Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 176: Off the Original Script

"Well, I suppose I should start with the basics. What kind of person are you?"

Hearing Gavin's first formal question, Renly couldn't help but smile. Instead of refuting it directly, he pondered seriously, "That's a philosophical question. I'm still exploring who I am and where I should go..."

Gavin realized there was an issue with his question. Renly's words made him chuckle awkwardly. Seeing the mischievous glint in Renly's eyes, Gavin felt a cold sweat break out on his back. "I mean, people don't know much about you. Whether it's the Actors' Guild or IMDb, there's very little information about you. I thought we could at least cover some basic details."

"Basic details?" Renly's tone rose slightly, showing he didn't quite understand the question.

Gavin explained further, "Online, aside from your height, weight, and birth date, there's hardly any information about you..."

Renly looked intrigued. "I thought that would be enough. For an actor, what other special information is needed? I believed our work is our best calling card."

Gavin was momentarily stunned, feeling a bit embarrassed. As a reporter for "US Weekly," he was used to interviewing in a gossip style, digging into private matters. Renly's straightforward response caught him off guard, but luckily he had prepared well and quickly regained his composure.

"That's exactly my point. There's no information about your works or your past experiences. Of course, there are more details people are curious about. For example, we know you're British, but where exactly is your hometown? Do you have mixed heritage? Your childhood experiences, your adult life, your hair color, eye color, and so on."

Hearing this, Renly laughed. It was absurd yet amusing. "Are you saying people actually care about these details? I thought America was a country of immigrants, and Hollywood embraces actors from all over the world. Nobody cares about these trivial matters. Besides, I'm an actor, not a football player."

Gavin sensed the sarcasm in Renly's words but remained calm. "You don't know? Recently, you've been quite a sensation. Discussions about you on Yahoo Communities haven't stopped. But so far, there's very little information about you. People are actively sharing their thoughts, and the questions I just mentioned are what everyone is talking about."

Renly pursed his lips and nodded slightly but didn't intend to answer. He believed those minute details were unimportant; he had no plans of becoming a model.

After Gavin's lengthy explanation, the room fell into a sudden silence, making Gavin increasingly nervous. He wiped the sweat from his hands and glanced at his prepared question list. "So, if you were to audition, how would you introduce yourself?"

"Good morning, my name is Renly Hall. I'm twenty years old, and today I'm auditioning for the role of Paul Conroy. I have prepared a performance. Can we start now?"

Gavin was momentarily at a loss for words after hearing Renly's response. Renly's self-introduction was impeccable, leaving Gavin unsure how to continue. Seeing the smile on Renly's face, Gavin couldn't help but laugh as well. Clearly, if the interview continued in its original format, the entire session would be wasted.

Thinking quickly, Gavin abandoned his planned questions and set the list aside. "From 'The Pacific' to 'Buried,' your performances have garnered much praise. Many people speculate that you have a traditional classical training. Is that correct?"

Finally, a well-thought-out question. "Yes, I graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where I completed a full two-year program." Renly answered confidently without modesty. "During my studies, I interned in the West End for about six months. After graduating, I moved to New York and explored Off-Broadway until I landed the role in 'The Pacific.' So yes, I do have a traditional classical background."

"West End? Off-Broadway? It's uncommon for someone your age to immerse themselves in stage acting." Gavin was surprised.

It's well-known that most British actors hone their craft in theater, but many young actors get distracted by Hollywood's allure. Renly choosing New York over Los Angeles was intriguing.

"Initially, it was a part of my academy's training. But standing on stage and performing, the feeling is very special. Unconsciously, you merge with your character and truly feel the charm of acting." Renly's face lit up with enthusiasm. "After filming 'The Pacific,' I returned to New York and continued working Off-Broadway, feeling very fulfilled."

"You had over six months of gap between 'The Pacific' and 'Buried.' Were you performing Off-Broadway during that time?" Gavin was genuinely surprised. Despite working with top stars in 'The Pacific,' Renly returned to Off-Broadway, showing remarkable humility. "So, what plays did you participate in? Any notable works?"

"No, no." Renly smiled brightly, shaking his head. "I participated in a few experimental pieces, including one produced by Columbia University students. These aren't well-known, and you won't find them online."

No wonder. That explained why no one could dig up more information.

"I vividly remember a performance in a semi-basement. It could only hold about thirty people, and on that day, there were maybe a dozen in the audience. Our cast outnumbered them. Eventually, the actors without roles sat among the audience, pretending to be spectators and applauding."

Renly chuckled at the memory, while Gavin was dumbfounded. "But those performances were unique because the audience wasn't the typical Broadway crowd; they were genuine theater enthusiasts or people just passing time. Their reactions were immediate, and you could feel their emotions during the performance... ha." Renly laughed lightly, seeing Gavin's puzzled expression. "At one point, I walked off the stage and invited the audience to join us. That day's performance was truly memorable."

Gavin was astounded. Renly seemed like a traditional, disciplined gentleman with a touch of British restraint, completely unconnected to Off-Broadway and underground theaters. However, Renly's roles showed a boldness and ambition in challenging himself.

"I can't picture that scene, but I can imagine your joy and excitement." Gavin marveled. "Over the past months, you must have found it hard to adjust. Suddenly, you're in the spotlight, a huge change from your previous life."

"Honestly, before Toronto, I didn't fully grasp it," Renly admitted. "I could still go out normally, freely visit places, and only occasionally get recognized, though people couldn't name me. Overall, it felt manageable."

Gavin shrugged, seeing Renly's calm demeanor. "I don't know about the rest, but for media reporters, it's been quite lively. There are at least thirty journalists waiting to interview you. I'm the first today."

"I guess the Emmy Awards carry some weight." Renly's joke made Gavin laugh, leading smoothly into the next question.

"Since winning the Emmy, you've been a constant topic of discussion. Some online even speculate you have a strong background in the entertainment industry, like Emma Roberts." Gavin finally broached a gossip topic, feeling a bit excited, reminiscent of his first interview.

"Haha." Renly's first reaction was laughter. After a thoughtful pause, he chuckled again, "I've been crossing my fingers for that day to come, but it seems I'm not that lucky."

"But after the Emmy, why did you perform on the street? Many believe it was staged." Gavin's question grew sharper, revealing his edge.

"If they think so, that's their choice." Renly unexpectedly didn't argue but responded calmly. "Though I can't see how performing on the street and uploading the video to YouTube benefits my acting career; but... entertaining people is an honor."

Renly's forthright attitude left Gavin momentarily speechless. Thinking quickly, Gavin asked directly, "So you're saying your family has no ties to the entertainment industry?"

"And if they did, what of it?" Renly didn't evade but instead countered, leaving Gavin stumped once again.