EXCLUSIVE: BlackThespian.com Interviews AUSTIN STOKER

Austin Stoker is a veteran actor known for his role as Lt. Ethan Bishop, the police officer in charge of the besieged Precinct 9, Division 13, in John Carpenter’s Howard Hawks-inspired, 1976 film, Assault on Precinct 13. This was one of the few heroic starring roles for an African-American actor in an action film of the 1970s outside of the blaxploitation genre.

Mr. Stoker was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and prior to his role as Lt. Bishop, he has appeared in several blaxploitation films, often playing police detectives. Among these films were Abby (1974), The Zebra Killer (1975), and Sheba, Baby (1975), in which he played Pam Grier‘s love interest. Some of Mr. Stoker’s other notable acting roles were in the 1973 science fiction film Battle for the Planet of the Apes, the 1974 disaster film Airport 1975, and the 1977 television mini-series Roots.

Mr. Stoker is also known to Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans for his role as Dr. Ken Melrose in the 1982 B-movie, Being from Another Planet (also known as Time Walker), in which he appeared with Darwin Joston, his co-star from Assault on Precinct 13.

We were privileged to have the opportunity to catch up with Mr. Stoker, ask a few questions, and see what he’s been up to–enjoy the interview.

BlackThespian.com: Mr. Stoker, we at BlackThespian.com are honored and privileged to be able to interview you. First off, you are a native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, that’s where the beautiful sound of the steel drum originated and we heard you play, do you still play the steel drums?

Austin: No, I don’t play the pans anymore, but I think about it sometimes because it’s such an enjoyable gig. That’s actually how I started in the business, playing professionally with a group. By the way, it’s seldom called a steel drum anymore. They call it a “pan” or “steel pan” now. Thought I’d just throw that in.

BlackThespian.com: Could you tell us briefly about what made you want to become an actor and how you got into the acting business?

Austin: My mother was a huge movie and theatre fan and often took me with her to see movies. There was no TV in those days, so I grew up with radio, watching local stage plays and British and American movies since I was in 3rd grade. By the time I was eleven I had seen a lot of movies, many of which are considered “classics” today, had seen a local production of Hamlet, had been in 2 local plays, actually playing a part, and it felt most comfortable, natural and exciting — for someone like me who was otherwise a very shy child. So, that’s how it started; I was absolutely sure I wanted to keep on doing that. And coming to New York eventually when I grew up, allowed me the opportunity to be trained and to continue.

BlackThespian.com: You had the opportunity to star in a John Carpenter film called Assault on Precinct 13, how did the role come about and what was it like working with a young John Carpenter?

Austin: Best way to describe John Carpenter: Very generous, very knowledgeable. Absolute pleasure to work with. I got the role in “AOP13” when another actor-friend, Eldon Quick, told me he knew a young, new writer/director who was looking for an actor for a particular role in his next movie. Eldon thought I might be right for the part, and asked if I would be interested in a meeting with the person- John Carpenter. Well, that was it! Didn’t have to “read”, met at lunch and… You know the rest!

BlackThespian.com: Do you feel that there are more or less opportunities for African-American actors in Hollywood today? If so, why? If not, why?

Austin: If you take into consideration the population “demographics” plus the quantity of media outlets now available compared to about 40 years ago, and if we’re thinking of first-class, meaningful, well-scripted, high-quality, film-making — which, from an artistic standpoint, is my personal preference — I say there are definitely LESS opportunities. Why? Because it’s “all about the Benjamins”. Given the opportunity, there is the potential for any actor to gain enormous wealth in the industry. . . Need I really say more?

BlackThespian.com: What advice would you give to aspiring actors living outside of big cities like L.A. or New York who are trying to get their foot in the door?

Austin: Make sure that foot is in good shape, strong and fully prepared to kick the door in many times. Sure, I’m being a bit cynical; but I simply mean, be prepared. Take classes. But also “study” by paying attention –to other people, your surroundings. Read, learn to “listen”. Then, the hardest part of all- Try to get good representation.

BlackThespian.com: What have you been up to lately? Anything we can look forward to seeing you in?

Austin: Besides an occasional audition? Writing. Trying to get a script of mine onto the screen – hopefully that’s where you’ll briefly see me next. Meanwhile I’m also enjoying my newly acquired grandfather duties.

BlackThespian.com: Is there anyone you’ve always wanted to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?

Austin: Used to dream of working with Brando. But never did, though we met a couple of times. But with all of the great ones out there — black, white, Asian, male, female — I’m ready!

BlackThespian.com: You starred in 1973’s Battle for The Planet of the Apes as MacDonald. Have you seen the latest Planet of the Apes films? In particular, 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes? What do you think of latest remakes and sequels?

Austin: No, I haven’t yet seen the latest. I don’t have a problem with sequels. You can sometimes look forward to them. But remakes– Unless the original was not very popular, for whatever reasons, it’s hard to care about the remake.

BlackThespian.com: Can you suggest any strategies that African-American people in the industry can implement to create more opportunities for people of color in the business?

Austin: Other than hiring a publicist to boost your popularity – Yes. If you’re in-front-of-the-camera or on-stage: Be well-trained and disciplined. It’s the only way to “fill that space” with the “Truth” which you’re supposed to deliver. And if you’re behind-the-camera, it’s about the “Writing”. If it’s Drama, your “script” must be about “main” characters who must “evolve”. . . start out one way (“Good” or “Bad”) and end up the opposite or close to it, as their needs and emotions carry them along. And remember, there are only two main emotions, Love and Fear, from which all others flow. But within that “framework” the proper ones should come easily.

BlackThespian.com: Mr. Stoker we thank you for your advice and for taking the time out of your schedule for the interview. You are a true thespian and we’ve enjoyed your work over the years and look forward to seeing more of you.

Austin: Thank you, BlackThespian.com. Was a pleasure chatting with you.