The Daily Texan had the chance to sit down and speak with Thomas Haden Church about his role as Merle in the film directed by Mark Lambert Bristol entitled “Accidental Texan”, based on the 1999 book “Chocolate Lizards” by Cole Thompson. See our review here!
The Daily Texan: What was it like to step back into your Texan roots when playing the character Merle?
Thomas Haden Church: Merle is really based on men that I knew growing up in Texas in the ’70s. We lived in Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, and my father was friends with a lot of men who were ranchers. We would go out on a ranch just to go hunting, fishing or just participate in ranching activities, (…) but Merle, that’s what he is. He’s a throwback to (the men I knew) 50 years ago. He’s a character type that was imprinted on me at an early age. That’s all I did with him was just step into those boots and those khakis, and put that hat on. … Also, I worked in the oil field when I was a teenager. I’ve been a rancher on my own operation for 25 years, but my very first real job when I was 13 was on a ranch in Webb County.
DT: Considering you grew up in Texas, would you say it was easier to craft Merle and his personality or did you find it difficult to make your performance as authentically Texan as you could?
THC: Creating a character is never easy. If I was born and raised, say in Vermont, and then I was trying to play an authentic West Texas oil driller, I would have to rely on my training as an actor. … I would say the task was not as steep a climb because I’m from South Texas, and I grew up around men like Merle. So I would say it’s not as difficult, but it’s still a good challenge to create a unique character.
DT: What drew you to Merle’s character?
THC: The fact that it was a small town in Texas and a small oil drilling operation. The other elements (of the character are) getting to mentor a young man who’s completely lost and feels abandoned in certain ways by his father’s expectations (and) by his recent termination from his first big opportunity. … I liked that a lot.
DT: What advice would you give to UT students going into the film industry?
THC: Do as much as you can do around the Austin film community or Texas film community. It’s been my advice for years. I got started in Dallas. … Get as much on-the-job experience as you can while you’re close to home. Then, whenever the opportunity presents itself, I still believe you have to make the move to LA, New York, Atlanta, (or Chicago), … (but) also, join whatever union is pertinent to your pursuit. … The sooner you get there, the sooner you’re gonna get more deeply involved in the hubs of the industry.
