Meet Bobby Cole. He is a talented Toronto actor who is part of Max Agencys roster!
Bobby who has Ukrainian roots, has been in various job positions over the years, including being a talent scout and manager for 5 years! Every time he starts a new job, he rushes back to the entertainment industry because that is where he feels the most alive.
How did you get into acting?
“As a child, I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment business. I just had to figure out the first steps and I havent looked back since. Halfway through my 3rd semester in College, I decided to get a background agent and the snowball started rolling. Soon after, I joined the Second City Training Centre for beginner classes and by the time I finished my 5th class, I was already auditioning for their conservatory class.
I went to business school prior to Second City so I had zero knowledge of improv but I did get casted for the one year program, so that was a very surreal feeling. I loved every second of it. Who knows, maybe Ill give it another shot for the Conservatory Program. I highly recommend any one who is starting off in this business to start at Second City. For me it was the perfect platform to find my place in this ever growing business. “
Any memorable moments from set?
“My most memorable role with Max Agency has been the role of HERB ABRAMS in THE DARK SIDE OF THE RING series. COCAINE and COWBOY BOOTS is the name of the episode. It was a very intense few days on set. I dont remember much of being on set and I live vicariously through what Im told.
I lived through similar situations as the character did in real life, so I instantly went in to that mindset and ran with it. About a month ago, I filmed another episode for the same show, playing a totally different character, and the crew was calling me Herb when they realized it was me. Its a feeling that really grounds you and reassures you that youve done the job they hired you for and to continue growing as an actor.”
Bobby shares, “When I read a script for the role of any character, I try to look at the similarities between the character and me. I look for phrases or even bad habits that we share, or shared, together. I think thats why I morphed into Herb Abrams so well, Ive lived some of the things he has. I instantly forget the crew or the camera and I just focus on the take. I let it flow as its supposed to and if it doesnt, we do it again.”
Bobby took a break from the business for a while, so he is now hungry for more! He would love to play the role of a psycho whom his audience will remember for a long time, the character who has the grossest death in a horror, an action lead, or a role in a cheeky romcom. The more versatile the role, the better!
What is the best advice that you have received about getting in the industry?
“The best advice I got when I started in this industry was from a colleague who once told me, “EVERY MOVE, A PICTURE”, interpret it as you wish. My advice to anyone is “WHEN YOU THINK YOURE AT YOUR WEAKEST, YOURE ACTUALLY AT YOUR STRONGEST. BECAUSE YOU KEEP PUSHING FORWARD. I say this to anyone who needs to hear it, regardless if its on set or in real life, it gives people and yourself that extra push to keep going.”
Bobbys experience with Max Agency
3. Tell yourself encouraging words. An effective mental hack is to convince yourself that you can accomplish that daunting task.