‘The Bondsman’ Star Jolene Purdy on the Secret to Going Toe-to-Toe With Kevin Bacon: ‘I Am in Control’

In “The Bondsman” on Prime Video, Kevin Bacon portrays demon hunter Hub Halloran, but it’s Midge Kusatsu, played by an undisclosed actor, who truly holds the reins. Jolene Purdy’s character, a strict bureaucrat, experiences a life-altering revelation when she uncovers a dark conspiracy from the underworld.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’ll share my insights on how I delve into the psyche of Midge, a character I portray with passion and precision. From asserting my authority over Bacon to channeling her character’s heartrending grief during a poignant revelation towards the end of the series, I immerse myself in the depths of her emotions to bring Midge to life on screen.

Work the vocal cords

We frequently belt out tunes in the car together, and she’s aware of the songs I sing to maintain my vocal range. Moreover, I occasionally visit a vocal instructor to ensure that my voice continues to develop, since it evolves with age.

Escape the real world with a good song

When I’m on set and the day is tough or I’m feeling down, there’s nothing like blasting Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” This tune serves as my personal “Shake It Off,” helping me break free from a gloomy mindset, whether it’s about the work or just the day in general. It lifts my spirits and allows me to let go, focusing entirely on embodying the character I’m portraying.

Be emotionally present

When I’m on set, I prefer not to anticipate my emotions too much. If I know the day will be challenging, we can listen to music in the makeup trailer. However, once I put on my costume, I quickly shift into character mode and start thinking, ‘It’s time to get into character for the performance.’ In this scenario, I’m playing a mother whose child is battling cancer and struggling financially to provide treatment. I ponder, ‘How am I coping with this situation?’ By not dwelling on sadness for extended periods, it becomes easier for me to tap into those emotions because I haven’t depleted them yet.

Get a midday buzz

As a film enthusiast, I always find myself reaching for a energizing drink post-lunch while on set. It’s my way of ensuring I return with the same vigor and zest I departed with.

Engage with your scene partner

Given that everyone is familiar with Kevin’s work, I understood their expectations clearly. Instead of matching his intensity head-on, I found it intriguing to approach the task gently, rather than asserting dominance. However, make no mistake, I was very much in control.

Come prepared and magic can happen

I meticulously develop my character, considering twenty distinct paths it could take. I delight in being guided and shaping the character, even if it means making mistakes along the way. Sometimes, these errors lead us to discover the correct path by taking a risk. The most powerful tool you have is the ability to make mistakes.

Find a ritual to decompress after a long day

After a tiresome day, I slip into my comfortable, stretchy attire, opt for flat footwear, and decide to forego makeup. I treat myself to takeout, spend some solitary time in silence, and then, with a renewed sense of self, I emerge, recharged, ready to face the world once again.

Look to the classics for guidance

I distinctly recall receiving Uta Hagen’s ‘Respect for Acting’ as a secret Santa gift from an experienced actor. It truly opened my eyes and resonated with me deeply.

Find inspiration in the world around you

Observing others is my most powerful acting asset, as it allows me to step into another person’s perspective. Without experiencing life and gathering diverse insights, how can I infuse richness and authenticity into the characters I portray?

2025-05-30 21:17