The Tomorrow People’s Mark Pellegrino Talks Jedikiah Price

By: Robert Prentice
the tomorrow people
Photographer: Manfred Baumann

Photographer: Manfred Baumann

The Tomorrow People started in the 70s as a British Science Fiction show. In the early 90s a remake was attempted but failed after only a few episodes. This more recent attempt by CW to renew the show is risky for them. A similar concept show on Syfy called Alphas was cancelled after a short run, but The Tomorrow People has something they didn’t: Mark Pellegrino.

As a fan of the original series, I have been very exicted to see what the CW did with the series and so far I am enjoying it. Mark Pellegrino is a huge part of the reason why. When the show first made its appearance in 1973 the first villain to scare children was a man by the name of Jedikiah.

We had a chance to ask Mark about his role as Jedikiah and what he thinks about a character who is clearly not a nice guy. We are still early in the season for The Tomorrow People but we have already seen that there is a lot more to Jedikiah than we know.

 

 

 

All Tomorrow’s Parties

What attracted you to the role of Jedikiah Price?

“When you act you’re lucky if you get to play people who are much bolder than you at the game of life. People who may not be right in their goals or in their execution, but who always go full tilt for what they want. That kind of commitment fascinates me. Jedikiah has that in spades. He is utterly committed to his end and seems willing to do anything to achieve it. The thing is we’re not entirely sure what his ends are. (Attraction number two) On the surface they can be summed up as ‘the protection of the human race.’ That’s noble. I think anyone would say that. His means are sometimes quite harsh (understandable when the health and welfare of humanity is resting on your shoulders)…but there is something circulating underneath the surface of his motives that I am intensely interested in exploring. That human element that animates us all at a very basic level. Is it envy? The desire for revenge? Love? No matter how lofty our ambitions and sophisticated our philosophical arguments become, in the end it’s all personal. And I want to know what that personal stuff is that makes Jedikiah tick.”

 All Tomorrow’s Parties

You play the bad guy very well, do you enjoy playing that role or would you like to explore roles where you play the good guy?

“Leave aside for the moment that I never play a bad guy.”

“Unless the character is aware of his badness, then he is simply perusing what he wants in the way he thinks best. That means as an actor I have to get on the character’s side by justifying his actions. Paul (in Dexter) was a man trying to right his past wrongs and reunite his family. Lucifer (Supernatural) wanted revenge for being betrayed and, in essence, sacrificed for something unworthy. Giff (We Gotta Get Out of This Place) was ripped off and teaching some foolish and ungrateful kids who’s boss. Jedikiah is protecting the human race.”

“These character’s aren’t bad (save for Giff’s sadism :/ ) per se, but they are definitely antagonistic to the main character’s values. And I like that. The antagonist drives the story and tests the metal of the main character. Without the passion and drive of the antagonist the main character would probably never discover his heroic nature. Pretty great. That said, I also have played a ‘good’ guy (most notably Jacob in Lost) and would love to try some more.”

Watching the series I can see and feel some throw backs to the 1972 original series. How much influence has the 1972 series, that this is based on, had on both your character and the story?

“I’m not sure. I never saw the show, so for me personally there is no influence. I know Greg was a big fan and Jedikiah was one of the first villains to really creep him out as a kid…so I’m sure some elements have survived in the written spirit of the character. How could they not. Ha.”

All Tomorrow’s Parties

Jedikiah seems to protect Stephen (perhaps because of his father), will we learn more about what happen between Jedikiah and his brother?  (Stephen’s father)

“Indeed you will.”

Do you prefer science fiction as a genre to act in over fantasy? What is your favorite genre?

“Genre is only style to me. As long as the story is good I don’t care what genre it’s in.”

“I have to say my favorite genre is horror…but not slasher horror…great story horror. Now it could be that I feel that way because I used to watch horror movies with my mom every Saturday night and that ritual spilled over to my friends and that I associate horror movies with fun and camaraderie. Who knows. I only know that there’s nothing like a good scare along with a good story.  The Exorcist? Come on. Scary AND thought provoking. A story about faith and the depth of a mother’s love. The Shining? Who isn’t intrigued by Jack’s descent into madness. Rosemary’s Baby? Any actor would love it (Not just because Cassavetes is in it) I mean, hello, an actor sells out his wife for fame. It’s Shakespearian.”

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Will you be making any guest appearances back on Being Human or Supernatural?

“Yes on Being Human. Already shot one episode and in the midst of shooting another. Supernatural? Not yet, but I would love to.”

Any other tidbits you can share with us about the rest of the season?

“There’s more to Jedikiah than meets the eye. I think he makes a tough first impression, but he’s going to grow on you, so stay tuned… :-)”

Special thanks to Mr. Pellegrino for talking with us about The Tomorrow People. Be sure to follow him on twitter @MarkRPellegrino and don’t miss next weeks episode “All Tomorrow’s Parties”.

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