Complex character draws ‘Longmire’ star
Robert Taylor is more than halfway through filming the third season of the A&E series “Longmire.” While the role of Wyoming lawman Walt Longmire was one Taylor knew, from the moment he read the script, he had to play, he’s never allowed himself to be content with the way he’s playing the role.
“I was comfortable with the character from the get-go, but I have never allowed myself to relax. You have to do every moment like it’s the first time you’ve ever done it,” Taylor said. “Some of the physicality of the character is like putting on an old coat – the way he walks, the way he stands. What I have to concentrate on is all of the emotional stuff.”
The reason this series has tested his acting skills are the complicated story lines. And it only gets more complicated in season three.
In Monday’s opener, Longmire dealt with a series of major traumas: his best friend, Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), was headed to prison on murder charges; Deputy Branch Connally (Bailey Chase) had been shot; and Vic Moretti (Katee Sackhoff) was dealing with a menace from her past. It all unfolded on top of all the other mysteries that exist in the small, isolated community.
The series – based on the “Walt Longmire Mystery” novels by Craig Johnson – is so rich in story and characters, Taylor has to keep a record of what’s going on with his and all of the other roles.
Just because the series is based on a series of books doesn’t help. Taylor read the first two books when he started the series and realized there were enough differences that he shouldn’t continue to read the novels. When the series ends, Taylor plans to read all of the books in the series.
The Aussie’s first role was in 1989 in the Australian television soap “Home and Away.” Since then he’s worked in numerous TV and film projects such as “The Feds,” “Vertical Limit,” “The Matrix” and “Storm Warning.”
He’s not proud of some of his other work. But “Longmire” is special.
The character comes across as restrained, with a lot going on under the surface. He’s the latest in the dark and brooding heroes who have become so popular on cable. In its second season, “Longmire” averaged 3.7 million total viewers with the season finale episode delivering a season high of 4.4 million total viewers. The show continues as A&E’s No. 1 original drama series of all time in total viewers.
Taylor’s not sure how long this trend will last, but he’s enjoying being part of it because of the smart writing and strong cast.
“I don’t think there’s a weak link in the cast. It’s always a joy to get to see what the other actors are going to do,” Taylor said. “For all of us, it’s not about trying to act but to be in the moment and to respond to what’s going on.”