Pop-Culturalist.com

Photo Credit: Ben Esner Photography

Breaking into the entertainment industry seemed like an impossible dream for Kazy Tauginas. As a young boy, he fell in love with film and television and fantasized about one day starring in them. But it wasn’t until much later in life when he found himself at a crossroads did he make the decision to follow his heart and pursue his passion. Since then, he’s appeared in hit programs and films including John Wick, Blindspot, and Person of Interest. This summer, he’ll star alongside Denzel Washington in the blockbuster event of the summer, The Equalizer 2. We spoke with Kazy about the role, how he prepared to play an antagonist, and what he learned from working with Denzel.

The Equalizer 2 Questions

PC: Tell us about The Equalizer 2, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Kazy: In The Equalizer 2, we find that Denzel’s character, Robert McCall, has been aiding the beaten, exploited, and oppressed. In a way, he’s become a superhero without a cape. When his dangerous past comes back to haunt him, he will need all of his skills to settle the score. This time, he must come face-to-face with highly trained assassins who will stop at nothing to destroy him. I play one of those highly trained assassins, Ari. To be honest, I feel like I won the actor lottery with Equalizer 2. I auditioned for the project in mid-September 2017 via self-tape, which is a popular/efficient way to audition nowadays. A week later, I got the call from my manager that I was cast and flying out the next day. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me.

PC: How much of Kazy is in Ari?
Kazy: I feel as an actor I bring myself to every character I play. When playing an antagonist, you just allow yourself to go to those dark places. When walking in the streets, we have laws and morals that keep us from crossing the line, although at times we think to ourselves, “Why, I outta…” for whatever reason. Ari is a guy who crossed that line and is never coming back.

PC: How familiar were you with the first film and the 80’s television series? How did you prepare to step into Ari’s shoes?
Kazy: I was just a young lad in the 80’s and the only thing I was allowed to watch on TV was G.I. Joe and Transformers so I wasn’t even aware that there was a TV version until I started seeing trailers for the first Equalizer film. When I saw the first film, I absolutely loved it. I remember thinking to myself, “I wish I was in this!” This role required a certain level of technical/military expertise that I had to drill with the stunt team. So, it did take a lot of learning on my part. If I look like I know what I’m doing, it’s all because of Mick Gould, Jeff Dashnaw, and Francis Smith. They all put up with my questions and non-stop rehearsal requests. [laughs]

PC: What was the collaboration like on set working with Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington?
Kazy: A dream come true. I think both of them have incredible bodies of work. I was just honored to be there. Antoine is a genius. I don’t know any other way to put it. His direction is clear. He’s just so great to work with. I’ve been a huge fan of Antoine’s work since The Replacement Killers. For Denzel, I can trace watching him back to Glory. He’s a master of his craft. I admire his focus and intensity. He just makes it look so easy. I felt the entire shoot was just a huge learning experience and I enjoyed every second of it.

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures

Career Questions

PC: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in acting?
Kazy: I always had an affinity for film. I’ve been an avid movie watcher since I was young. Throughout my life, I always felt I wanted to get involved, but growing up in Chicago and then going to school in Delaware, the idea of getting into that industry seemed impossible. It would periodically tap me on the shoulder, especially during my last semester of college when I took a theatre class. Eventually, there was a reconciliation that occurred when I had to close down my 24-hour diner. That event forced me into a fork in the road. It came down to either “going the safe route” or going after my dream. I chose the latter and haven’t looked back.

PC: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being a part of this industry?
Kazy: The industry is subjective. You have to take control of as many aspects of your career as you can and validate yourself.

PC: What is your dream role?
Kazy: James Bond.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Kazy: Batman: The Animated Series

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Kazy: Three O’Clock High

PC: Favorite book?
Kazy: Dracula

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Kazy: Chicago

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Kazy: Eddie Money

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Kazy: Stranger Things season 2

PC: Hidden talent?
Kazy: I can touch my nose with my tongue.

Make sure to follow Kazy on Twitter and Instagram, and check out The Equalizer 2 when it hits theaters on July 20th.