Up Close with Mike L. Whaley

Movie Marker Magazine sat down with Atlanta-based actor, Mike L. Whaley to talk about his latest project Under the Dome from Amblin TV.

Can you tell us a little about your early beginnings? What inspired you to enter the world of entertainment?

Honestly, I don’t know. I was always the funny kid in the neighborhood growing up. The kid who was always impersonating wrestlers and cartoon characters. I saw how fun it was making other kids laugh and adults scratch their heads. It was fun for me. Effortless. Gave me a place outside of sports to express myself.

You’ve just landed a part in the sci-fi mystery TV show from Amblin Entertainment. Can you tell us about the show?

I can’t say a whole lot other than the fact that it is based off one of Steven Kings’ number one novel, so it’s already made its mark. It’s set in a small town called Chester Mills where a giant dome is placed on the town cutting them off from the outside world. All kinds of things happen while in the dome, mainly survival. I’m coming in on the second season portraying the role of Malick: the head of Aktion inside of the dome. Because the show is a sci-fi mystery, I honestly can’t say too much about what my character does in the show.

How did the role come about for you?

This is where luck and prayer meet to deliver opportunity. As crazy as it is, I was actually offered the role. They still wanted to convince the director I would be good for the part, so I taped it with my coach in Atlanta and gave them what they wanted. Originally the part was only pinned for 1 episode. So, when they made me a series recurring, I was as surprised as anyone. It was an honor, to be honest.

You play the role of Malick. Can you tell us about your character?

Malick is unlike any other character that I’ve ever portrayed before. My television career is mostly booked by me playing lead detectives, SWAT commanders, police, detectives, and dads, so when I read for this character in the book, I was like man, finally a badass. It was an opportunity to show my range.
 
As an actor, what other movies, or TV shows, have you enjoyed being part of? Do you have a favorite character?

Up to this point, playing roles of authority is really all I’ve been given the chance to play. This is usually in the realm of guest-starring, but everything honestly works towards the greater good.

What type of genre of TV show are you drawn to traditionally?

Dramas, Mystery and Sci-Fi. I’m a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan! 

When you are not acting, what do you enjoy doing?

I love spending time with my family. My parents are still young and grilling almost every weekend in South Carolina, so I try to head there and hang out with them as much as possible. Honestly, anything that isn’t acting related. Acting is my job, I have fun with it, but there are so many other things in life as well.

What can we expect to see you doing over the next few months?

I’m still filming my spokesman role for Walmart every week across the country so that kinda keeps me busy when I’m not working anything else. Plus a few more guest-starring roles whenever it fits my schedule 

To find out more about Mike L Whaley follow him: @ mikewhaley82