Hugh Dillon Talks Cops, Guns & Tarantino

By Amber James Posted Apr 23rd 2009 02:00PM

Saving hostages and defusing bombs is just another day on set for actor Hugh Dillon, who stars as Ed Lane, the alpha male of the Emergency Task Force on the CBS police drama 'Flashpoint.' And this isn't your ordinary police show, Dillon told PopEater.

Turning real life police dramas into a TV show, Dillon credits the writers for the in-depth reality they bring to each episode. "These writers go so deep. They don't just sit around and go, 'Okay, let's make some sh** up and hope it fu**ing sticks.' They actually have such real empathy for cops because they know them personally. They want to get these stories right and want to tell it with authenticity," Dillon said.

"Not only does 'Flashpoint' have an action component, but it has this emotional core that resonates with me. There is something very human about it that people can relate to," Dillon said.

While he's become a natural crime fighter on TV, Dillon actually started his career as the lead singer for the "anti-social rock band" The Headstones, he said. But after signing with Universal Records, making six studio records (which went gold and platinum) and touring for over twelve years, Dillon wanted change.

He made his acting debut in the independent film, 'Hard Core Logo,' which was picked up by Quentin Tarantino, who bought the U.S. distribution rights under his Rolling Thunder label.

"Soon after, I auditioned for Quentin for 'Jackie Brown.' I didn't get [the role], but from there, I did a movie called 'Down to the Bone' that won an award at the Sundance Film Festival. That changed everything. Then I moved to Los Angeles about five years ago and haven't stopped since," Dillon said.

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On his dream role: "I would like to be in the next 'Die Hard' with Mickey Rourke. That would be my dream gig."

On possibly working with Quentin Tarinto in the future: "He is one of the best film makers ever. If I ever got the shot [to work with him], wow. I love his stuff. He has got such a rock and roll sensibility.There is something innately honest about his film making that appeals to me."

On balancing his TV and music career: "[Music] is what keeps me sane. I'm lucky because they used a couple of my songs for 'Flashpoint.' One is called 'Never Kissed A Girl' that aired last season. If you take a listen, you'll get a quick glimpse into what my songwriting is all about."

On what first attracted him to 'Flashpoint': "I thought this is a great script because it had depth in terms of the character. It's like when you read a book or hear a song for the first time, that first brush with it that just leaves an impact. It wasn't just mindless bulls***."

On doing his own stunts: "I will do as much as the producers will allow me. For insurance reasons, I can't do everything. The funny thing is when one of the cops who helps us train is on set, you want to do your own stunts ... You don't want to look like a sap, so you're like 'Jimmy's on set. I'll take care of this.'"

'Flashpoint' airs every Friday on CBS at 9 p.m. EST. For more information, check out: hughdillon.com and CBS.com.

Tags: flashpoint, hugh dillon, HughDillon, quentin tarantino, QuentinTarantino

Comments

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Sunday 13 September

By mary townsend

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Loved the interview I love how Hugh gives so much credit to others not many actors will do that. Hugh is a great actor and singer I have only listened to the Hugh Dillon Redemption Chior. Love reading anything about Hugh Dillon he is not only a great actor and singer he is so cute and sweet.

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