Chat with Hollyoaks star Kent Riley
Hollyoaks actor Kent Riley stopped in for a live chat about acting, higher education, and working on Hollyoaks. Here's what he had to say.
Jim_V: To start with, Kent, why don't you introduce yourself to everyone?
Kent: Hi! I'm Kent, I've just finished a degree at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and I'm currently enjoying life at Mersey TV. I'm also an avid Liverpool fan.
Jim_V: So who has a question for Kent?
icey: How did you get into acting?
Kent: Well, I was 11 and had done primary school productions, and then - as the cliché goes - caught the bug. I carried on acting at school and auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre and it snowballed from there, firstly with me getting a part in a production of Bugsy Malone. From there it got more serious, until now as a profession, this is what I consider my career.
icey: Are there any co-stars you have your eye on? *wink* *wink*
Kent: Well Zack has his eye on most of the ladies...
koe_182: Who is your favourite Kent? Clark Kent or Kent Brockman?
Kent: Clark Kent
koe_182: Rock and roll
Jim_V: A question now from Babyshambler. Can you start acting later on in life?
Kent: Acting is one of the only professions that's ageless, you can start at 30, or 40, if you want, if you're passionate enough. You can start at any stage in your life.
kitteeeeee: Do you use your fame to pull women when you go out?
Kent: No, not at all *wink* *wink*
Jim_V: How are you finding working on Hollyoaks?
Kent: It's very enjoyable - it's a job that gives me lots to think about and helps me learn a lot about acting.
icey: Do you have a favourite actor/actress? If so, what would you consider their best moment?
Kent: Yeah my favourite actor is Al Pacino. My favourite film would be Scarface, but his best performance would be in Scent of a Woman. Oh, and Robert de Niro in Raging Bull as well.
icey: Good call
kaff: Are there are jobs going on Hollyoaks? Possibly for your long-lost sister from Leeds with a mouth like a trucker but a heart of gold?
Kent: Not sure, but I'll ask :)
kitteeeeee: You have to be blonde and have heaving bosoms to work on Hollyoaks!
Kent: Well, as to the blonde thing... Yeah. Only joking - I think if you have talent and ability, that'll always shine through.
**Helen**: What's the best thing about living in Liverpool?
Kent: The people - it's a nice friendly place, always full of characters no matter where you go. I'd recommend coming down.
Jim_V: Are you a fan of Hollyoaks?
Kent: I am, I didn't watch it too much when I wasn't in it but now I work on it I've become engrossed in the whole thing. I'm now a big fan.
**Helen**: What are your favourite TV shows?
Kent: I'm a huge fan of comedy, so Extras and Curb your Enthusiam. Larry David's piss funny.
**Helen**: Who do you think is the most talented actor on Hollyoaks?
Kent: Bar me... ;)
icey: Have you ever been to your character's namesake city (Chester) and if so what did you make of it?
Kent: I've never been. Actually, I went once as a kid - from what I remember it was a nice city.
**Helen**: What does the future hold after Hollyoaks?
Kent: In terms of my ambitions I aim high, so I want to go to the top and make films. I think I know what I'm capable of and I think I can really succeed.
kaff: Do you think I'm a bad person for being mildly entertained by episodes in soaps featuring terrible disasters?
Kent: No, I'm entertained by much worse than that...
icey: You're having a party - you can only invite 5 people - who do you invite?
Kent: I'd invite Napoleon Dynamite, Al Pacino, Ricky Gervais, Mohammed Ali and hold on I'm thinking of a fifth - erm... Condoleezza Rice.
"Dressing up as a woman, in stockings, was kind of an odd experience."
kaff: Do you have any pets?
Kent: Yeah, I've two dogs - two border terriers one, called Archie and one called Clay.
**Helen**: What's been the hardest thing you've done as an actor?
Kent: I think theatre is much more difficult than television, because of the spontaneity, and you need to be on your toes and always know your lines. In particular Shakespeare is always a challenge.
Jim_V: What's your favourite Shakespeare play?
Kent: The Merchant of Venice or A Midsummer Night's Dream
kaff: Can we look forward to a pop career in your future, perhaps in the vein of William Shatner or Adam Rickitt?
Kent: Well, although I'm not planning to be a singer, a few of the Hollyoaks cast are planning to do a single for Children in Need. I was gonna be in it but I didn't want to steal the limelight.
**Helen**: Did higher education help you reach your goals?
Kent: I think higher education more than anything helps you to hone the skills you're looking for, in whatever you want to do; it gives you insight into your chosen profession. I'd recommend if people are curious about higher education to take a look at Aimhigher's website.
icey: Do you have any advice for budding actors other than the usual "just keep at it"?
Kent: Learn as much as you can, even if it's instruments or singing, rather than something directly about acting. The more strings to your bow the more of an impression you can make in an audition. And never be afraid to express yourself. In a meeting, audition or whatever, just be true to yourself.
kaff: How would someone with no background at all in acting and no famous contacts make their first steps in?
