FILM & CULTURE SEPTEMBER 2024
HIGH OCTANE AND HARD-HITTING
Photos RETO STERCHI
From hanging out of speeding vehicles in high-stakes chases to portraying complex villains in The Lost Symbol and Little Dixie, Beau Knapp’s career has been a rollercoaster of intense and varied roles. Known for his impressive physique and gripping performances, Beau brings a fresh intensity to the final season of SEAL Team as Chief Petty Officer, Drew Franklin, whose turbulent past shakes up the Bravo Team. Drew Franklin’s erratic behavior and smooth-talking persona create a dynamic force that challenges his team and captivates viewers. With a keen eye for accuracy and the guidance of military consultants, Beau ensures that Franklin’s portrayal is both compelling and true to the high-octane world of Navy SEALs, bringing new energy and intrigue to the series. As Franklin wrestles with his past and his role within the team, Beau delves deep into the character’s internal and external battles, offering a portrayal that is as layered as it is gripping.
David Gargiulo __ You've played some seriously tough characters on screen. What's the most action-packed day you've ever had on set?
Beau Knapp __ Without giving away too much, there was one day on the set of SEAL Team that stands out. Sonny Quinn, played by AJ Buckley, and I were in a high-speed chase, and our mission was to stop the other vehicle at all costs. As we're flying down the highway, side by side with another vehicle and being shot at, I decided to hang out of the window and stick a small explosive device to it. Boom! Vehicle disabled, and the rest is history. And, of course, any time we got to fly in a Black Hawk helicopter with our legs dangling out of the open doors—it doesn’t get much better than that!
DG __ If you could create your own action hero, what superpower or skill would he have?
BK __ I’m not sure what kind of superpower I’d want or what kind of hero I’d like to be. There are just too many real-life heroes I'd rather portray than fictional ones. But if I had to choose, I’d probably go with Ghost Rider. I've loved that comic since I was a kid.
DG __ From the intense boxing scenes in Southpaw to the villainous roles in Death Wish, which of your characters would win in a fight?
BK __ That’s a difficult one; if I had to choose, it would be a tie between Cuco from John Swab’s Little Dixie and Mal'akh from NBC’s The Lost Symbol. They’re very different characters, but both possess similar sinister qualities - vicious human beings without a drop of empathy for anyone or anything. They just want to watch the world burn, and that’s what makes them so dangerous.
DG __ You mentioned being inspired by watching Christian Bale and Jeremy Davies on set. What's one piece of advice from another actor that you've carried with you throughout your career?
BK __ I’d have to say the single greatest piece of advice I’ve ever received in times of doubt and insecurity was given to me by my wife, Lucy Knapp, “Look hot and say words.” It’s simple, and I love it.
DG __ You are in the final season of SEAL Team. How accurately does the show portray Navy SEALs and their missions? Are there any notable consultants or experts involved?
BK __ I think that’s a big part of why the show is so compelling and has such a large fan base. The production team puts so much time into making sure everything portrayed by the actors is accurate. We have several veterans working with us – Ryan Sangster, who serves as an exceptional military advisor, Justin Melnick, who is both an actor and a technical consultant, and Tyler Grey, who contributes as an actor, writer, director, and advisor, and whose experience overseas has brought quality and understanding to the show.
“The single greatest piece of advice I’ve ever received in times of doubt and insecurity was given to me by my wife.”
— BEAU KNAPP
DG __ What drew you to the role you play in SEAL Team and how did you prepare for it?
BK __ I’ve been a huge fan of this show for years, and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing David Boreanaz, Neil Brown Jr., and Max Thieriot for even longer. When the opportunity to play Drew came up, I really fought for it. Drew and I share many similar qualities, and we both have life experiences that have shaped us—both the best and the worst parts.
DG __ How has working on SEAL Team impacted your perspective on military life or on the real-life heroes the show represents?
BK __ I’ve always had so much respect for our armed forces, the everyday heroes who rarely get the praises they deserve. Men and women in this country and abroad sacrifice their lives every day so that we may be free – protecting this country, we hold so dearly. It's been an honor to work alongside our veterans. I hope that Drew’s story connects with those who have served and those still fighting their battles back home.
DG __ Behind every tough character is a strong sense of humor. What's the funniest thing that's happened to you on set?
BK __ I can’t think of one incident, but every day on the set of SEAL Team was a good time. A lot of the boys liked to improvise, and we’d all crack up after they said “cut.”
DG __ Growing up in LA, did you always envision yourself becoming an actor, or did you have any other dreams as a kid?
BK __ I’m sure at some point in my teens, I wanted to be a boxer or professional hockey player, but for the most part, acting is all I know. At 19, I started grinding it out in acting classes across southern California. I got my first job at 21 in JJ Abrams’ Super 8 and haven’t looked back since.
DG __ Your roles often require intense physical training. What's the most surprising or unexpected workout routine you've had to follow for a film?
BK __ I’ve always loved creating the physical components for each character - whether it was losing 20 pounds for Mosquito State or putting on a ton of muscle for SEAL Team. I enjoy the process. It makes me feel like I’ve earned it in some strange way.
DG __ If you could star alongside any actor in an epic action film, who would it be and why?
BK __ I’ve had the privilege of working with so many of my heroes, including Russell Crowe, Tom Hardy, Nicole Kidman, Bruce Willis, Ethan Hawke, and Michael Shannon! But if I had to choose, I’d have to say Nicolas Cage. The man is a legend. I’ve always respected his work ethic and would love to have that experience.
Photography Reto Sterchi, Interview David Gargiulo, Talent Beau Knapp, Public Relation The Forward Group.