“In Search Of Heroes” interview of Ted Raimi, by Nathan Turner, was amazing. Ted’s answers were inspirational. He joked about getting his head blown off in the movie.
In his new movie, “Angel Of Death” Ted laughed about getting his head blown clean off his shoulders. For the few short moments he was in the film, he created a memorable character.
Ted Raimi is perhaps best known for his roles as Lieutenant Tim O;Neill in “SeaQuest DSV” and “Joxer in the Mighty” in “Xena Warrior Princess” and “Hercules, The Legendary Journeys.”
Ted’s brother Sam Raimi, who directed the movie “Spiderman’, was also the director for “Xena” and “Hercules.” Ted has appeared in so many movies and TV programs, it would be impossible to list all his credits.
Nathan Turner: Hello. We’re at the Comic-Con and we are talking with Ted Raimi. Ted, tell the people a little bit about yourself. Don’t be shy.
Ted Raimi: I won’t be shy. I am an actor, a writer and director. I’ve been in about 65 movies. I’ve done about 120 hours of television shows or hours. I get around in that regard.
Nathan Turner: Good. Good, Ted, a well seasoned actor. Tell us a little bit about your involvement on this specific project.
Ted Raimi: It’s called “Angel of Death.” I play a lawyer in this movie starring Zoe Bell who gets kidnapped by her character. I am a target of her hit, and my head gets blown off.
Nathan Turner: Sad but entertaining Ted. Always love heads being blown off. We have a couple of questions for you today. First one is, “What is your definition of a Hero?”
Ted Raimi: A Hero is somebody who stands with the moral conviction of their beliefs and no one else’s. What they know to be true they act upon. That is a true Hero.
Nathan Turner: Alright, good, good. Ted, why is heroism important for our children and society and such?
Ted Raimi: Because it’s very easy to believe in almost anything anybody throws at you. But it’s very, very hard to believe in things that you find important. This is a much more wired community than what it was when I was a kid. And because of that influence, peer influence was always a big deal, but now it’s almost an epidemic. So we now are not only influenced by 5 or 6 people but by 500 or 600 people. You have to have your personal moral bearings well set.
Nathan Turner: Very good. Ted who are the Heroes in your life?
Ted Raimi: Hero’s in my life? I’d say, I suppose, my parents I’d put number one. And number two I’d put each one. I think people who influenced me are my Heroes because they give you a kind of moral strength.
Ted Raimi: By that I don’t mean in a classic religious sense, though that could apply. I think probably I would say, not to be lofty or anything, but a guy like Michael Angelo, just for the body and how much he did. I’d say somebody maybe like Marshall Crenshaw, the musician, just because he’s so….everything he writes is amazing. How can every single thing be that good?
I also probably would put Stan Lee into there just because of his mind…that’s total heroic inspiration. I know that seems like an obvious one but really it’s true. I think that’s enough for now.
Nathan Turner: Final question here, Ted. Who do you think are the unsung heroes in today’s society, those you think don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Ted Raimi: You for one. You Captain. You are the one we look up to, mostly due to your height. But, if you’re walking down the street no one would notice you. They would say, “I don’t see this guy. He looks like another $17.95 Captain walking around and they wouldn’t notice. But, I think it’s important to know and think about guys like you too.
Nathan Turner: Ted Raimi. Everyone’s best friend!
Ted Raimi: Thank you very much, Captain. Good interview.