually don’t ask for advice as much as I just try to observe the different ways in which each artist approaches the material.
3. How did you first get into acting? .
I didn’t really “get into” acting, since acting was already “in” me. I was a kid who took playing “make believe” very seriously. Turns out I’m still doing the same thing now!
4. How has acting helped you grow personally?
I suppose acting helps me relate to others more effectively, as it is literally my profession to place myself in the shoes of others.
5. What role have you played that resonates with you the most?
I’d have to say my favourite role was that of “Carlos” on the series The Line. I love playing characters whose lives are rife with problems, as problems are the source of character. Carlos had so much going on that there were times I’d cycle through up to six different emotions in one scene! It was a huge challenge, and I loved every minute of it!
6. What advise do you have for young minority men and women who would like to get into an acting career?
I would advise them not to pursue this, unless they really, really, really, really want it! Few professions dish out more rejection, frustration and politics than this one. The only way to navigate through that storm is to have 100% CONFIDENCE in your abilities, which comes from making the necessary SACRIFICES and devoting 100% FOCUS toward the craft. If you want it, you can have it – but you kind of have to be obsessed with it. You have to be willing to pay a price that is a helluva lot more than those who are not minorities, with zero regard to how unfair it may be.
7. Any funny stories to share from working on a set?
We were shooting a wedding reception scene in Barney’s Version, and Dustin Hoffman and I had an impromptu dance-off. I’m not ashamed to admit that I got served!
8. What do you do in your downtime? (workout, study, travel, hobbies etc?)
I workout, study films, read, write – pretty much everything I do on my downtime relates to my career in one way or another, but it kind of has to be that way in order for me to remain FOCUSED.
9. You have great personal style. What designers and stores appeal to you?
Thank you! I like a lot of vintage stuff, so you’d sooner find me at a thrift shop, than at any designer stores. Mostly, I just wear what I feel looks good. I’m not a brand guy…except for my retro Adidas sneakers! Gotta have my Adidas!
