A Night Call Between Friends: The Journey of Sam Rockwell and Terry Knickerbocker
In the stillness of the night, acting coach Terry Knickerbocker received an unexpected call from his close friend and esteemed client, Sam Rockwell. This moment marks yet another chapter in their long-standing partnership that began in the early 1990s, where Knickerbocker has been instrumental in modeling Rockwell’s performances across various roles, from Chuck Barris to Bob Fosse.
Their bond runs deep; Rockwell not only served as Knickerbocker’s best man but has publicly acknowledged him during significant moments, such as his Oscar acceptance speech for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri in 2018.
The Call from South Africa
Dialing in from South Africa, Rockwell was deep into the challenging production of Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, a sci-fi film directed by Gore Verbinski, where he faced the daunting task of delivering a lengthy 10-page monologue. After months of intensive preparation, Rockwell’s inquiry was centered on a new opportunity: a supporting role in the critically acclaimed HBO series, The White Lotus.
“He asked me whether he should take this job,” Knickerbocker recalled. “Sam rarely accepts television roles, having a clear preference for movies and theater. It’s not merely about fame; he always seeks work that resonates with him as an artist.”
A Stunning Role in The White Lotus
The White Lotus, a hit show known for its provocative storytelling, was already in its third season, set against the backdrop of a fictional luxury resort in Thailand. Rockwell’s potential role included a complex monologue tackling provocative themes surrounding race and gender identity.
Additionally, the allure of reuniting with his partner, Leslie Bibb, who was already involved in the series, added to Rockwell’s decision-making. Bibb clarified that the casting offer came directly from Mike White after another actor exited the role unexpectedly.
Reasons to Dive In
Knickerbocker highlighted the strong camaraderie and mutual respect that Rockwell shares with Walton Goggins. The opportunity to work alongside such a friend and the brevity of the White Lotus filming schedule made it feasible for Rockwell to take on this new challenge.
Despite the explicit content of the material, Rockwell was undeterred. As Knickerbocker remarked, “Sam is an actor’s actor. He thrives on well-written narratives and unique storylines, especially if they present unexplored terrain for him.” The monologue itself sealed the deal for Rockwell, transforming casual interest into steadfast commitment.
The Birth of a Creative Relationship
The serendipitous meetings of Rockwell and Knickerbocker began in 1991 at the William Esper Studio, where the two first connected over shared interests and smoking breaks. At that time, Rockwell was a fledgling actor struggling to make ends meet while attending acting classes. The chemistry between them was palpable from the start, leading Rockwell to invite Knickerbocker to guide him through pivotal auditions—resulting eventually in his breakthrough role in the indie film Box of Moonlight in 1996.
The Investment in Artistry
Knickerbocker’s influence has been far-reaching for many actors, including Sacha Baron Cohen and Emma Rossum. He emphasizes that the need for an acting coach is driven solely by the individual’s determination and financial commitment, as this service is not mandated in acting contracts. Rockwell underscored the collaborative nature of coaching, stating, “You’re paying someone to problem solve,” highlighting the dynamics of creative exploration between actor and coach.
As they prepared for the pivotal monologue in The White Lotus, Knickerbocker expressed the piece’s complexity, comparing it to Marlon Brando’s intense work in Apocalypse Now. Their focus was not just on memorization but on unveiling the emotional layers, using techniques such as emotional memory and particularization, concepts rooted in the Meisner technique.
Despite initial challenges, such as Rockwell’s inability to directly relate to his character’s struggles with substance abuse, they ultimately sought analogies drawn from Rockwell’s own experiences, allowing for deeper emotional resonance in performance.
Final Preparations and Beyond
Rockwell’s week of filming in Thailand was marked by continuous communication with Knickerbocker. Reflecting on his performance, he expressed confidence, channeling his awareness of growth as an actor. “To work with a coach equips you with a vast range of ideas, allowing for flexibility in your performance,” he stated.
Ultimately, Rockwell’s collaboration with Knickerbocker exemplifies the profound impact of an artist-coach relationship. Regardless of the character complexities, the preparation process reveals the deep commitment to artistic integrity in every performance.