Where Are They Now? Myke Holmes

Myke Holmes, attending 'The Staircase' TV show premiere at MoMA in New York in May 2022,

courtesy of imdb.com

Nerds, Nuts, and Ne’er-do-wells.

That is the way Watauga County native and film/television actor Myke Holmes labels himself on his website. Holmes has a down-toearth way of describing his look as well as his work. Most recently, High Country residents will recognize him as “Bill” in the widespread Harris-Teeter gas campaign, “Fill like Bill.”

An interview with this talented actor was refreshing because it was sprinkled with humor, good-natured stories, and rock solid family values.

As far back as high school, Myke identified his desire to be an actor. And as a member of a state-winning theatre troupe, he got to taste the art form he wanted to pursue. Having the strength and conviction to not accept the certainty of an Air Force scholarship, he completed his college career as a theatre major at the film-friendly University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNC-W).

From his first television appearance as Sammy C. Hawk, the UNC-W mascot, at the 2003 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament to his role as Duane Deaver on the HBO Max series, THE STAIRCASE, Holmes has enjoyed his character roles as “nerds, nuts, and ne’erdo-wells.” He laughs as he admits, “There are many roles for emaciated and gaunt!” Unlike many actors, he never has to diet. He acknowledges having wonderful genes and maintains a consistent weight of 155 pounds spread over his 6’2” frame.

Throughout his professional journey he has embraced his “look” and advises young hopefuls in the business to do the same. He remembers a particular audition call when the actor had to wear workout clothes. At first he thought he would turn down the audition due to his slim build, admitting that in high school he was extremely self-conscious in shorts because of his bony knees. As an example of his emotional stability, professional savvy and self-confidence, he purchased extremely short shorts and took the audition committee by surprise with his unconventional look. He got the commercial. In the entertainment field, it is very unusual to find a professional actor who can say with conviction, “My superpower is my bony knees! They make me unique.”

Holmes enjoys characters he can sink his teeth into. He finds bad guys more interesting to play. How does a genuinely nice family guy play realistic bad guys? First, he earned an MFA in acting from Northern Illinois University and did postgraduate study at the world famous Moscow Art Theatre in Russia. But Holmes has a successful method he uses to realistically portray his most challenging roles by “finding myself in the role.” In other words, he looks for the universality of the character (“How is he like me?”) and builds on that. He “marries” the two—his life experiences and his character’s life—to achieve authenticity in his work. The success of his process is evident in the number of films and television shows he has listed on his impressive resume.

Further advice from this seasoned professional to young hopefuls is to “have thick skin.” He admits that his career has rolled out slowly and that he has learned life lessons in the process. Another valuable tip he offers to those auditioning: “Do not try to make friends with the audition committee. That is not helpful to those hiring.” He says to be professional and pleasant but to not engage them to make a good impression. Although he admits that the

By Trimella Chaney

Periodically, CML comes across young people from our region who have ventured beyond the High Country to accomplish great things in this world. In this issue, we introduce readers to Myke Holmes, a talented actor making a name for himself.

Myke Holmes as “Bill” in Harris Teeter’s “Fill Like Bill” commercials

acting business can “chew you up and spit you out,” he feels grateful for the people who have come into his life and very blessed to have a life beyond what he dreamed.

Another part of his blessed life is his supportive and loving family—not just his extended family here in the mountains, but his wife, Lindsey, twin eight-year-old daughters, and a six-year-old son. Holmes puts a priority on family time and his “shooting schedule” reflects this.

Holmes’ professional work, his talent, and his training eventually attracted his alma mater, which resulted in a call from UNC-W to teach acting. Returning to Wilmington was not a difficult choice for Holmes and his family. However, he admits to missing the beautiful mountains and the fresh cool air of the High Country. “I’m just not a sand person! Eventually I will be returning to the mountains.”

But in the meantime, there are certainly many more nerds, nuts, and ne’er-do-well characters in his future for his fans to enjoy.

Learn more about Myke Holmes’ work at www.mykeholmes.com.

Ms. Trimella Chaney is a veteran theatre arts teacher and founder of the Theatre Arts Department at Watauga High School. She currently teaches at Appalachian State University in the Department of Theatre and Dance, and is a local community theatre director.

Photos:

Myke Holmes, attending ‘The Staircase’ TV show premiere at MoMA in New York in May 2022, courtesy of imdb.com Myke Holmes as “Bill” in Harris Teeter’s “Fill Like Bill” commercials