Actor Chuck Wagner: 100% Tough Guy ? (This is a sneak preview of the full article to be published in Style-ology Magazine, September, 2008) Q-Style-ology Magazine: Where did you get the nickname “Ace”? A-Chuck Wagner: Well, It's really "Big Ace" because my son Jason was, "Lil Ace".  In the past, people always called me when they were in trouble or in need of a “win”.  I was kind of the “go-to-guy”; maybe because I talk to A LOT of people. I have had others nicknames; “Charlie” seems to be where I'm at now. Q-SM: Where are you from? A-Chuck Wagner: Born in Chicago at Englewood Hospital....September 22.....The last day of summer. The Day I was born the Sky turned "Hellfire Red".  (hee hee, just a lil’ joke at Jimi Hendrix expense.) (Voodoo Child) Q-SM: One of your interviews mentions that you were “born in the murder capital of the U.S.”…How do you feel about that? A-Chuck Wagner: Well, it looks like you did your homework!  That statement reflects the era and neighborhood where I spent my youth. At one time, Englewood WAS the Murder Capital of the USA....as was Maywood and Gary, Indiana also were.  Gangs are prevalent and it’s a way of life, with almost no way out.   Because of this, I created a Charity called: S.O.N.G.Z.  It’s for inner city youth.  II want to teach them that the real world doesn’t operate like "the Block. I'm interested in a ton of other charities...but I fix what I see........I haven’t been to Africa yet.  One of my “Bluegrass Run” music collaborators is in Africa right now. Her name is PINQY RINGZ. She’s a talented new artist that Trinity Angels Productions will definitely promote. I want to help people that have a bigger purpose than their own Greed. I KNOW when (not if), PINQY makes it, she will be helping the needy-not just herself, which is why she’s in Africa right now. Q-SM: You mentioned “Bluegrass Run” and “Trinity Angels Productions”…what can you tell us about this? A-Chuck Wagner:  Trinity Angels Productions is my production company.  "Bluegrass Run" is the project we’re working on right now.  Bluegrass is the story of an ex-mob-guy’s run from indictment in Chicago.  He meets a girl On-line (a horse trainer) and decides to hide out in Kentucky. When he gets there, he’s shocked to find out, she’s a wealthy Kentucky Derby horse owner and her father is running for Governor of the state.   They fall in love and "Papa” wants him out.  As you can imagine there are many twists and turns.  I don’t want to give anything away so let’s just say it’s a story of redemption and love and new beginnings.... (A lil’ Angel  told me so).  Ha Ha  Q-SM: Are you a Martial Artist? Are you good with any particular weapons? A-Chuck Wagner:   Yes, I was classically trained in Hapkido...but I had a desire to learn all types of Arts.  (A Little Person wouldn’t wrestle a 300 lbs. man now would he?) Jeet Kune Do, Aikido, Gracie Jujitsu, Boxing, Fencing...and my favorite...Wing Chun.  That is a Chinese Kung Fu developed by a Shaolin Nun. It focuses on close "In fighting" and trapping hands -also finger strikes to eyes and tender areas. IT IS NOT Karate!!!  I LOVE the MMA now.  I have had HUNDREDS of street fights in my life OFTEN with Multiple opponents.  Ultimate fighting is just like that. "It’s not the size of the dog in the fight...it’s the size of the fight in the dog" Weapons?  Well, my father was a policeman and I started at the range when I was 8 years old. I like the Bo (staff)...and have skills with dual Nunchucks at to different tempos. At my age, I feel my biggest weapon is logic-fighting without fighting as they say. Q-SM: What was the first job you ever had? You were also a Firefighter, how did this come about? A-Chuck Wagner: My first job was as a paper boy. As for firefighting, well, the firefighter test was coming around and I knew the pay and benefits were what my family needed. I had NEVER been in a firehouse or had any childhood fascination with being one. With no practice, little study and a hangover (ignorance of youth), I finished 241 out of 40,000. I was in the first class at the Academy. I almost became class President, but finished 2nd to a Paramedic.  That was okay with me…seems my whole life I have been very comfortable in 2nd place.  (I guess I’m always waiting for first to make a mistake) hee hee Q-SM: When did you decide you wanted to be an actor? A-Chuck Wagner: Kevin Casey is the HUGE firefighter from “Back Draft” and he suggested it to me.  He is also in "Mo Money" as a bad guy...my first Acting Job. I got on the elevator scene (with "Stacey Dash" from "Clueless") I have always been more of a story teller and interested in writing. At that time, I already had written things. The more I act, the more involved I get. It’s a tragedy about Heath Ledger, but I can see how absorbed you can get in “Dark” roles and the TOLL it takes on you. The mind is an amazing thing......but I believe you can get lost in it. Q-SM: How did you feel when you got your first acting job? A-Chuck Wagner: I had a scene the very moment I stepped on the set....so I thought, “WOW, this is easy. I'm going to be a Star!”    12 years later I'm still chasing it. This IS a business and should always be treated as such. It takes hard work and relentless determination to keep going; (especially when they tell you "you suck") Casting directors pull no punches. This profession has no place for the weak! Q-SM: Do you enjoy acting in the theater, television, or on film? A-Chuck Wagner: Honestly Film is so prestigious, but I really love TV.  It’s a faster pace. Maybe 3-5 takes. I have A.D.D. +D.D.D, so I get bored easy! HA! Don’t get me wrong I LOVE FILM too...One is sprints and one is Marathon-and I love to RUN! Q-SM: What was the first movie you ever acted in? A-Chuck Wagner: "Mo Money" with Damon Wayans and Stacey Dash.....and of course, Kevin Casey. I was in an “extra” role but I was a “Featured Extra”, which meant no one else was in the scene with me.  