(An Interview with Robert Davi) A Man of Many Talents

AN INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT DAVI 

(A Man of Many Talents)

By Jerry Saravia

Back in the 1980's, there was one actor who stood out from the plethora of cinematic bad guys and villains - and that was Robert Davi. Davi played the corrupt FBI agent Big Johnson in "Die Hard"; the opera-singing goon in "The Goonies"; the Panamanian drug dealer, Frank Sanchez, one of the most dangerous Bond villains in history, in 1989's "Licence to Kill"; a straight gangster-type in "Cops and Robbersons" which also starred Chevy Chase and Dianne Wiest, amongst other villainous parts. He also played a sleazy owner of the Cheetah's club in the cultish good/bad movie of the 90's, the one and only "Showgirls." But he has shown range in other roles such as his directorial debut, "The Dukes," where he got the chance to sing doo-wop music and play one of the nicest and richest characters he has ever played on screen. Even as the villain du jour, Davi exudes magnetism, sensitivity and a lower-octave when he speaks - he doesn't overplay his roles or reach for the screaming and hollering heights of Robert De Niro or Joe Pesci at their most intensely volatile. Nowadays, aside from appearing in the recent film, "Kill the Irishman," Davi is on tour singing Sinatra songs and has a new upcoming album entitled, "Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance." I had the wonderful privilege to interview a man of, indeed, many talents.

1.) I guess it is fair to say that you've been typecast, to some degree, as a bad guy or a mob underworld-type (Lucky Luciano and Donnie Brasco, for starters). Has there been a role, aside from "The Dukes," that you wish you had been cast in, or something you desire to do someday that nobody else has attempted? 

Davi: While most may remember me as the "Bad Guy" --I have played a variety of roles -- Actually staying away from a lot of the typical Stereotypes--in "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" (1992) with Marlon Brando I played Martin Pinzon - for 4 and a half years on NBC's "Profiler," I was the male lead as FBI Profiler Bailey Malone. There are always roles I wish I had a shot at playing but I never look back -- and there are many different roles I would like to play --- I just scratched the surface - the Best is Yet to Come

2.) I understand you were trained early on as an opera singer. How did you damage your voice?

I was a Baritone with the heart of a Tenor at the time and just pushed too hard too early


3.) I confess, I don't love "Cops and Robbersons" but the scene where you interact with Chevy Chase over rolling a cigar was hysterical as hell. What is the Chevy Chase experience like, and was that scene improvised?

Chevy was great to work with -- and the director Michael Ritchie was a pleasure to work with -- we shaped the scene together and while a lot of times I have down a lot of Improv -- for the most part this scene was as written with a couple of ad libs. 

4.) I would say you have a knack for comedy as well, and I liked your comic timing in "The Dukes," "The Goonies" and "Cops and Robbersons." Have you auditioned or even been considered for a comic role aside from those?

Blake Edwards --in "Son Of the Pink Panther " with Roberto Benigni, but that was a straight offer -- and Blake was fantastic to work with --- I'm saddened I hadn't seen him before he passed just recently - I love Comedy and would like to do more but most do not know my natural affinity for it.

5.) What is your favorite role that you have played, and why?

Haven't done it yet.


6.) I must ask: how did you get the part in "Showgirls?" It is a campy, excessively silly film but I do honestly think you are the best thing in it. 

A meeting with the Director Paul Verhoeven - who I think is terrific!

7.) A friend of mine (thank you, Troy Foote) had a simple question he wanted me to ask you. The hat you wear in "The Goonies" - same hat you wear in "Maniac Cop 2"?

Not the same hat but close in Style --I am a fan of the 40 and 50s film noir ---It's called a Cavanagh hat --- I wore one in "Profiler" as well --- Hats are a Great Accessory--and are gaining in popularity again --- I worn them for 30 years --My Grandfather always wore one and i thought it was so cool


8.) You have worked with Bruce Campbell in "Maniac Cop 2." Goofy guy to work with? 


That wouldn't be the word I would use - he is bright and a very nice fellow


Finally, I love the film "The Dukes." I think you did a great job directing it and interjecting that business about a heist into a comic slice-of-life drama. It is funny, warm and an acutely dramatic film and it all fits. What was it like being in the director's chair, tougher than being in front of the camera?

Thank You - Someone once said "directing is like being pecked to death by ducks" - I loved directing -- the vision begins and ends with you -- so it is very satisfying --I have alway looked at films not just as an actor but from a directorial point of view working with some of the best in the business doesn't hurt -so I was ready --- also Surrounding yourself with talented people is imperative!!!!