Last month, I had the chance to see the new Jimmy Traynor movie, Live And Die. And, while it’s a good indie movie, one thing really stood out to me…the star, Tom Lyle. Tom is a great guy with a very unique look…and that’s not an insult! In fact, most actors don’t ever contact us reviewers (unless it’s to curse us), and, when Tom sent me an email regarding my review of Live And Die, I was so impressed that I really couldn’t help but want to find out a bit more about this unique talented guy.

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BM - Let's start with the basics, tell us a little about yourself, your background and how you got started acting.

TL - Two of my many passions are acting and physical fitness. They both began in elementary school. I had a wonderful second grade teacher and she was into acting, music and dance. She was great and got me interested in performing at an early age. I performed in school plays and community theatre through high school and college. The fitness interest started in the fifth grade with a new male gym teacher. When I attended college undergrad and grad school about five years after high school I studied Physical Education and Theatre. While a high school student and a year or so after I worked a variety jobs, labor, railroad, auto plant worker and gym instructor before joining the Army and becoming a Paratrooper (top of my class Fort Benning, GA). After my military service, I completed my Bachelors in three years from Towson University, Maryland and a Masters Degree in one year from Indiana University. I went into the Corporate Wellness Business, as well as commercial Health Clubs so I could afford to be an actor. Four years ago, after a very successful 20 plus years, I sold my 24 hour Health Club and Fitness Business and returned to my other love acting. My wife of 30 plus years still works full time and because of my business and investments I can afford to perform Community Theatre and Indie Films for free. I live in Columbia, Maryland (also the hometown of Edward Norton) approximately 25 miles south of Baltimore, MD (my hometown) and 25 miles north of Washington, DC. When there is not local acting work, I take the bus from Baltimore to New York. I have performed in many indie films some shorts several feature principal and leading roles. I audition and when cast perform in student films, because it's fun, good practice, builds your demo reel, helps the students and when they make it big maybe they will remember three important words -------- CALL TOM LYLE !!! I received a letter of congratulations and thanks from a grad student I worked with. I performed in his feature indie (you can't buy advertising like that letter). If he makes it I believe he will call me if he has a role for my type. I forgot to mention that after I sold my business I took several review acting classes from top teachers in the area and from LA and NY.

BM - You have a real passion for acting. What would you tell someone who was interested in getting started in the acting field?

TL - There are books on this subject many by good actors that have made it big.  I haven't made it big yet, but will try and answer. If possible try to study with teachers who are also good experienced actors.  Get as much experience as possible, audition and perform in community theatre, student and other indie films.  Depending upon your age if possible attend a college that has a good program. You might not make money as an actor, therefore you must have a back up plan for income -- a second major or job skill.  Try and get as much experience as possible in real life --- jobs, as well as acting for free.  Study in class and different types of real people - characters you see everyday and use in your future acting.  There might be an experienced film maker in your area like JPNT Films Jimmy Traynor (he’s made over 100 indie films) and his wife Peechee who offer acting classes for a very reasonable price and you get a chance to audition for one of their movies!  I am a student of the Lee Strasberg (Stanislavski) Acting Method…Improvisation and 'affective memory' the process of contacting one's memories of emotions in order to channel them into a role.  For example, "Live & Die", the feature indie by Jimmy Traynor, was over 50% improv with Jimmy directing and outlining his story.  The lead character I played, Lee Thomas, was based on people I knew who worked hard all their life and never left their community!  When I needed to cry or show other emotions I remembered past real life events (the death of someone near, etc.).

BM - Who are your acting role models?

TL - This is a difficult question, there are so many greats dead and living I could write a book.  Without trying to list all the names and  maybe missing some, any actor who has ever had a leading or supporting role in a top movie with a major studio.  Successful actors who are also directors.  Actors who are great character actors and not that good looking (ugly like me) --- you know who they are.  There are actors who become that character and  are so good that you almost forget the name of the actor and there are those actors that are good in great movies, but you  still know who they are!  I hope this answers your question without names, because I am not really a film critic.

BM - How did you meet Jimmy Traynor?

TL - About two years ago, I audition and was cast in a small principal role for a feature indie Jimmy wrote and was directing, "The Ticket". I think my military training helps with acting, because I know how to listen, follow directions and react. I was very impressed with Jimmy's knowledge and film making talent. Jimmy Traynor filmed and completed a full feature film in 32 hours nonstop ! Three leads of the film paid their own way and expenses from LA to work with Jimmy. There was a complete written script for "The Ticket" I mention this because some of Jimmy's films are improv with his story and direction. Jimmy liked how I played my character Jo Jo (the not so smart head body guard to the boss) and asked me to audition for the lead in the feature indie "Live and Die" I was cast and you know the rest.

BM - Your characters seem to be working class tough guys, is that something you're familiar with?

TL - I grew up in that type of working class multi ethnic area of Baltimore. My father worked hard all his life on the B & O Railroad. It was a tough neighborhood but fair. I learned at an early age that there are good and bad people of all types and race or religion have nothing to do with it. See one of my adult comedy bits on You Tube - Tom Lyle on Racism (don't judge a book by its cover). One of my many acting teachers a graduate of The Actors Studio studied with Lee Strasberg and I try to use my different experiences for method in my acting. I just follow what the Director/Producer want and try to be and feel that character. John Waters films "Hair Spray" and "Cry Baby" along with "West Side Story" and maybe "The Dinner" remind me a little of my Baltimore.

BM - I notice on your YouTube page that you do some comedy, is that something you'd like to do more of?

TL - Yes I love comedy. I believe that life and acting are better with a good sense of humor and a positive attitude.

BM - What would your dream role be?

TL - Well one of my dreams was to star in a movie and although it's a low budget feature indie I feel good about being cast for Jimmy Traynor's "Live and Die", because there are a lot of other actors he could have cast. I don't expect to be cast in a leading role in a big studio film, but a good supporting principal role with some lines would be nice. I would love a regular role on any of the network TV Shows. I love to act and would like to do it full time.

BM - You're next feature with Traynor, 'Assassins For God', looks pretty interesting. What can you tell us about it?

TL - ASSASSINS FOR GOD is my idea and a script I am working on and if I ever finish it I would like Jimmy Traynor and his Team to film and direct it.  The bits I have on You Tube are just teasers  and a cheap way to promote myself (I told you I was an honest  person).

BM - What else do you have coming up?

TL - I have several plans in the works, but don't want to say until all is finalized.  Jimmy Traynor has a feature in the works, as well as a series for the Internet.  You’d need to ask him about that.

BM – Thanks for taking the time.

TL – Thank you.

If you’d like to see Tom in action, just head over to his You Tube channel. If you’re interested in hiring Tom, you can check out his resume over at his NY Casting resume page. Tom’s a great guy and he does great work in Jimmy Traynor’s Live And Die, we here at Rogue Cinema wish him the best, and we’ll be keeping our eye on Tom, he’s the kind of guy who’s got the drive and determination to keep at it until he breaks into the big leagues!