Actor Kyle Bornheimer chatted about “Avenue 5” on HBO and “High School” on Amazon’s Freevee.
He is married to Disney president Shannon Ryan. He returned to HBO with “Avenue 5” as the husband in space hell with his wife who he loves/hates played by long-time friend Jessica St Clair.
He also plays the caring and clueless dad of the ’90s in the Tegan and Sara-inspired show “High School” on Amazon’s Freevee. Kyle shows the nuance of someone who doesn’t fully understand the identity crisis the ladies are going through but portrays a stepfather who wants to learn because he cares.
What was it like to be a part of “Avenue 5” on HBO?
I jumped at the chance to be a part of “Avenue 5” because I’ve been a huge fan of Armando Iannucci’s work for a long time and because I’d be getting a chance to work in a large ensemble with some of the funniest people on the planet.
The way Armando works with that ensemble – extensive, free-reeling rehearsals in the weeks before production, builds a wonderful community spirit and is just plain fun.
Can you tell us about your experience in the Amazon show “High School”?
My experience in “High School” has been one of the most rewarding of my career. From reading Tegan and Sara’s memoir to the script read-throughs, to production – I just continually found myself invested in the lives and journeys of these people and characters, falling deeper in love with the project every day.
What inspires you each day as an actor?
Acting inspires me to slow down and observe things in my life. I like taking note of things – the way I react to something or a bit of behavior I observe in someone – knowing one day it might be helpful to apply to a character or scene or some piece of work I’m doing.
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
I feel very fortunate to be an actor in this era. There’s more work to go around than ever and a ton of talented, diverse storytellers blazing a fresh new path in movies and television. And I think it’s going to get even more dynamic and exciting over the next decade.
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?
Everyone’s journey is different, so it can be hard to give advice sometimes. For me, once I knew I loved doing this, I just couldn’t get enough of it. I loved taking acting classes, being in short films, going to every movie that was out, watching a lot of tv, reading, going to plays, being in plays, making stuff with my friends, living and breathing the life of an actor and artist. That’s the craft side of it.
On the career side, early on I was content taking things one step at a time. All I wanted to do was get a commercial agent. From there I could get an opportunity for a first audition. From there an opportunity for a first job. Then I could just keep building from there.
What do your plans for the future include?
Season two of “High School” and Season three of “Avenue 5” hopefully!
What does the word success mean to you?
Success means something different for everyone. I’m not sure I can add anything that hasn’t already been said. I did hear a bit of advice in my 30s that I wish I would have heard earlier and that may be helpful to some: “Work smarter not harder”.
What would you like to say to your fans about “Avenue 5” and “High School”?
There’s an even more satirical edge to “Avenue 5” this year that I found very on-point as well as hilarious. The storyline and themes mirror the madness of our political times – how easily cults can rise and misinformation can spread.
The vibe of “High School” – its visual language and its soundtrack – contains these wonderful echoes of the 90’s independent spirit that drove a great deal of music, movies, and culture in the era. The ’90s were exciting – there was a renewed sense of bucking the mainstream, almost like a second wave of the 60’s counterculture.
“High School” captures that sense beautifully, while also showing how far we still had to go as a society in the 90s. And how far we still have to go, especially in combatting how backward and close-minded society can still be.
To learn more about actor Kyle Bornheimer, follow him on Twitter.
