MY INTERVIEW WITH ERIC NELSEN
Hi Eric and welcome!
Tell us about your character on “The Bay”
My character Daniel Garrett has seen a big transition the last two seasons. He has had to come to terms with his sexuality all the while alienating himself because of it. He was terrified because of his Christian faith, that the way he felt was wrong and sinful. He battled with what he felt and what he was taught is right. His turmoil and then transformation is seen throughout the newly released season 3 on Amazon. I know the story line will impact and relate to a lot of peoples lives. It has been a dream to play.
What was your experience like on AMC?
I have nothing but incredible stories from working on AMC. It was my first contracted series regular role on daytime television so a job that will always hold so much meaning in my heart and career. It was like entering into a family. The cast dynamics, relationships and trust that had been developed over the years between the cast was transparent to me on day one. I felt blessed to have been able to call them my own and I hope we can all do it again sometime.
Would you ever consider doing daytime?
Yes, I would. I try not to limit myself in this career. I consider myself extremely grateful for any roles that come my way. If I feel an attachment to a character or story, I will dive right in...regardless of TV class or genre.
Do you have any other projects lined up?
I do. I am currently working on season 4 of 'The Affair' for Showtime. It is an incredible show, one I am having a blast working on. We've been shooting in Montauk, NY...which happens to be one of the most beautiful places in the country. So it's a bit of a dream come true.
In addition to 'The Affair', I've got a VERY scary horror movie going to be released in the coming months. It stars Academy Award nominee, Mickey Rourke and myself. Keep an eye out for "Nightmare Cinema." It will scare the pants right off you!
Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
Not since birth but definitely since a young age. I started working as a professional actor at the age of 13. When my family and I moved to NYC from south Florida. I actually started off as a competitive dancer which eventually led me into acting and then singing. I got a chance to star on Broadway with Ariana Grande when I was 17 in a musical called '13 the Musical'. I did plays and musicals throughout my teenage years and then developed my passion for TV/film acting. Now I am hooked in the tv/film world but would like to return to Broadway again in the future.
What actor would you like to work with that you haven’t yet?
My little brother, Matt Gumley. Him and I have both been professional acting for 10+ years but have NEVER gotten the chance to work off of each other. The closest we ever got was both getting cast in an episode of a crime drama for CBS back in 2012 (The show was called 'NYC 22') but none of our scenes were together. IT WILL HAPPEN. I can't wait for that day. Hopefully it will be soon
Thanks so much Eric for joining me!
