Table of Contents
Introduction
In January 2025, Tales From the Collection had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive Q&A with Mark Rolston via mail correspondence. Rolston shared his experiences from iconic roles, his approach to acting, and passions outside of the spotlight.
Spotlight on Mark Rolston
Mark Rolston, born on December 7, 1956, in Baltimore, Maryland, has established himself as a versatile actor in Hollywood. He gained recognition for his role as Private Drake in James Cameron’s Aliens, which launched a career filled with memorable performances in films like The Shawshank Redemption, Lethal Weapon 2, and RoboCop 2. Beyond the screen, Rolston is celebrated for his work as a voice actor, lending his talents to iconic characters such as Lex Luthor in Young Justice and Deathstroke in the Batman: Arkham video games. With a career spanning decades, Rolston continues to captivate audiences with his dedication to storytelling. In his personal life, he enjoys gardening, playing golf, and caring for his pets, which include dogs, cats, and fish.
Interview with Mark Rolston
Can you share some memorable experiences from working on the set of “RoboCop 2”?
The wonderful cities of Houston and Quentin. One night we went to a bar, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top came out and played a set.
How do you approach developing a character, especially one with complex motivations?
First and foremost, you must love your character and not judge them. Otherwise, you can’t truly play the character.
What was it like to work with Peter Weller in “RoboCop 2”?
He’s cool. He also directed me in an episode of Hawaii Five-0.
What draws you to science fiction and action genres, and do you have a favorite among them?
Just love film in general. I am a movie guy.
How does working on a TV series compare to working on a film?
There is more time on a film to dive deeper into the character arc.
How do you think the film industry has evolved, and what are your thoughts on the current state of cinema?
Sadly, indie film may die, and the industry is ruled by DC & Marvel. Yeesh!
Is there a particular director whose style or approach to filmmaking you found especially inspiring or enjoyable to work with?
Yes, James Cameron followed by John Frankenheimer followed by Martin Scorsese.
Outside of acting, do you have any passions or projects that you’re currently pursuing or would like to pursue in the future?
Yes, gardening and golf, and I love my pets (1) dogs, (2) cats, (3) fish.
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