out. When working on TV, you don’t have as much time to prepare for a role. When you book a guest star you have about a week to prepare, as TV moves very fast. Typically it takes ten days to film an episode of an hour show. Films usually take from three weeks to three months, depending on the scale and budget of the film. LDM: Chad, our readers just have to know how you earned the nickname Dr. Badass. CL: We have Erik Kripke and the amazing writers of Supernatural to thank for that. My character in the show was named Ash—basically a mullet wearing, beer drinking, computer geek, demon hunter. He had a secret lair that he did all of his business in. No one was allowed inside but him. On the door to Ash’s lair, there is a wooden sign that says, “Dr. Badass is in.” Dr. Badass stuck, and is now a household name in the Supernatural fandom world. It’s also what a lot of fans on Twitter call me. It’s fun. Dr. Badass is always in.
in Los Angeles. I would tell any actor to watch this movie and then ask yourself if it’s still for you: mybigbreakmovie.com LDM: Out of your great body of work, what are two of your favorite roles you feel you were at your best? CL: I would say my role in I Spit on Your Grave. It was by far one of the most amazing creative experiences of my career. One of my other favorite roles is when I played a deaf transvestite in The Velocity of Gary. I did a killer lip synch to Patsy Cline’s “Walking after Midnight.” I also look good in a dress, I might add.
LDM: On top of all your movie and television roles, you are also a paranormal investigator. How did you get involved in ghost chasing? CL: I’ve always had a huge passion for the paranormal my whole life. I’ve been a huge fan, and have a major respect for the Ghost Adventures. I was very fortunate to become friends with the guys and they had me on their show as a guest investigator on the “Return to Linda Vista” episode. The experience was life changing, and I’ve been investigating seriously over the past few years, going to extremely haunted locations. I’ve gotten to meet so many people in the paranormal community, and it’s changed my life. It’s become a huge part of who I am.
GHOST HUNTING IS SOME SERIOUS BUSINESS ON GHOST ADVENTURES
LDM: Chad, you appeared in a very interesting film called Rise of the Zombies, filmed in Alcatraz. This was such a cool but eerie concept about being on an island with zombies and nowhere to run. And for a paranormal investigator, it must have been a double treat considering Alcatraz has been known to be one of the most haunted places in the USA. Can you tell us about the movie, and any experiences or weird happenings you may have run into there? CL: It was such a fun movie to film. It was my second time working with director and friend Nick Lyon. We first worked together on a movie years ago called Punk Love. He called me up and asked me if I wanted to kill some zombies in a film. Of course I do! A little movie magic here for ya—we actually filmed ROZ in Los Angeles. They just made it look like Alcatraz. LDM: What sort of advice would you offer to actors, such as yourself, who are young and want to break into the tough business of movies and television? Are there any do’s or don’ts you can offer the rookie trying to get a break? CL: Only get into the business if it’s who you are and you love acting and performing 110 percent. This business is tough. You have to be in it for the long haul. Being in the business 20 years still has its challenges. It can be a harrowing process at times, but extremely rewarding as well. I’ve been very lucky to have been able to work as I have and recognized for it. Bottom line is you have to believe in yourself and work very hard. I was in a documentary called My Big Break. Anyone who is looking to get into acting and move to LA needs to see this film. It’s a real look at what it’s really like to be an actor
IN RISE OF THE ZOMBIES
LDM: Chad, it’s been our pleasure at Living Dead Magazine to talk to you, and we all wish you the very best for the future in acting and in your paranormal activities and investigations. Do you have any projects or events you would like our readers to know about in closing? CL: Thanks so much for the amazing interview. I’m very proud to announce I’ve just been cast in Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story. It’s a music biopic about The Allman Brothers and their life. I’m playing the legendary “Red Dog.” Joseph “Red Dog” Campbell was one of the roadies for The Allman Brothers. He was the band’s roadie for 32 years. I’m honored to play him. And I am also honored to be featured in Living Dead Magazine. I appreciate you having me and I look forward to coming back soon. LIVINGDEADMAGAZINE.COM
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