Brian Oerly
Brian gained attention last year as the Arian henchman flanking Vincent D’Onofrio and Bruce Willis in the action-thriller "Fire with Fire," and alongside Forest Whitaker in the Lionsgate release, "Freelancers." His previous television credits include “Memphis Beat,” “CSI: NY,” “Chuck,” “Charmed,” and the infamous locker room scene opposite Ed O’Neill in “Modern Family.”
We recently had a chance to ask Brian about his upcoming film roles, being known as a ‘bad boy’ and the unavoidable injuries on the job.
HOLLY: It’s seems you’ve been picking a lot of fights lately, so dare we ask you to tell us a bit about your latest roles: opposite Jason Statham in “Parker,” fighting Sung Kang in “Bullet to the Head,” and as the train yard bully in “The East.”
BRIAN: Well, as usual, I am one of the Bad Guy's and I have no complaints there. In PARKER, Jason Statham is double-crossed and left for dead. In his pursuit to even the score, he enters the club I work in to question my boss upstairs. I find my fellow bouncer, played by Danny Epper, dead in the stair case which pisses me off so I head up the stairs, gun drawn, to see just what the hell is going on. Seeing Statham roughing up my boss, shots are fired in a crowded club and the chase is on. I want nothing more than to kill him, but in the end, the hero gets away.
In BULLET TO THE HEAD I play a mercenary that is stalking Sung Kang's character, Taylor Kwon, through an abandon factory set as our headquarters. A violent hand to hand fight ensues after Kwon disarms me high up on the rusty catwalks, put together by Stunt Coordinator J.J. Perry. In the end, I fall five stories to my death, complete with brain chunks and splatter on the concrete floor below.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Stallone a few times on RAMBO 4, BULLET TO THE HEAD, and THE TOMB, due out later this year in which I actually play two different parts, both as an actor and on the stunt side of things. Sly wears so many hats on most of his projects (i.e. Star, Director, Writer, and Producer) it is awe inspiring to be there and be a part of it all, watching, listening, and learning from him. The decisions he makes on the fly, why he makes them, and where it all ties into the story line. It is just so bitchen, cool to see.
THE EAST was recently at The Sundance Film Festival. I play a train yard Bull that finds stow aways hiding in one of the rail cars. If not for my partner and superior I would have taken my billy club to Shiloh Fernandez who plays the role of Luca, after yanking him violently off the train. There was a news team there on set interviewing us all in between takes and I apologize I don't remember who they were, but the lady interviewing me at the time said, "Wow, you are scary looking when you’re mad, but in reality your such a personable and nice guy."
HOLLY: You’ve been dubbed Hollywood’s newest ‘bad boy’, is this a title you’re excited about or do you wish you were adored for your softer side? (assuming you have a softer side)
BRIAN: I'm not sure how that title was given to me or where it originated from, but there is a long list of some pretty incredible people that have adorned that title in this crazy business, so I guess it's a complement. I do have a soft side but I don't mind at all being labeled bad. It is, after all, so fun to play if can get used to losing every fight and dying all the time.
HOLLY: Considering you got started in stunts before transitioning into acting, it’s probably safe to say you’ve encountered a few injuries. Not to sound gory or anything, but what was your worst injury? And, what would you do different to avoid the injury if you could do it all over again…or was it unavoidable?
BRIAN: Unfortunately, as a Stunt Professional it's not if you’re gonna get hurt its eventually when. A lot of design, training, rehearsing, and choreography goes into those scenes but sometimes you just know beforehand that you’re gonna take your knocks on the day. I have always worked with Stunt Coordinators that are very good at what they do and a high level of trust comes along with that. As far as my worst injuries go, I have busted my nose twice, 3 ribs on my left side, and have completely torn my MCL and Medial Horn on my left knee. The rest are just bumps, bruises, and lacerations, but those are just something we all consider a day in the office.
HOLLY: What made you want to work as a stunt professional? And, then why did you decide to head into acting?
BRIAN: As a kid growing up I would play two things on a regular basis, a firefighter from the old television show, EMERGENCY with my red BMX bike as my Squad 51; and STUNTMAN falling off my Dad's roof into the thick bushes bellow after being pretend shot from one of the other neighborhood kids. No, it is not a normal job that a normal kid would aspire to be, but of course I'm not normal myself. It's a job that I have literally always wanted to do. The acting was a natural transition for me. I love everything about this business and what makes it all tick. I have always been a bit of a ham and I still am today. So, being in front of the camera comes naturally to me. I have had the pleasure of working one on one with some of today’s elite (and fingers crossed) and I hope I am lucky enough to continue to do so.
HOLLY: It seems you’re pretty busy these days, so tell us what’s coming up next.
BRIAN: This time of year is typically slow work wise and it drives me crazy. I can't wait to get back to work. I do have some projects coming out this year. THE TOMB with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, BAREFOOT with Scott Speedman and Evan Rachel Wood, OLDBOY with Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson, RIDE ALONG with Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Hart, and Ice Cube, and WINGED TERROR for the SYFY Channel.
HOLLY: And, finally…how can everyone keep up with you?
BRIAN: Most folks say I am a little behind the times. I am not a fan of the Tweets and the Facebook stuff. I don't like people knowing my every move. However, my website is updated weekly or as things unfold at link
It has been a pleasure. Thank you.
