Your Voice Media had the pleasure of interviewing Award-Winning Actor, Thom Allison. Read how he describes himself and what he shares with us about his character, Dr. Elijah Thompson on CW Series, Coroner.
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What motivates you daily?
I lost my immediate family - dad, brother and mom - all to cancer in a short space of time a few years ago. It made me aware of how short time can be at any age. And with all of them gone, I know that every day is an opportunity to make the most of the talents we're loaned in our lifetime. I don't want to waste a moment. Every day I try to get closer to my most joyful existence.
I'm sorry for your lost. Thank you for sharing with us the reason for your motivation.
Currently you are directing a musical entitled, Million Dollar Quartet, can you tell us a few details about the premise of the musical?
Actually, I'll be directing Million Dollar Quartet in April and I'm very excited about it. It's based on a true event that happened on Dec. 4, 1956, where Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley all ended up in the Sun Records studio hanging out, visiting and singing. I'm so looking forward to putting this show on its feet. But at the moment, I'm in the last couple of weeks of filming the 4th season of the television show, Coroner (CBC in Canada, CW Network in the US). I play a new character named Dr. Elijah Thompson in the 4th season. He's been a great time.
You said that it's been great filming the television show, Coroner. Is there anything that you can share with us about the character you portray, Dr. Elijah Thompson?
Dr. Thompson is also a coroner, and he ends up being a "problem" for Dr. Jenny Cooper at work. He does things very differently than she does and that makes for some friction. He's not a bad guy but he has a very definite point of view. And lots of opinions. He adds a fun new energy to the show.
Describe yourself in five words?
Joyful, intuitive, generous, passionate, cartoon.
What are the major differences you identify in working on Broadway versus filming a movie or show?
Oooohhhhh. Stage shows have weeks of rehearsal/movies can have days or weeks of rehearsal/TV has very little rehearsal. The size of performance in movies and TV is much more intimate because the camera is so close. Movies and TV tend to be more literal in terms of sets/theatre can be much more fantastical or representational. The money for actors is way more in Film and TV than stage, not gonna lie, but nothing is as exhilarating as performing in front of a live audience.
Top 5 favorite actresses/actors and why?
Meryl Streep, because she's Meryl Streep - constantly interesting and detailed. Jean Smart - so underappreciated until now. She is so versatile. Hacks blew me away. Ryan Reynolds - not about him being versatile but what he does - funny, smart - he does so entertainingly well. Chadwick Boseman - The work he did before he passed is astonishing. The depth, the humanity, the skillset, yet it seemed effortless. Such a huge loss. Jessie Mueller - mostly a Broadway actress. I've seen her do several roles and each one is different but so honest and thoughtful and she tells a story when she sings.
Goals for the remainder of this year or next?
I've taken the time in the pandemic to re-evaluate who I am and who I want to be, how I want to grow. I want to stand up for, protect and encourage the person I am becoming. The universe is giving me signs that I'm heading in the right direction. I want to continue that journey with fortitude.
Do you enjoy making music opposed to acting? Or do you enjoy them both equally?
I actually love the two together. It's why I love musicals. When a great story and beautiful music and an amazing theatre performer come together, the whole room can feel like it's levitating. It's all we're really doing... telling stories. And I love when many disciplines - acting, singing, dance, music - can come together.
