Taylor Handley; “A.P.B.”
It's hard to believe that the undeniably charming Taylor Handley has been stealing the hearts of audiences on screen now for almost twenty years since getting his start in 1998's Jack Frost. With a fresh-face, a slightly mischievous expression, all-American good looks that make the handsome star look eternally youthful, and a winning smile that captivates viewers attention, it seems as though the blond haired, blue-eyed star is always the hot new it-boy every time he lands a role- and his latest gig on FOX's new smash hit A.P.B is no different!
Considering the fact that Handley has proven himself to be such a bankable actor in Hollywood as he migrates from one successful project to another, he has impressively managed to constantly reinvent himself and really make his persona very different depending on what the role in question has called for. Whether playing an unhinged student on The O.C., or a arrogant, over-confident would be soldier running away from the draft in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, or creatively messing around with gender role expectations in Zerophilia, or tapping into his Californian surfer side in Chasing Mavericks, Handley has consistently managed to switch it up while always proving to be enjoyable, talented, and a star worth betting on for success.
Now, with A.P.B., the talented actor gets another chance to transform as his new character is a far cry from the roles he has taken on before. As Nicholas Brandt, Handley is very much a steadfast protector and someone who is strongly out for justice while battling with many inner demons that he is overcoming from his time in the military. And with veterans suffering from PTSD being one of the most under-addressed issues in media, Handley's role is extremely topical- and it's great to see someone so gifted step up to spread awareness on the issue.
With A.P.B. premiering to a huge reaction from the twitterverse, and everyone desperate to see what happens next, the charming star sat down and answered some questions about his hit new show, his intriguing character, his great cast, and what he would like to do in the future. Read below for more!
Taylor Handley
So, "A.P.B." is off to a great start and fans are loving it! For those that didn't tune in, what can you tell them to peak their interest?
Well, it's definitely not your normal cop show. This is an action-packed, dramatic, comedic, all-inclusive, catchy cop show. If I could throw any more adjectives, I would! [Laughs]
And as fans can see from the show, the influx of technology is certainly a help to the force at first, but it can also be a double edge sword. Is that a big lesson here?
Absolutely. So, Justin Kirk's character Gideon Reed is a tech billionaire who acquires a failing police district and outfits it with all the top-notch technology that his other corporations supply within the district. So, as we know, technology is not perfect- there are bound to be some glitches, but for the most part the technology really does help the police officers of District 13 to solve their cases better and police better. But, like anything, it's not perfect, and what District 13 has to find is a balance between the old way of policing and this new influx of technology. They need to find a happy medium.
One thing about this show is that it has the people in power kind of leaving those in "District Thirteen" to rot. Is that a nod to "The Hunger Games" and how the powerful people are sort of leaving those in poverty in shambles?
That's funny! I didn't even think of that! So, actually, the truth is there's no district 13 in Chicago- there used to be, but I don't know when it stopped being a police district. The old District 13 is stationed where our District 13 is supposed to be in the television show, so, it just worked out perfectly. And 13 is just such a hardcore number- it really was very appropriate. But, [chuckles], I don't think it has anything to do with The Hunger Games. In Chicago they don't say precinct, they say district- but that's funny!
And you're playing Nicholas Brandt- a marine combat veteran turned cop. What else can you say about Roderick?
He's ex-military working as a beat cop in the thirteenth district. He's a protector and a lone wolf, but, he's dedicated to his job. His back-story is pretty bleak to be honest!
You also have a great cast surrounding you here, like Justin Kirk from "Weeds," who is truly one of the most amazingly talented actors alive, and "Kingdom" star Nathalie Martinez, who is wonderful. Can you talk about some of the great company you're in?
Oh, these people are great. As you said- the very talented Justin Kirk and Nathalie Martinez- they are just holding it down. It is just a pleasure to watch Justin work because the writers gave him bricks and bricks of dialogue and he just knocks it down without hesitation. He's so comfortable in his character's skin- it's so inspiring. And Nathalie? You can't get more charismatic than her. She's such a pleasure, and so talented- as all her accolades will show you. We also have Ernie Hudson, who is great, and Tamberla Perry- who I have to give a big shout out to. She plays my partner, and basically we're the beat cops on the job- so, it's really just us in our car for most of the series dealing with all kinds of things on the street level, and it was great getting to know her and have a camaraderie happen that I imagine would happen if you were sitting in a cruiser with another person for 12-13 hours a day like most cops do.
You have been in this business for a long time now and have been a part of many successful shows and films and have worked with tons of great people, such as "Vegas," "Southland," "The O.C.," and "Law And Order," just to name a few. what would be your dream role to play, and who else would you love to work with?
First of all, I have to say that every job that I have had thus far has come to me and has been serendipitous almost. Every job has really been the perfect job, with the perfect people at the perfect time- A.P.B. included- I feel very lucky. But, looking into the future, someone whom I would love to work with is writer/director Jeff Nichols- he's so talented. As far as what character I would like to play? It really just depends on what I come across, what I see, and what feels right.
You've also starred in both the true life surfing drama "Chasing Mavericks," and the beloved film "Skateland." Do you surf and skate?
[Laughs] Skateland really was such a beloved film! We had such a great time making that- it was such a fantastic throwback, and so nostalgic, even though, that was really more roller-skating, which, as a kid I did roller-skate and blade a bit. But, as far as Chasing Mavericks go, that really was a dream job for me as far as dream jobs go. Getting to be in that movie was such a dream come true because I am a surfer- I grew up in Southern California, and to be a part of the Jay Moriarity story meant so much to me because it was truly legendary. Getting to be a part of that and walk the same streets as him while meeting all the surfers that I did, it was quite the experience- truly, it was one of the best experiences I ever had filming, and I really do love that film.
*****
Handley isn't the only person that cherishes his surf-film cult classic- his devoted fans do as well, and the talented California native can be sure that audiences will be just as thrilled to watch as he continues to tackle the Windy City week after week as Nicholas Brandt on A.P.B.
A.P.B. continues Monday nights at 9/8c on FOX.