Brian Gilleece is continuing to make his mark across some of television’s most recognisable productions, most recently appearing in a recurring role as Iain in Season 2 of Apple TV’s acclaimed neo-noir drama ‘Sugar’ alongside Colin Farrell and Laura Donnelly. The actor and filmmaker has already built an impressive résumé spanning major networks and streaming platforms, with credits including HBO’s ‘Westworld’, CBS’ ‘Matlock’ opposite Kathy Bates, FX’s ‘Mayans M.C.’, Netflix’s ‘Hollywood’ and the feature film ‘Echo Base’.
Throughout his career, Gilleece has had the opportunity to work alongside an array of celebrated performers including Colin Farrell, Kathy Bates, Aaron Paul, Evan Rachel Wood, Dylan McDermott, Darren Criss and Jim Parsons, while also collaborating with leading filmmakers and creatives across film, television and advertising. Earlier in his career, he worked closely with director Derek Cianfrance while stunt and fitness doubling PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy for Nike’s award-winning ‘Enjoy the Chase’ campaign.
Following the recent Season 2 finale of ‘Sugar’, Gilleece reflects on watching Farrell work at close range, an unexpected connection between Farrell and Kathy Bates, the impact of the show’s original storytelling and what he learned from the experience. He also discusses his passion for hockey, an unscripted project he is currently developing, the type of television role he would love to take on next and the reality of returning to auditions after every major job.
Brian, can you tell us a little about your experience working on Season 2 of Apple TV’s ‘Sugar’?
It was incredible. Also, I’m certainly working my way through Ireland’s finest here, having worked with Rory McIlroy a few times on the commercial side of things and now Colin and Laura. It’s pretty surreal. Obviously, growing up watching these actors who are in some of my favorite films and TV shows, and then getting to watch them play up close is the best “acting class” anyone can have. I honestly am so grateful. There are fewer and fewer opportunities to work on original material that is specifically created for the screen first. And the fact that this series not only shot here in LA, but it’s a neo-noir and pays direct homage to the incredible films and filmmakers of that era, is really a dream gig.
What did you take away from working with Colin Farrell, and do you have a fun story from the set?
My goal is to always leave each job having learned something new about the craft, and this certainly planted some seeds for me in terms of things I’d like to improve in my own performances. To see something like his transformation in ‘The Penguin’, and then to be on set with him embodying a character that is just as distinct and fully formed, is a privilege. I auditioned for the role on ‘Matlock’ opposite Kathy Bates in between episodes of ‘Sugar’. I got the call from my agent and manager while I was on set for ‘Sugar’, and Colin saw my face when I was on the phone and asked what had happened. So I said, “I’m going to do this ‘Matlock’ episode with Kathy,” and he just instantly said, “Oh, I love Kathy, that’s amazing. We worked on a movie together 20 years ago. She’s the best. Please tell her I said hello.” Which definitely helped with my nerves getting to meet her for the first time at the table read later that week. After the read for ‘Matlock’, I went over to Kathy for the first time and said, “I hear you worked with Colin Farrell. I’m actually shooting ‘Sugar’ this week as well.”
Kathy instantly said, “Oh, I love Colin. I worked with him on a film 20 years ago! He’s such a sweetheart. Tell him I said hello.” So yeah, it felt pretty cool to be playing telephone for two of my acting heroes.
How did you feel about the finale of the series, and what has the audience response been like?
I just remember being there to shoot that final scene and trying to piece together what was going on and how it would get constructed. But of course, that final sequence in the mansion came out even cooler than it felt on the day to shoot. But that’s sort of par for the course with the show, and that’s sort of why Sam is Sam. He’s so good at what he does, elevating what’s on the page. Also, I have to say — without too much of a spoiler — Laura’s moment at the end there is just another lesson in great acting and not telegraphing anything about your next move. I have rewatched it a couple of times. I know the show as a whole has been very well received. I don’t know if folks are quite as shocked as last season’s ending, but I also think some of the themes in this season are exactly why we need more original storytelling.
Which other projects are you currently working on?
As most people know, I’m a HUGE hockey fan. I still skate 3–4 times a week and absolutely love the game. Recently, there has been such growth in the popularity of the sport itself and also in seeing it on screen. Even having it be the sport that the main character in ‘Inside Out 2’ played was so fun for me to see, knowing how much the sport has grown — especially for women too. I’m developing an unscripted show set in that arena, which I am super excited about. I don’t want to give too much away, but it builds on a concept that a buddy and I explored during the pandemic and really amplifies it in a new way.
What’s a dream role you would love to play?
Honestly, that’s a really challenging question because you don’t know what you don’t know. There could be some fantastic writer out there right now sketching up a character that ends up being perfect for me that I would never have thought about. But if you’re asking in terms of what type of job, I’ve always said it: I think a regular on a network soap is one of the best jobs in Hollywood. Just the frequency — getting to play a character day in and day out, 3–4 days a week consistently? Sign me up! Also, I have a knack for absorbing a lot of material quickly, so frankly, it looks like a lot of fun. So ‘GH’, ‘Days’, ‘Y&R’, I’m here if ya need me. If we’re talking film, anything Tom Cruise is doing looks like a ball to be involved in, and I really loved ‘The Rip’ too. That high-octane storytelling that people like Joe Carnahan, Joseph Kosinski, Gina Prince-Bythewood and David Leitch are carrying the torch for are the kinds of stories that made me want to be an actor in the first place. I mean, who doesn’t watch ‘Con Air’ or ‘Speed’ when it just happens to be on in your hotel room?
What should audiences look out for from you next?
I’m back to auditioning, and as a working actor, that’s the gig. I remember seeing Kevin Bacon talk about that years ago, that after every job you’re now an “out-of-work actor.” It was really crystallizing to hear from someone like him, and a great reminder that getting the next gig is always going to be part of the career. It really helped with my mindset. And this is the part the audience doesn’t see, right? Getting in front of new people who don’t know your work yet, reintroducing yourself to those who do. Finding producers, directors and casting professionals telling the stories you also want to tell, and then showing them what you bring to the table and believing there will eventually be a crossover between what you do well and what they are looking for at any particular time.