You've been in the entertainment business since the 1980s, how have you seen the industry change and evolve since then?
Tony Denison as Lt. Andy Flynn
I might be in the minority with this opinion, but when I got my first big break on a TV series called Crime Story in 1986 there was only ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox which was in its infancy. There were four outlets for television; there were very few outlets for an actor to participate in.
Now, you flash forward 30 years and everybody's getting in the game! Even though there are these new outlets, there's more freedom to develop their artistic content so you get some really good shows- they're willing to take risks. The pressure on network executives is insane, I don't envy them one little bit.
There are lot more opportunities now for actors then when I started out. Some of the best work you're getting in the States right now is a result of television shows. Whether they're foreign based, like Game of Thrones or House Of Cards there's really good shows out there. I'm very optimistic and pleased by the new landscape.
What would you say have been some of your biggest challenges and highlights since the beginning of your career?
The biggest highlight was playing Ray Luca on Crime Story, that was a great experience for me, and working with Michael Mann. That was a wonderful experience. Some actors hit the ground running and stay at the top and they never look back- guys like Leonardo DiCaprio. Once they hit the ground they went right to the front of the class, and they stayed there, their careers never seem to take a step back. I had a career that stalled for a while and it was a challenge because I love this business, I love what I do- I love acting.
I love so much being in the business, as I enjoy watching the business! I don't ever look at somebody taking a job away from me, I just figure that for whatever reason I did not get the brass ring on that particular job but I'm more than happy to watch good projects.
Now we see you as Lt. Andy Flynn in 'The Closer' spin-off, 'Major Crimes', first off, what drew you to this role back in 2005?
I like people who exist in that area of light vs dark, good vs evil- white, black scenario. The thing I liked about Andy Flynn is that he is a character who walks up to the line of end to justify the means, but he doesn't cross that line. He may stick his head over a couple of times, but he doesn't cross that line which is an exciting place to be as an actor. I get these great scenes and great partners to work with on the show and I enjoy the fact I'm this character that walks up to that line, but doesn't cross it. After 11 years of playing that character, I'm not even remotely bored!
Having played Lt. Flynn for around a decade now, do you feel a close bond with the character?
I sure do, I sure do. I've said this before, I'll say it again. As an actor, my life exists playing the character between the words action and cut. When you're the real deal, your action starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning and lasts until you go to sleep at night, you're on the whole time. I'm fascinated by that lifestyle, and people who live that lifestyle- how they can be moral people in a profession that's challenging their morality daily. I find that an exciting place to be.
Do you have a strong input now with where to take your character when filming, in dialogue and such, if you perhaps think that a line isn't sitting right?
I don't know if I have a strong input or not. In the past I've suggested things, and James Duff (creator) is very open minded to a lot of stuff; he'll consider it. I've gotten to the place now, because I enjoy watching movies and TV as much as I like being in them, where I don't even ask anymore with what's going on with my character! By not saying anything, I feel like I'm getting a lot more to do, that's a lot more interesting because it's new to me, I'm just excited to be doing it.
Is there a pressure that comes with playing Lt. Flynn because he's now such a fan favourite and well-established character?
Jeeze- not now, until you just mentioned it! Now I will! No, I don't feel any pressure at all because I just love what I do! I've always said since the beginning, I've never played a character ever just so people like him, I've always played a character that people understand. As a result of that, I've gotten great audience response to the characters that I play and I think that's the reason.
I've always played characters to be understood, and if you like them in the process then great, if you don't then all I want you to understand is this is why this person does what he does.
With the season 3 two-part finale airing in the UK at the beginning of March, what tidbits of information and teasers can you give us as to what we should expect from the episodes?
Lot of bloodshed, lot of dead bodies…no, I'm just teasing! There's a tremendous amount of suspense and you will be sitting on the edge of your seat. There's some really cool stuff; we have a great team and everybody brings their A-game. Everybody in the conclusion for season 3 brings it.
I love working with Mary McDonnell so much- she's a genuinely lovely person and a really good actress.
Where do you hope to take your character following on from the season 3 finale?
I don't know! If I had my own personal preferences, I'd like to see more of his family. Last year we had the daughter show up, and that was nice because I'd always talked about that character. Hopefully this year, her brother will show up and maybe Andy's ex-wife. I know with James (creator) everything is interconnected; he'd bring my characters grandparents in if he thought it was necessary!
Finally, is there anything else we should expect from you in the coming months?
I've got a movie called Dirty, about dirty cops on the job in LA and I play the commander that's investigating the corruption and mayhem; that was a fun role. I did this over movie called Clarity with Nadine Velazquez who's on Major Crimes. That one I suspect will be out soon; I don't know what the new titles going to be, it may change.
I have a dear friend and business partner, his name is Joel Best- we've been good friends for 14 years now and we just decided to start producing reality shows, or even scripted dramas so we're looking at properties and investing some money. If you get the right group of actors on a project, you can get it made.
Major Crimes Season Finale, Part 2 only on Universal Channel, Monday 9th March 9PM