I was hooked. Q-SM: Some say your muscular physique and build make you quite intimidating…how do you stay in shape? Are you a 100% tough guy or do you have a soft side? A-Chuck Wagner: I have used it as a “tool” in the past, but not so much any more.  Staying in shape and training is a way of life for me…just like breathing. I have trained my whole life. I raced Pro Motocross...then started weights and then added the Martial Arts to the mix. I have trained for OVER 30 years. In that time I’ve only taken off one solid month on three occasions.   Just recently, though, I have taken some time off for a film. I need to be a little smaller. I GREW like CRAZY!!! Go figure...hee hee Oh and yes, I’m an absolutely a softy. My girlfriend, Bobbe, calls me a "Weeper". I have a troubled past and I’m so grateful…it’s hard not to be.   I'm not going to “Bible thump” here, but my life changed when I did. The HATE that I carried in my heart is gone…and I know who did it.   I thank Him daily.  Besides, it’s kind of nice to see how the other half lives......I've learned SO much. Q-SM: So…you can DANCE? How did this come about? A-Chuck Wagner: Well, some might call it dancing...hee hee!  I am in a growth process. In "Bluegrass Run”, I’ll be dancing with the leading lady, her Grandmother and her daughter. The good news is that I can slow dance really well... It's the RUMP-Shakin’ that might look a little ridiculous on me! hee hee Q-SM: Do you have a favorite actor that inspired you through your career? A-Chuck Wagner: I have a lot of influences in all different ways. Like martial arts and religion, I don’t feel any one style is ONLY correct method, so I study them all.  Robin Williams is brilliant.  One of my other favorites is John Wayne.  He wasn’t the most handsome or the most talented actor ever, but he is still iconic because he had "Juice", A.K.A:  “The IT factor”.  People loved him ‘cause he had flaws and was REAL. Q-SM: What actors have you enjoyed working with? A-Chuck Wagner: Damon Wayans, Stacey Dash. Dolly Parton, George Clooney, Clancy Brown, Denis Quaid, Mike Starr, Armand Asanti, the great Frank Vincent, Macaulay Culkin, Marlon Wayans, Patrick Swayze, Dominic Capone, R. Kelly, DMX, Stacy Keach, Mark Harmon, Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller , Rockmond Dunbar.   I’ve just gotten a deal memo for a picture to play opposite "Paul Sorvino" as a Russian Mob guy. That is 3 actors I’ve worked with in the past year that were from the movie "Good Fellas" I'm still waiting on Pesci and DeNiro!!!!! Haaaaaaa Q-SM: Do you critique your performance when you watch movies you have acted in? A-Chuck Wagner: I have problem watching because I’m my own worst critic....but sometimes I’m pleased. I do use a camera for rehearsal so that I can get a feel for who I’m portraying and his body language. Q-SM: What do you do for leisure when you are not working on a TV or film project? A-Chuck Wagner: I spend time with my family. Go to the lake or river. I raise Praying Mantis’...I know, weird right?  I started that with my oldest son, Jason. We would go to Chicago’s "China Town" and I would take Wing Chun classes and Spar...then watch the Chinese men gamble on bug fights...I fell in love with them. (I DON’T fight them.) Each has a distinct personality and will respond to you. They dance and clean themselves.  They ARE very interesting creatures.   Am I a NERD!  HA! I'm also interested in having a clothing line that represents the streets, but still stylish. Ed Hardy has done a wonderful job on that. I'd like to have something a little more affordable but still really Crazy BAD.  I have a few friends in the Fashion industry now and I'm trying to get some knowledge from my mentors. Mikel Kilgour is a designer/artist who's been really cool to me. He has dressed so many celebrities and is just a total artist. I do believe he had his clothing worn by my Inspiration for Freedom...Tupac Shakur. Q-SM: What other TV and Film projects are you involved in? A-Chuck Wagner:  I have SO many right now. “Brave New World”, which will probably be released in 2010 and "Bluegrass Run", which I wrote and Jason Epperson from Spielberg’s "On the Lot” is considering for Direction.   The project closest to my heart is a true story about Cancer and poison water, based on the life of a man named, Bruce Brummel.  I met him earlier this year. When we met, he asked me what I did, I told him, “I make movies”.  He said, "They told me you would be coming".  What he meant was that he’d been told someone would come to help spread the word. I helped form a team of people that are helping change the laws and to try to win a law suit against Bruce’s former employer (a giant corporation).  Linda Chappa LaVia is the State Representative who is doing SO much to bring this to publics attention.   This is a story similar to "Erin Brochavitch" but on a much larger scale.  This is GLOBAL.  We need to get the word out on this problem.  I am leading the way to make a Documentary and a Feature Film to spark a change. It’s been a long road, but we will continue to fight for these people. Google "Bruce Brummel Bad Water" and see the facts to help save YOUR family. "No one's Exempt". Q-SM: Your fans may be interested to know if there is any one “special” in your life A-Chuck Wagner: Yes....I have an ANGEL in my life and we are trying to find the right time to marry. They say when you meet "the ONE" you will know- It’s true. The things in my life I’m not capable of understanding...she does and vice versa....Now enough of this “girl-talk”.  How am I supposed to play MOB GUYS if ya keep askin’ me girly questions?  How bout I ask you YOU some questions?!  Hee hee All photos © Mark Lee, www.greatexposures.net Find Chuck Wagner on Imdb!