Actor Dakota Kennedy Talks Protective Role in ‘Reagan’
No matter what side of the political aisle you fall on, belief in the safety of our leaders is imperative. The recently released historical drama “Reagan” chronicles the life of the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan (Dennis Quaid), from childhood to his time at the White House.
Dakota Kennedy steps into the film as Secret Service Agent George Opfer, who was assigned to protect First Lady Nancy (Penelope Ann Miller) and by her side when her husband was shot.
The role is just the latest for this Oklahoma-based actor. Previously, Dakota appeared in the independent films “Finding Sara” and “Thieves,” and up next he can be seen in “Hart of the Mountains” directed by Bill Doty and written by Shannon Scruggs.
Tell us about your role as George Opfer in “Reagan.”
DAKOTA KENNEDY (DK): George Opfer was Nancy Reagan’s Lead Secret Service Agent during her husband’s administration. When Reagan was shot, Nancy was not with him and the character I play was invaluable in getting her information related to the assassination attempt and escorting her to the hospital.
What do you think is the importance of this moment?
DK: Reagan’s life is so interesting, the journey from a kid growing up in Illinois to a major actor in Hollywood is an amazing story alone. Not to mention adding to the list president of SAG, then the Governor of California, and finally to become President of the United States. It’s like the list goes on and there’s so many stories you could tell about each one of those achievements.
There’s a subtle reminder that I think the film has and that is; politics can be very divisive. There are scenes in the film that remind me, even though we have differences we can fight hard for what we want, and at the end of the day we’re neighbors. We don’t have to let our differences tear us apart. We have a lot in common and we can coexist.
Why did you to want to be part of this project?
DK: My parents and grandparents loved Reagan. So, I always heard stories about his Presidency when I was growing up. So, to be involved in telling this story, let alone to play someone who has to deliver heart stopping news to the First Lady…was incredible.
Any fun stories from the set you can share with us?
DK: The first time I met Penelope she was in costume as Nancy, and I was pretty taken back. Her costuming and the set, it really felt like I was about to work with the first lady. As we start getting ready to shoot, she’s standing by this window talking to Sean, the director, and in her hand is this worn ruffled through book. I instantly knew what she was holding, Nancy’s Memoir. She had it open to the page and they’re discussing it. Their commitment to authenticity, really set the tone in my eyes for how they are portraying this film.
Where do you start when you first get a script?
DK: First, I read it without working on saying lines or trying to start rehearsing while I’m in the middle of reading the script. I let it set for a day or two and just start to do the internal work, start to think about those questions and the big picture elements of the story. Then I start rehearsing at home by myself like a stage play. That process is the most fun, because getting it on its feet and rehearsing my lines is really when a lot of creative ideas start flowing.
As an actor, do you gravitate towards a certain type of character, or do you just take them as they come?
DK: I have really enjoyed playing charismatic antagonists, which is very different from who I am. To my kids I am just a normal dad with bad dad jokes. Playing those serious characters that the story depends on to drive the film, gives me the place to be someone very different from myself.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an actor, and how did you overcome it?
DK: When you get to audition for amazing projects that you know are going to turn out to be great and you don’t get a role in it. It can be hard to pick yourself up after that.
Believing that you have something to offer is crucial. I’ve always held on because I feel this is what I’m meant to be doing. Also, having an amazing family support system on your side, makes it easier to get through those hard times.
How did you get started in acting?
DK: In college, I randomly was involved in a friend’s short film. It was the middle of the financial crisis; I was about to graduate and go into the finance industry. I really didn’t want to do that, nor did I think it was my calling. Through making that short film in college, I really thought maybe this is what I’m supposed to do. That was 2010 and I’ve been doing it ever since.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
DK: My teacher Diane Hull, who I studied with in LA, is someone who studied with Strasberg and Kazan. She said very casually one session “Don’t plan”. I was coming in with, I’m going to say this like this, and look here and say that, it was just too mechanical. That was a turning point early on in my training.
Another piece of great advice was told to me by a friend that has stuck with me is “Truth is great, interesting is better.”
What inspires you most in your life and career?
DK: I hope when my kids are older and they start to pursue their dreams, I have shown them to dream big and it’s possible. I have a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old, and it’s all for them.
As for my career, Daniel Day Lewis has and will always be an important figure for me. Even though our process is different, his performances set a standard for me. There Will Be Blood, blew me away. It was my Mean Streets. He’s always been a beacon to live up to.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
DK: I have a film coming out next year “Hart of the Mountains.” I have a major role in that and it’s about a Veteran returning home and finding solace in art, and learning to love again.
Connect with Dakota Kennedy on Instagram @kennedy.the.kid
