Anthony reprises ‘Glee’ role
Photo courtesy of Rock Anthony
ROCK ANTHONY, aka Rock Boynton — formerly of Presque Isle — completed his first film recently, entitled “Walbob’s.” This not only marked Anthony’s first feature film but he also was the lead character, Anferny Fertado. Here, Anthony calls the last take on the film.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Quickly becoming a ‘rock star’ of sorts, Rock Anthony — aka Rock Boynton — continues his climb to fame, recently completing filming the lead in an independent movie, “Walbob’s,” and reprising his role of Rick “The Stick” Nelson on several upcoming episodes of the Fox TV series “Glee.”
It’s no surprise Anthony was selected earlier this year as one of the Bangor Daily News top 12 picks for “newsmakers to watch in 2012.” In December, the rising star signed on to star in his first feature film. He spent several weeks over the winter filming the movie, which takes place in a drugstore called Walbob’s. The movie’s Facebook page describes it as “a coming-of-age story about a lazy ex-football player named Anferny Fertado.”
“‘Walbob’s’ is an awesome new feature film that I am starring in — which still feels weird to say. But I’m ready!” said Anthony in an e-mail interview.
The actor said he was ready for the challenge.
“The process for this film was completely different from TV. Television is very quick-moving, like a whirlwind. Before you know it, it’s over. But film is a lot of meetings and preparation and rehearsals,” he said. “I’m literally in every scene of the film, so there is a lot of prep involved — lines, stunts, chemistry, etc.”
The role involves a lot of physical activity too.
“There are lots of stunts in this film, so I had to get in shape,” said Anthony.
The movie took about three weeks to shoot.
“It’s been an exciting few months for me. We wrapped up filming on ‘Walbob’s’ on March 4. It was an amazing experience,” he said, noting, “I never thought in my first movie I’d be the main character.”
Although it required a great deal of time and energy, he said he enjoyed it.
“It was a lot of long hours and a lot of stunts, but I loved every second of it. The plan is for the film to be out later this year,” Anthony said.
The former Presque Isle High School student, who still has family in the area, has been busy of late, returning to the set of “Glee” for three upcoming episodes.
“I’m extremely excited about ‘Glee.’ They just keep making my role bigger and bigger. I’ve filmed episode 19, with my biggest episode to date, 20, following. I’m so excited for you all to see it,” said Anthony.
Earlier this month, Anthony received word he would also appear in episode 21.
“I found out I’m also going to be in episode 21 as well. It’s so amazing and surreal to be doing what I’m doing,” he said.
Anthony expressed pleasure at the way his life is turning out.
“I am very happy with the progression of my career. The plans for after I wrap on ‘Glee’ in a month is to hopefully go into another starring role in a feature film,” said Anthony. “There is so much in the works, it’s hard to even begin to tell.”
Anthony promised to keep folks back home in the County up to date on his activities.
“I want all my County people and other Mainers to be informed. I really appreciate the constant and continued support of all my Maine fans — be they friends, family or complete strangers,” said Anthony.
Be sure to mark your calendar to watch Anthony on “Glee.” Episode 19 is slated to air on Tuesday, May 8, with episodes 20 and 21 being a special two-hour show on May 15.
“As always, people can follow me on Twitter @TheRockAnthony. I try to answer every fan question I can on there,” said Anthony. “Hopefully it’s only up from here!”