Kent: Look up any drama groups and any amateur productions in your area that you'd be willing to get involved in and take it from there.
icey: Did you approach Hollyoaks or did they approach you?
Kent: They approached me. The first time I was in it I got a call from my agent to say they were interested in me auditioning. The next time they just said they'd like me to come back, which lead to me being on the show now.
**Helen**: Who's gonna finish highest Liverpool or Everton?
Kent: Oh don't say that... I can answer that in a split second. Liverpool's in a bad patch but there's no doubt we'll finish higher... Benitez for prime minister.
Jim_V: And how far below Bolton do you think you'll finish?
Kent: If you asked me the order of the league, Liverpool 3rd and Bolton 8th with a massive 20 points difference
Zoe: Hi Kent, what was the best thing about being at university? P.S. I love Hollyoaks!
Kent: I think the experience of meeting new people and doing what I like doing P.S. I like it too.
Random_Gringo: What kind of acting would you like to work most in: big screen, small screen, stage or voice-overs?
Kent: Definitely on the big screen, followed by voice-overs!
icey: What's the most embarrassing acting job you've had in your career?
Kent: When I was in uni we did The Little Shop of Horrors. Dressing up as a woman, in stockings, was kind of an odd experience
kaff: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Kent: That's a good one... erm... You'll never walk alone.
Zoe: Do you have any advice for someone who's just finished their A-levels and wants to become an actress? I did theatre studies A-level and I'm not sure what to do now!
Kent: If you want to go to further education I'd advise getting on a good acting course, because that's the best way to develop as an actor or actress and to learn the trade.
kaff: Who would play you in the film of your life? And whose life story would you like to play the lead in?
Kent: Who would play me? Probably my younger brother - he's not an actor, but he looks a bit like me and he could be an actor if he wanted. I'd play Al Pacino - I could do all those great parts.
Zoe: Which course and college would you recommend?
Kent: I went to Southport College, where I did a National Diploma and then The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) where I did a BA in acting which was great. Aimhigher should be able to help you find a good course in your area.
Jim_V: Okay thanks, everyone, and Kent, thanks a lot for coming along.
icey: Cheers Kent! Good luck at the next soap awards mate :)
Zoe: Wicked. I'll check Aimhigher out!
Kent: Cheers everyone, bye.
Many thanks to Aimhigher for arranging the chat with Kent.
Chat with Hollyoaks star Kent Riley
Hollyoaks actor Kent Riley stopped in for a live chat about acting, higher education, and working on Hollyoaks. Here's what he had to say.
Jim_V: To start with, Kent, why don't you introduce yourself to everyone?
Kent: Hi! I'm Kent, I've just finished a degree at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and I'm currently enjoying life at Mersey TV. I'm also an avid Liverpool fan.
Jim_V: So who has a question for Kent?
icey: How did you get into acting?
Kent: Well, I was 11 and had done primary school productions, and then - as the cliché goes - caught the bug. I carried on acting at school and auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre and it snowballed from there, firstly with me getting a part in a production of Bugsy Malone. From there it got more serious, until now as a profession, this is what I consider my career.
icey: Are there any co-stars you have your eye on? *wink* *wink*
Kent: Well Zack has his eye on most of the ladies...
koe_182: Who is your favourite Kent? Clark Kent or Kent Brockman?
Kent: Clark Kent
koe_182: Rock and roll
Jim_V: A question now from Babyshambler. Can you start acting later on in life?
Kent: Acting is one of the only professions that's ageless, you can start at 30, or 40, if you want, if you're passionate enough. You can start at any stage in your life.
kitteeeeee: Do you use your fame to pull women when you go out?
Kent: No, not at all *wink* *wink*
Jim_V: How are you finding working on Hollyoaks?
Kent: It's very enjoyable - it's a job that gives me lots to think about and helps me learn a lot about acting.
icey: Do you have a favourite actor/actress? If so, what would you consider their best moment?
Kent: Yeah my favourite actor is Al Pacino. My favourite film would be Scarface, but his best performance would be in Scent of a Woman. Oh, and Robert de Niro in Raging Bull as well.
icey: Good call
kaff: Are there are jobs going on Hollyoaks? Possibly for your long-lost sister from Leeds with a mouth like a trucker but a heart of gold?
Kent: Not sure, but I'll ask :)
kitteeeeee: You have to be blonde and have heaving bosoms to work on Hollyoaks!
Kent: Well, as to the blonde thing... Yeah. Only joking - I think if you have talent and ability, that'll always shine through.
**Helen**: What's the best thing about living in Liverpool?
Kent: The people - it's a nice friendly place, always full of characters no matter where you go. I'd recommend coming down.
Jim_V: Are you a fan of Hollyoaks?
