Actor Tom Parnell chatted about starring in “Last Tour Home,” which was directed by Baylee Toney.
The film, co-written by Toney and Myles Clohessy, comes out on February 3rd on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Filming experience
On shooting this new film, Parnell remarked, “It was an amazing experience filming ‘Last Tour Home.’ The area in and around Medford, Oregon is picturesque. The rogue river ran directly behind the home we filmed in.”
“The cast was incredible,” he exclaimed. “Their talent inspired me to give more to my character. I never had as much fun on a shoot as I did on this one.”
Playing Willie in ‘Last Tour Home’
On playing Willie, he shared, “Willie had a great sense of humor and made everyone laugh. He remained upbeat and optimistic despite being paralyzed. He could also be a badass when he needed to be. I miss Willie.”
Working with Baylee Toney and Myles Clohessy
On working with Baylee and Myles, Parnell stated, “They are both accomplished directors and actors. They are professional, focused and driven.”
“Baylee allowed me to improvise in many scenes. She was not shackled to the script and encouraged me to explore the depth of Willie,” he noted.
Lessons learned from the ‘Last Tour Home’ screenplay
On the lessons learned from the “Last Tour Home” screenplay, he reflected, “First, it taught me to be grateful to be able to walk. It also showed me how much I could still accomplish and impact others even with a disability.”
“Mostly, it opened my eyes to the discrimination against native Americans. I had no idea during my life about this discrimination,” he noted.
“After watching ‘Alaska Daily’ and ‘True Detective’ I began to learn about the MMIW crisis. That is what really attracted me to this project,” he added.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, Parnell stated, “I have only been acting for approximately 15 years. It was digital when I got started.”
“I do love the ability to self tape auditions. That opens up many more opportunities. The platforms for streaming gives indie filmmakers the ability to get their films out to so many more people,” he elaborated.
Future plans
On his future plans, he shared, “I plan to write and act for as many years as I have left. It has become my passion.”
“I am an attorney by trade and don’t plan on giving that up any time soon. That financial freedom has opened the door for many projects that I otherwise would have missed,” he elaborated.
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, he said, “I have been approached by many young actors about my ‘methods’ to reach such emotional levels.”
“I tell them all that I can do that because I have lived a long full life,” he noted.
“I have had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I can draw on that when I need to. I tell them to experience everything life has to offer. Acting classes won’t hurt either,” he said with a sweet laugh.
Closing thoughts on ‘Last Tour Home’
For fans and viewers, he remarked about “Last Tour Home,” “I would want them to learn about the discrimination against native Americans.”
“It’s been going on since our ancestors landed on these shores and continues to some degree. It’s also about family and friendship,” he acknowledged.
“The relationship Willie has with his granddaughter was special. There is a reckoning but it’s a film about love, hope and family,” he concluded.
