Talking With Actor Kevin Saunders from "Hysteria!" and "Juror No. 2"

This edition of Talking With focus on Kevin Saunders, who is recurring in Peacock’s supernatural horror series “Hysteria!” and lands in Client Eastwood’s new feature film “Juror No. 2”.

Kevin appears in “Hysteria!” alongside Julie Bowen, Anna Camp, and Bruce Campbell, taking audiences back to the 80’s when heavy metal was rocking throughout every small-town in America, including Happy Hallow, Michigan. This tale turns dark as a struggling local band gets caught up in a witch hunt after a Satanic murder occurs.

In the legal thriller “Juror No. 2”, Kevin supports Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette in this tale about a murder trial juror who finds himself struggling with a moral dilemma that could influence the verdict.

If you think you recognize Kevin, then you probably do. The Atlanta based actor has been in a bunch of shows including the new Tyler Perry Netflix drama “Beauty in Black” as well as FX’s Atlanta, Netflix’s Cobra Kai, Peacock’s Twisted Metal, and Marvel’s Disney+ Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

To learn more, we are Talking With Kevin Saunders:

Who do you portray in “Hysteria!”?

KEVIN: I had the honor of portraying Gilbert in Peacock’s “Hysteria!” Gilbert is a disconsolate individual, struggling with the madness that is now taking place in this small town of Happy Hallow, Michigan.

As an actor, what helped you the most in bringing Gilbert to life?

KEVIN: The beauty of this show is how well written the script is, which is always a blessing for any actor when bringing a character to life. Shout out to Matthew Scott Kane for creating an awesome world, as well as the other very talented writing team! It provided a solid foundation which aided in creating deeper layers within Gilbert. In my opinion, he is very much a victim like many others in the show.

Where do you start when preparing for a role? And does that change depending on the genre or other factors?

KEVIN: My process is typically the same for every role, however some beings/characters are easier to create or tap into than others. I read through the script as comprehensively as I can to truly grasp the relationships, circumstances, risks, etc. Then, I seek to find the “human” in who I’m to portray.

I live to be a transformative actor as much as I can, versus a performative one. When people watch someone I portray, I want them to see THAT individual, not Kevin. Of course, if there is a character that I have more of a connection to, it’s easier for me to find the “human” in them. However, there are others that may be further from who I am as a person, which requires me to do more digging to find their humanity. These characters are always a lot more fun for me to play and I yearn for them because it truly gives me the chance to transform/create a being that is not me.

What was your favorite moment from working on the show?

KEVIN: There were so many awesome moments on the show that stood out to me. The cast and crew were amazing to work with and every day on set was full of love and laughter. But, if I had to choose one, a moment that stood out to me was working with Eduardo Sanchez, who also directed “The Blair Witch Project.” Outside of him being a horror director icon, he also is from my hometown in Maryland! It became a topic of conversation between us and was a full circle moment, reminding me where I came from and how hard work and dedication can lead you to accomplishing your dreams.

Are you a fan of scary stories or do you just like to be in them?

KEVIN: Ironically, I was not the biggest fan of horror growing up. I didn’t like to be scared as a kid, so I stayed pretty far away from them. However, as I grew older and became an actor and filmmaker, I gained a deeper appreciation for them. A former roommate of mine is a huge horror fan, so he showed me a lot of the horror classics I was too afraid to watch as a kid, which I now have a love and appreciation for. In fact, we still have Halloween film traditions we share every year now that I’m more of a fan of the genre. “Candyman” is now one of my favorite horror movies and I couldn't even fathom watching it back in the day.

You’re also in the new film “Juror No. 2”; who do you portray in that?

KEVIN: In “Juror No. 2” I portray a mechanic who feeds Faith Killebrew (Toni Collette) intel that she hopes will help gain clarity in the trial she's involved with.

How was it working with Clint Eastwood?

KEVIN: My time on “Juror No. 2” working with Clint Eastwood was nothing short of amazing. Every single person working on that set was happy to be there and it was an environment that you could tell exuded passion and support. Clint and I shared some awesome conversations about sports, camera equipment, and overall love for the craft. I was treated as an artist and everyone from the top down was appreciative of my willingness to be there. But really, the honor was truly all mine! Being in the cast for one of Hollywood’s biggest and most appreciated icons was something I’ll hang onto forever.

You also worked with Tyler Perry on his new show “Beauty In Black”; tell us about that experience.

KEVIN: It was a fun experience. With it being my first time working with him, it was cool to experience his unique filming style firsthand. Not many people are able to film as quickly and efficiently as he does.

What inspires you the most creatively?

KEVIN: People inspire me the most. We all have our own unique voices and experiences that shape and mold us into who we are. Our differences, life experiences, and individual circumstances all give a special perspective that can add value to each other if we’re open to listening. Because of this, I enjoy meeting new people from different countries and various walks of life to help give me a fresh perspective.

As a filmmaker, I feel there have been many stories shared with me over the years that have inspired scripts and narratives that I’ve written. And as an actor, there are pieces of individuals I’ve met that I know have helped shape the characters I’ve had the pleasure of bringing to life.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

KEVIN: However you can, support art! No matter what art form it may be, your love and appreciation for it is truly valued and needed by all artists across the world. And, if you’re looking for some new things to watch, please check out “Hysteria!,” “Juror No. 2,” and “Beauty in Black.”

Keep up with Kevin Saunders on Instagram: @kevo_theactor and Facebook: /kevin.n.saunders