Kent: I am, I didn't watch it too much when I wasn't in it but now I work on it I've become engrossed in the whole thing. I'm now a big fan.
**Helen**: What are your favourite TV shows?
Kent: I'm a huge fan of comedy, so Extras and Curb your Enthusiam. Larry David's piss funny.
**Helen**: Who do you think is the most talented actor on Hollyoaks?
Kent: Bar me... ;)
icey: Have you ever been to your character's namesake city (Chester) and if so what did you make of it?
Kent: I've never been. Actually, I went once as a kid - from what I remember it was a nice city.
**Helen**: What does the future hold after Hollyoaks?
Kent: In terms of my ambitions I aim high, so I want to go to the top and make films. I think I know what I'm capable of and I think I can really succeed.
kaff: Do you think I'm a bad person for being mildly entertained by episodes in soaps featuring terrible disasters?
Kent: No, I'm entertained by much worse than that...
icey: You're having a party - you can only invite 5 people - who do you invite?
Kent: I'd invite Napoleon Dynamite, Al Pacino, Ricky Gervais, Mohammed Ali and hold on I'm thinking of a fifth - erm... Condoleezza Rice.
kaff: Do you have any pets?
Kent: Yeah, I've two dogs - two border terriers one, called Archie and one called Clay.
**Helen**: What's been the hardest thing you've done as an actor?
Kent: I think theatre is much more difficult than television, because of the spontaneity, and you need to be on your toes and always know your lines. In particular Shakespeare is always a challenge.
Jim_V: What's your favourite Shakespeare play?
Kent: The Merchant of Venice or A Midsummer Night's Dream
kaff: Can we look forward to a pop career in your future, perhaps in the vein of William Shatner or Adam Rickitt?
Kent: Well, although I'm not planning to be a singer, a few of the Hollyoaks cast are planning to do a single for Children in Need. I was gonna be in it but I didn't want to steal the limelight.
**Helen**: Did higher education help you reach your goals?
Kent: I think higher education more than anything helps you to hone the skills you're looking for, in whatever you want to do; it gives you insight into your chosen profession. I'd recommend if people are curious about higher education to take a look at Aimhigher's website.
icey: Do you have any advice for budding actors other than the usual "just keep at it"?
Kent: Learn as much as you can, even if it's instruments or singing, rather than something directly about acting. The more strings to your bow the more of an impression you can make in an audition. And never be afraid to express yourself. In a meeting, audition or whatever, just be true to yourself.
kaff: How would someone with no background at all in acting and no famous contacts make their first steps in?
Kent: Look up any drama groups and any amateur productions in your area that you'd be willing to get involved in and take it from there.
icey: Did you approach Hollyoaks or did they approach you?
Kent: They approached me. The first time I was in it I got a call from my agent to say they were interested in me auditioning. The next time they just said they'd like me to come back, which lead to me being on the show now.
**Helen**: Who's gonna finish highest Liverpool or Everton?
Kent: Oh don't say that... I can answer that in a split second. Liverpool's in a bad patch but there's no doubt we'll finish higher... Benitez for prime minister.
Jim_V: And how far below Bolton do you think you'll finish?
Kent: If you asked me the order of the league, Liverpool 3rd and Bolton 8th with a massive 20 points difference
Zoe: Hi Kent, what was the best thing about being at university? P.S. I love Hollyoaks!
Kent: I think the experience of meeting new people and doing what I like doing P.S. I like it too.
Random_Gringo: What kind of acting would you like to work most in: big screen, small screen, stage or voice-overs?
Kent: Definitely on the big screen, followed by voice-overs!
icey: What's the most embarrassing acting job you've had in your career?
Kent: When I was in uni we did The Little Shop of Horrors. Dressing up as a woman, in stockings, was kind of an odd experience
kaff: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Kent: That's a good one... erm... You'll never walk alone.
Zoe: Do you have any advice for someone who's just finished their A-levels and wants to become an actress? I did theatre studies A-level and I'm not sure what to do now!
Kent: If you want to go to further education I'd advise getting on a good acting course, because that's the best way to develop as an actor or actress and to learn the trade.
kaff: Who would play you in the film of your life? And whose life story would you like to play the lead in?
Kent: Who would play me? Probably my younger brother - he's not an actor, but he looks a bit like me and he could be an actor if he wanted. I'd play Al Pacino - I could do all those great parts.
Zoe: Which course and college would you recommend?
Kent: I went to Southport College, where I did a National Diploma and then The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) where I did a BA in acting which was great. Aimhigher should be able to help you find a good course in your area.
Jim_V: Okay thanks, everyone, and Kent, thanks a lot for coming along.
icey: Cheers Kent! Good luck at the next soap awards mate :)
Zoe: Wicked. I'll check Aimhigher out!
Kent: Cheers everyone, bye.
Many thanks to Aimhigher for arranging the chat with Kent.