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Although he is best known as Alec Hardison on TNT’s crime series “Leverage" (which sadly ended in December), Aldis Hodge has a mysterious appeal which makes us want to learn more about him. Plus, we already featured his brother who is also an actor!
Are there any characteristics of Alec's that apply to you in real life? Or do you see yourself as a completely different person?
I am very much a completely different person, however Alec and I do share similar taste in sarcasm as well as a knack for wanting to do the right thing for people.
What about the more artistic side of Aldis? What kind of work do you produce as an artist and where do you hope to go with it?
I produce abstract paintings on canvases that I usually build and stretch myself. I hope to have them hanging in a gallery like LACMA or MOCA one day.
Last year we got the wonderful opportunity to also interview your brother, Edwin. Can you tell us, from your perspective, what it’s like being in the same industry as him? Have you two ever worked together, or is there a line between business and family?
We started off working together with print, "Sesame Street," "Showboat" on Broadway, "Die Hard With a Vengeance"... the list goes on. He even did an episode of "Leverage." This business has always been a family affair and will always continue to be.
When you’re not so busy on set, what do you give your time to? Any favorite hobbies or guilty pleasures?
Most of my time is spent designing watches, focusing on building an horology company, or trying to develop new tv or film productions.
If you had one day of complete freedom, what would you choose to do? Where would you go and with whom would you share it with, if anybody?
I get those days pretty often, most of which I simply choose to be lazy. But the other times I just kick it with my lady or my family.
Now we know you dipped your feet into acting since you were very young and have been occupied with that since then, but is there another skill you’ve always wanted to try or pickup?
As far as this industry goes, I've always wanted to be a writer. Now if only I could conquer my procrastination problem I might actually get there.
Because you were involved so early in age, you must have numerous accounts of experiences. Can you recall any that you just absolutely loved, or thought, “Whew, glad that’s over”?
I loved the entire "Leverage" experience, "Showboat," and "Sesame Street" the most because they were all the most fertile teaching grounds for me during a time when I was often oblivious to the lessons until they snuck up on me. On the flip side, I recall a few auditions that I couldn't wait to get done with. Dealing with rude casting directors is such a journey.
Do you see yourself continuing in this field, or do you have other goals you wish to pursue?
I've always said that I'm going to probably die in a director's chair at 105 years old! I will always be in this business, but, that being said, this business is just one small facet of proof of my potential. I am much more beyond just this and I plan to explore as much of myself as possible (e.g. my pursuit of building watches, architecture, car design, jet design, etc...)
Is there any role you dream of playing, whether the role has already been played or is created by yourself?
I've always wanted to play a comic book character, but now that I've shot my new pilot called "The Sixth Gun" based off the graphic novel of the same title I can say that I have. Next thing on my list is to save the world from aliens or terrorists.
If you could go back in time, would you give yourself as a child any piece of advice on what to expect or what not to expect?
Practice patience, finish all of what you start, and keep promises to yourself.
Interview by Stephanie Kim
Photography by Vince Trupsin Grooming by Angie Miller
