Hi, action figure fans. John Charles has taken the time to interview Brian Steele, the actor inside the Mr. Wink suit in the new Hellboy movie. Since we're going to review the figure tomorrow, we thought you might enjoy hearing from the man himself. Take it away, John and Brian!


Standing over 6'7" tall, Brian Steele is one of the most interesting actors one could ever meet. Many are familiar with his work, but his face is virtually unknown. That's because Brian Steele - aka "Creature Boy" - specializes is playing characters under layers of makeup and prosthetics. He's taken some time from his busy schedule working on a new project and promoting Hellboy 2: The Golden Army to answer a few questions for us about Hellboy, acting, and being an action figure:

JC: You've done quite a few films and are very often in iconic battles that are the showpiece of a film. Yet because of you wear prosthetics, makeup and costumes, you are virtually unrecognizable. What's it like being an action star whose work is famous but whose face isn't?

BS: I have no problem being unrecognizable. It's all good! I have the best job in the world. Portraying these characters I get a chance to bring them to life then let them live on their own.

JC: How did you get starting in acting?

BS: I started working at Universal Studios Theme Park as Frankenstein's Monster. That was my first performing gig. That's if you don't count trying to fit in as a kid. Took a few acting classes here and there but, I really learned so much from having to perform in front of a live audience at Universal. From there I just got an opportunity to build my skills with each character.

JC: What is your favorite role so far and why?

BS: I have two favorite roles: I would have to say "Harry" from the tv show Harry and the Hendersons and Mr. Wink from Hellboy II. I went from being Frankenstein's Monster at the Universal Studios theme part in Hollywood to portraying "Harry." I Absolutely loved portraying him. I feel to this day it was a gift to be able to wear that suit given it's stoic history. Then of course, hands down, Wink! Spectral Motion gave me this wonderful creation to bring to life. I cannot give everyone involved with the design and fabrication of this character enough thanks for all the talent they put into this creature. Mr Wink rules! Sorry, the little kid in me came out...

JC: Rumor has it you lost over 20 pounds playing Wink because of the weight of the costume and the heat of wearing it. How do you endure such conditions?

BS: Well, that is sorta true... I lost around 6-8 pounds of water weight a day during the filming of the first HB (playing Sammael). Dehydration was a bit of a factor, because I just couldn't drink enough fluids while working to keep up with the physical demands I was putting on my body. I learned a valuable lesson on that shoot: after returning to the States I spent some time with a nutritionist to learn how to better prepare for these physical demands; this has helped me train even harder and perform at a higher level.

JC: What's the hardest part, physically or mentally, of working in costumes?

BS: I have a work ethic of "make the pain familiar." After I have an idea what muscles are going to be affected by the suit structure, I train them to death. Train, train and more training... For me this makes the physical work in the suit familiar, which then makes me mentally prepared also.

JC: What is the key to being good at the type of work you do?
 
BS: First it's being a good member in a team. It takes a team effort to bring these characters to life. Everyone from the designers, fabricators, puppeteers and makeup artists have a part in this. Every one of us is trying to get the best performance on screen. As a team getting the moments that make the character look and perform best.

JC: What is your dream role?

BS: As corny as it may sound, whatever my next character is. I feel so lucky to have the career I have every character is special.

JC: What was it like the first time you saw yourself made into an action figure?

BS: It was surreal.

JC: Where do you display your action figures in your home?

BS: All my action figures along with my resin figures, bobble heads and other toys are displayed on shelves in my office.

JC: Of all the action figures made of your characters so far, which has been your favorite?

BS: Mezco's Wink! He's awesome! I so happy with the attention to detail they gave him. Gotta love the extra mace hand with chain and the tooth fairy box.

JC: Do you collect anything besides action figures?

BS: I collect bicycles. I have quite a few mountain bikes and cruisers but, I have a fascination with old bikes. It's a hobby of mine to tinker with these rusty gems and get them back in the shape of their glory days. I'm going to be known as the crazy old man on the block that has a garage full antique bikes.

JC: What was your favorite toy when you were a young boy growing up in Highland, MI?

BS: Hot Wheels! I spent endless hours in our basement racing "The Snake" against "The Mongoose" on the plastic track down the stairs.

JC: Its funny that you started your career playing what is arguably Universal's most famous monster - Frankenstein - because your name is frequently linked to another Universal monster, The Creature [From the Black Lagoon]. There have been numerous false starts to a remake of that property; do you think this one will happen?

BS: I knew that question was going to come up... I have been approached about this film for over 15 years. I hope it eventually gets made but, I have no idea if I would ever get the opportunity to portray the Creature.

JC: One last question, do you dress up for Halloween?

BS: Halloween is my day off.