Adam Arkin relishes new 'Sons of Anarchy' role

Discussion

November 3, 2009

Anonymous The News Courier Tue Nov 03, 2009, 12:16 PM CST

LOS ANGELES (AP) - When Adam Arkin signed on for “Sons of Anarchy,” he didn't have reservations about his role as a slick white separatist or the FX drama's dark heart.

But he admits to feeling a bit “intimidated” about working with fellow series newcomer Henry Rollins, actor and musician of Black Flag punk-rock fame.

“I'm a 50-something square character actor,” Arkin said. “There was every possibility he'd have said, 'We'll do our work together, but don't talk to me. I don't want to hear any of your bourgeois domestic”' patter.

Instead, Arkin found Rollins to be “incredibly warm” and a colleague who approached his work with discipline.

Arkin has equally kind words about “Sons of Anarchy” and the cast that welcomed him despite his role as a big troublemaker in season two. He's careful to correct a questioner who refers to the law-breaking motorcycle gang members as the drama's heroes.

“They're not heroes; they're the protagonists,” said Arkin, whose wide-ranging TV (“Northern Exposure,” “Chicago Hope”) and film career includes the latest Coen brothers release, “A Serious Man.” He's also in demand as a director and was interviewed by phone from Dallas, where he was working on a new sitcom.

His interpretation of Ethan Zoebelle, his “Sons of Anarchy” character, emerged after discussions with series creator Kurt Sutter. Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal (Sutter's wife) and Ron Perlman star in the Tuesday night show.

“We talked about my own ethnicity and the irony of having someone with a Jewish background playing a white separatist, nationalist character,” Arkin said.

He also felt that, as written, Zoebelle's formal manner of speech implied he was European-born, and the actor got Sutter's OK to play him with a faint accent.

“Again, it's an interesting irony. I felt here was this guy espousing how America had to get back to pure values and yet he himself was not from here,” Arkin said.

The idea of tackling a challenging part - and one that goes somewhat against the grain of previous work - was part of the appeal for Arkin. Which is not to say Zoebelle's views are appealing.

“If it (the show) was glorifying white power and separatism... I wouldn't be associated with it. But that's not what the job of this show is, not what I'm trying to do,” he said, a hint of impatience in his voice.

“He's a fascinating character in a compelling story, and that's what is interesting,” he said.

---

On the Net:

http://www.fxnetworks.com

Text Only

Entertainment

Clemons' nephew to play sax on Springsteen tour
Bruce Springsteen announced Thursday that two musicians — Jersey Shore sidekick Eddie Manion and Clarence Clemons' nephew Jake — will "share the saxophone role" during the E Street Band's "Wrecking Ball" world tour, which begins March 18 in Atlanta.

February 10, 2012 2 Photos
2 more autism-friendly shows planned for Broadway
February 8, 2012
Dave Matthews, Jack Black to headline beach fest
The Dave Matthews Band and Jack Black are headlining the 2012 Hangout Music Fest on the beach at Gulf Shores in May.

February 7, 2012
M.I.A. flips bird during Super Bowl halftime show
February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Paula Abdul exits 'X Factor'; third to leave show
February 1, 2012
'The Help,' Dujardin win at lively SAG Awards
January 30, 2012
Etta James remembered as triumphant trailblazer
January 30, 2012
Vegas casinos relying more on baccarat
January 26, 2012
Courtroom battle splits star's Oklahoma hometown
January 26, 2012
Scorsese's 'Hugo' leads Oscars with 11 nominations
Martin Scorsese's Paris adventure "Hugo" leads the Academy Awards with 11 nominations, among them best picture and the latest director honor for the Oscar-winning filmmaker.

January 24, 2012 1 Photo
More Entertainment Headlines

Entertainment

Search Results

Discussion

Adam Arkin relishes new 'Sons of Anarchy' role

What is the most important issue state legislators will tackle this session?

Site Map

Contact Us