Anthony Michael Hall is known for embracing diverse roles throughout his acting journey. He aims to find characters with depth and complexity, moving beyond his early portrayals in iconic ’80s films like “The Breakfast Club” and “Sixteen Candles.”
In his latest role, Hall plays an arms dealer in the third season of “Reacher,” an Amazon Prime Video series. The show follows an ex-military police officer who takes on various criminal enterprises across the U.S. For Hall, the opportunity to explore the character of Zachary Beck, who disguises himself as a rug importer, was particularly enticing.
“Beck is a very layered character,” Hall explains. “He lives a double life within a criminal network, facing constant power struggles. At the same time, his relationship with his son, Richard, adds another dimension.”
This father-son dynamic resonates with Hall, especially since he welcomed his first child, Michael Anthony Hall II, in June 2023. Although Richard in the show is in his 20s, Hall draws on his new experiences as a father to deepen his performance.
“Being a dad has given me so much to connect with,” he shares. “Zach is a damaged man, and his bond with Richard reflects the struggle for redemption. It’s a complex relationship that adds light to his dark character.”
Hall’s wish to explore richer roles began early in his career. He rose to fame as a teen in successful films directed by John Hughes. Despite being typecast as the “nerdy” character, Hall worked hard to break free from that mold. He joined “Saturday Night Live” for a short time, took on different roles in films like “Johnny Be Good” and portrayed the villain in “Edward Scissorhands.”
Over the years, he learned valuable lessons from various projects. “Every job, no matter how small, taught me something,” Hall recalls. “Even roles in shows like ‘Diagnosis: Murder’ and ‘Touched by an Angel’ were significant.”
As he matured, Hall found new opportunities as his appearance changed. He landed leading roles, such as in the long-running series “The Dead Zone” and guest spots in popular shows like “Entourage” and “Community.” His film roster expanded to include notable projects like “The Dark Knight” and “Halloween Kills.”
These experiences allowed Hall to embrace complexity in his roles, moving away from his youthful image. He values the journey he’s had in the industry. “I’m grateful for how far I’ve come,” he admits. “After nearly 50 years in the business, I appreciate new challenges and strive to work with talented filmmakers and actors. It’s all about collaboration and growth.”
With his latest work in “Reacher,” Hall continues to showcase his evolution as an actor, proving that there’s much more to him than the roles that made him famous.
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