Cryptic Rock – You have been involved in entertainment for some time now. Starring in a plethora of different films, television series, as well as working as a stand-up Comedian… how would you describe your journey to this point?
David Koechner – How many words do I get? (Laughs) Fun, workmen like, never-ending, fortunately, great, blessed… all of those things. I guess another word would be determined.
I moved to Chicago in ’86, I was a Poli Sci major, I always wanted to be an actor, but I grew up in Missouri and I didn’t have any access… I never met an actor before in my life. I decided, alright, I’m just going to move to Chicago and take some classes. The moment I made that decision I knew that you have to decide now if you’re going to make it.
Cryptic Rock – That perseverance has obviously paid off, because you had a lengthy career and been a part of a lot of cool projects. Now you have this new film Dotty & Soul. How did this come about for you?
David Koechner -I was asked to read the script and meet with the director. I thought we had a great meeting and they certainly put together an amazing cast, so that drew me to it. It’s always fun to work with a new director; it turned out we were working with a new director, writer, and star… how about that. (Laughs)
Adam (Saunders) was wearing quite a few hats; it was quite amazing. And it was not an easy environment, given that we had three years to finish the film. We started in March of 2020 right as the pandemic began, so we had to shut down, and I don’t know how many months it was before we came back. Then, we were on hold again! It took quite a while, it was quite an odyssey just getting to make the film; that’s as much the story of this film as anything else, I think.
I was grateful to work with all those people. I had worked with Margot Bingham before, I had not met Gary Owen (but I appreciated his work), and just to work with Leslie Uggams was a treat.
Cryptic Rock – The film has a great cast and it is exciting that it came together after all the roadblocks. A Comedy, the film has a good message as well, and that is not to judge people on the surface. Comedy has many faces, and you have done different types of comedy. Do you enjoy that?
David Koechner – Well, I love to work. I’ve got five kids, I’ll always work, and I’m always looking for an opportunity. I always say, every time you get on stage you get strong… so every time you make a movie you get stronger. That’s the way I look at it, so if you get another opportunity, it’s just a blessing.
Cryptic Rock – Absolutely. For you, which type of Comedies do you enjoy most?
David Koechner – Good ones! (Laughs)
Cryptic Rock – (Laughs) Those are the best. As you spoke of, this is a very diverse cast. What was it like working with this group?
David Koechner – To work with Gary for the first time was a treat; finding those rhythms was delightful. Margot and I didn’t have any scenes together, but we got to hang out, so to me that’s like doing a scene. She made me dinner for my birthday one year… that’s how many years this thing took! (Laughs) It is always delightful to see Margot.
Also, to get to work with Leslie, to pick her brain and hear the stories of her journey was worth everything to me.
Cryptic Rock – It sounds like it was a positive experience. Dotty & Soul is fun, plus it is very relevant to the social climate of today.
David Koechner – Yes, it is. It would be interesting if it wasn’t relevant, but it is. All those things make it worthwhile to do.
No comment