Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Flash’s Hartley Sawyer

Hartley Sawyer quickly became a fan favorite when he first appeared as Ralph Dibny a.k.a. Elongated Man on The Flash. So, when he was promoted to series regular in season five, it came as no surprise. The talented actor has stretched and transformed his character from the quick-witted and reluctant hero to an integral member of Team Flash.

Pop Culturalist spoke with Hartley about Ralph’s development, where he’d like to see his character go in season six, and the importance of giving back.

The Flash Questions

PC: Ralph has made quite the transformation since he was first introduced in season four. Who or what has played the biggest role in his growth?
Hartley: It’s been a natural progression for the character. In a lot of ways, when we met Ralph in season four, he had regressed due to the challenges with losing his job and identity. The relationship with Barry in season four played the biggest role in his growth, for sure. We planned to start him in more of a “man-boy” place so he could develop as his role in Team Flash progressed.

PC: In season five, Ralph has developed deeper relationships with everyone in Team Flash. Which is your favorite to explore and why?
Hartley: It’s very tough to pick a favorite. I’m a huge fan of Ralph and Caitlin’s friendship—there’s a clear bond there. That one is fun for me to explore on the acting side, given that I have known Danielle since before I was cast on the show. Tom’s Sherloque character is also extremely fun to interact with. It’s just always fun to play make believe with your friends. We’ve put a lot of time into Ralph and Cisco’s friendship; what I love about that one is working with Carlos—we have very similar senses of humor. The characters of Ralph and Cisco are more similar than they are different, in my view. Both go to humor as a defense and both back up their families no matter what.

PC: One of the major storylines this season is the meta-cure, which has the team divided. Where does Ralph stand?
Hartley: Ralph is for choice. He feels every meta-human should have a choice in the matter. For Ralph personally, I think it’s unlikely he would ever take the cure, at least not for quite some time. He was meant to support and stand with the heroes of Central City and keep them safe, and would want to continue having his meta abilities to do so. He’s just warming up.

PC: When you’re adapting a character from a beloved comic book series, how challenging is it to make him your own while staying faithful to the source material?
Hartley: When we kicked it all off in season four, I decided not to think about that, because it becomes too overwhelming. As an actor, you have to make choices that feel right and natural to you as well as play off the relationships you have with the other characters. This is even more important when coming into season four of a successful and established show. It’s a combination of doing your own thing while making it fit into the thing (the world of Flash) that they have already established. Early on, I felt like I “got” Ralph and understood him. I know what it’s like to be down and out and feel like you have no path—and then recognize in yourself that you can be more through helping other people.

PC: Now that The Flash has been renewed for season six, what are you the most excited to explore with your character?
Hartley: We delved into the detective aspect of Ralph Dibny in season five. That’s quite possibly my favorite attribute of the character, and in reality, may be his true superpower. I very much look forward to continuing that exploration.

Career Questions

PC: When did you discover your passion for acting and realize you wanted to pursue it professionally?
Hartley: I discovered the sheer joy and rush of performing in high school. It was later in high school that I decided to pursue it professionally, but college came first.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Hartley: Find an area of your passions and interests where you can give back. Even when I was working multiple jobs to pay bills and not working as an actor, I still made time to volunteer at the South L.A. Animal Shelter. Find a way to be of service—it will save you in ways that nothing else can.

PC: What’s been the biggest challenge for you as an actor?
Hartley: I would say that choosing to pursue this line of work in this very volatile industry has pushed me to go deeper into examining the type of person that I want to be. I don’t mean that as an actor, I mean that as a person—a boyfriend, a brother, a son, a dog dad, and so on. That has been a tremendous challenge at times. If one allows it to, playing make believe for a living and the pursuit of that will be a brilliant mirror to reflect on who you want to be and who you ought to be.

PC: When you look back at your career, is there a moment that stands out to you?
Hartley: It’s hard to pick one. It’s been a real ride so far, lots of ups and downs. I’m very lucky, though. The thing is, there are always more moments coming— don’t forget to enjoy them while they’re happening. They will be a memory one day.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Hartley: Great British Baking Show, but no guilt whatsoever. My girlfriend and I have seen it all.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Hartley: I don’t have anything I feel guilty about watching, so I don’t know!

PC: Favorite book?
Hartley: No idea. I generally read non-fiction. I’m reading Farmageddon right now and very highly recommend it. People should read more non-fiction. Demian by Herman Hesse is one of my favorites in fiction…and Jurassic Park—that’s an amazing book.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Hartley: Sam Shepard is my favorite playwright.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Hartley: Philip Glass would probably surprise people…and there’s a little bit of Slayer in there too.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Hartley: I think it was Longmire. I watched every episode.

PC: Hidden talent?
Hartley: Well, it wouldn’t be hidden if I told you, would it? [laughs]

To keep up with Hartley, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch The Flash Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

Photo Credit: Storm Santos