Glee actor got his start at Douglas
It seems a long way from smoking in the hallways of Douglas College to playing a role in a prime-time television show. But Glee’s Patrick Gallagher says, “If I hadn’t gone to Douglas, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
You may recognize Gallagher as Glee’s short-shorts wearing football coach Ken Tanaka, who called off his wedding to guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury in last season’s final episode. Fans of the show will find out what happens next as the new season of Glee begins Tuesday April 13. The popular program won a Screen Actors Guild Award in January for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
From the beginning, Gallagher and his castmates knew the show was good, but “didn’t know if people would get it.” Ultimately, its success boils down to its positive message, says Gallagher.
“As corny as it sounds, it says be yourself.”
Back in 1988, Gallagher, who grew up in Chilliwack, hadn’t quite figured out who he was. He had gone from being a good student to goofing around after his parents divorced. He enrolled in the Theatre Program at Douglas “to get my parents off my ass,” he admits. But he ended up finding a lot more.
“I learned the joy of performing there. That’s the biggest thing I took from my time at Douglas,” says Gallagher. He fondly recalls keeping busy with productions, which didn’t just result in getting hands-on experience, but also built camaraderie between him and his classmates, many of whom he keeps in touch with today.
“I remember playing a gangster in Kissing Kate. I would love to do that part again,” says Gallagher. His role in Glee is a non-singing one, apart from a stint rapping in a single episode when he was part of a group called the Acafellas.
“I did the best I could with that – I’m not a singer, but I can sing, so we’ll see,” laughs Gallagher.
He doesn’t appear to be in any danger of being typecast. Gallagher also has a recurring role as Chow in True Blood. He has had roles in Vancouver-shot staples Da Vinci’s Inquest and Da Vinci’s City Hall, along with Master and Commander and Sideways. He came to life as Attila the Hun in both Night at the Museum films, and invented his character’s gibberish language.
After two years at Douglas, Gallagher went on to the National Theatre School in Montreal.
He recalls having to battle frustration at times when the roles weren’t coming as often as he would have liked.
“Bitterness will kill you. You have to try not to think of it as a competition. You get a callback because you have the talent. But at some point, talent is a wash. You get cast because you have the right look and energy for the role.”
Though he has lived in LA since 2004, he spent a lot of time working in Toronto and Vancouver. Gallagher says opportunities in those cities abound for Theatre graduates. “You’ll work there all the time because of the sheer number of roles.”
Ultimately, Gallagher advises anyone interested in acting to get as much training as possible and stay positive.
“There are no rules. Find what you can do well. There is a place for everyone in this business. I’m by no means a young, ingénue pretty guy and I’m doing it.”
Published April 8, 2010
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