RAINE MAGAZINE Volume 16 | Innovate
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ENTERTAINMENT | FILM/TV<br />
A CHAT WITH PURGE’S<br />
EDWIN HODGE<br />
By Nova Lorraine<br />
Photographer: Rowan Daly; Groomer: Kalie Johnston<br />
From humble beginnings to Hollywood, Edwin Hodge has flourished<br />
every step of the way. Starring in this summer’s hit psychological thriller<br />
Purge, alongside Ethan Hawke, the down-to-earth actor accepts every<br />
new challenge with a strength that rivals actors twice his age. See what<br />
inspires this rising star to bring his best to every role, both professionally<br />
and personally.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: You’ve worked on many projects including CBS’s NCIS - what<br />
has been your most challenging role and why?<br />
HODGE: Most challenging was my role in the Purge because doing<br />
this film I actually had to dig a little deeper to bring out what I wanted to<br />
express to the audience. The character is such an intricate person and<br />
so instrumental to the film. I wanted to make sure that I did my part so<br />
the character was believable and able to connect with the audience.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: The premise of Purge is both intriguing and terrifying. What<br />
were your thoughts when you first read the script?<br />
HODGE: My first thought: “Wow! This is a really sick and morbid film.”<br />
Then, I took a more thorough look into my thought process when<br />
researching the film. The context of the film relates to other things<br />
that may be going on today. It was very engrossing. The family has to<br />
morally decide if they want to partake in something they don’t believe<br />
in. It shows the power of choice and the power of humility and how to<br />
deal with mistakes. We have the opportunity to make a change and do<br />
something different even if you feel it’s wrong. It was so gratifying to see<br />
the trailer.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: How was it working alongside Ethan Hawke?<br />
HODGE: He was one of my favorite actors to work with besides Samuel<br />
Jackson and one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Not many<br />
times will you sit down with an actor of his caliber and still be treated as<br />
an equal. He was always concerned that we felt comfortable with what<br />
was going on in the scene. He wanted to make sure we didn’t suppress<br />
our talents. We could talk about whatever and nothing changed about<br />
our respect level for each other.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: What or whom do you draw inspiration from to bring the best to<br />
the screen?<br />
HODGE: Honestly it’s my mom - my inspiration has solely come from<br />
my mom. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. As a family, we<br />
were homeless three times. My mom has always been the one person<br />
that has given me the strength to keep going. She would always be<br />
positive and let me know I could be whoever or whatever I wanted to<br />
be as long as I stayed focused and kept my grades up. When I felt like<br />
I couldn’t push myself, my mom was pushing for me. She is one of the<br />
greatest people ever and I am blessed that she is the person she is and<br />
instilled in me the qualities that I try to instill in my friends and the people<br />
around me.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: Tell us about some projects you’re working on that are in the<br />
pipeline?<br />
HODGE: We’re in the process of filming One Heart, a film centered on<br />
a Gainesville, Texas football team. It’s a very coming of age project that<br />
focuses on a group of teammates. I’m also waiting to hear if NCIS Red<br />
is picked up.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: What do you love most and least about what you do?<br />
HODGE: I love he idea that creativity is within us. I can transform myself<br />
at different occasions from being a doctor to a policeman to being a bum<br />
on the street. The hardest part is doubt. A lot of times you doubt yourself<br />
because in this industry you hear no before you hear yes. You have to<br />
try to get past the idea that someone doesn’t like you or think you’re<br />
talented. However, those yes’s make up for the 10 or 20 no’s that you<br />
may hear.<br />
<strong>RAINE</strong>: What words of wisdom would you share with other rising actors?<br />
HODGE: Always be persistent in the idea that you have set for yourself -<br />
never let anyone deter you from your goal. If you have to find a different<br />
avenue, get there in the most humble and respectful way. Educate<br />
yourself about the world in terms of culture and community to prepare<br />
you for a possible future role –basically, education, intelligence, and<br />
persistence.<br />
Raine Magazine - <strong>Volume</strong> 15 43
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