Q&A with Actor Ken Jennings

Film: Under Jakob's Ladder
Actor: Ken Jennings
Role: Oigen

Q: What attracted you to working on this film?
A: Well, first of all, it was just work. And it's always good to work. But I knew that I really liked the piece when I saw a line to the effect of "The path to salvation is through the gate of mercy." That's probably a paraphrase. But I really liked that. That's also my favorite line from the film.

Q: Did you do anything special to prepare for the role of Oigen?
A: I really didn't have to do too much to prepare for Oigen. Worked on the accent a bit. But the role is fairly self-explanatory. I play a lot of dark characters. They're fun to play. Playing an Irish gangster in a film I'm currently shooting ("White Irish Drinkers").

Q: What was the most challenging scene for you?
A: I didn't find any scene that challenging. I'm used to playing characters of this sort.

Q: What did you enjoy the most about working on this film?
A: The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the moral value of the film. And I really enjoyed meeting and working with Robert, Jill, and Mann. We had many good talks about all sorts of various things. Spiritually, it was good for me to work with them at that time. They're good people.

Q: How did you get your start in film?
A: I've been doing film and TV for quite a while now. But I really got my start on the stage. And the stage is still where I get most of my work. I've done eight Broadway shows. Won two awards for my work in "Sweeney Todd" on Broadway. Done lots of regional theater. Played everything from Shakespeare and Strindberg to Porter and Berlin. Playing the great Shakespearean roles, that's the best. I've had the honor to play both Shylock and Iago. I think those roles were the highlights of my career. The regionals don't pay as much as Broadway. But I didn't get into this for the money really. I got into it for the love.
Q: What inspires you as an actor?
A: And there's nothing like playing those great Shakespearean roles. Right now, I'm performing in an Off-Broadway show, Sessions. We've been running for over a year now.

Q: If you weren't an actor, what would you be?
A: I'd always be an actor. If I wasn't getting paid for it, I'd still be doing it on an amateur level.