Interviews
Nice Boys Exclusive Interview: John Reardon from Hudson & Rex
Our Nice Boy of the Week is John Reardon.
John hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia and got his acting break in 2001. He has appeared in sci-fi shows like The Twilight Zone, Andromeda, Tru Calling, Painkiller Jane, Eureka, Supernatural and Continuum.
TV movie fans will recognize him from the Hallmark movies Love on the Sidelines and I’ll Be Home for Christmas. He has also appeared in episodes of Hellcats and When Calls the Heart.
One of his earlier works was starring in the mini-series Merlin’s Apprentice that also starred his future wife Meghan Ory (of Once Upon a Time and Chesapeake Shores fame).
Currently, John is the star of the popular Canadian drama Hudson & Rex, which is in its 4th season up North. For U.S. viewers the show is airing its second season on UPtv’s streaming service UP Faith and Family.
Hudson & Rex focuses on Detective Charlie Hudson, a Major Crimes detective of the fictional St. John’s Police Department. He is partnered with Rex, a multi-scent trained German Shepherd with an excellent ear for unique sounds. Hudson grew up reading mystery novels and as a result always wanted to be a police detective. He is partnered with Rex after Rex’s K9 human partner, Constable Grace Lindsay, was killed pursuing a kidnapper and Rex was scheduled to be euthanized. Rex’s keen nose and ears are instrumental in helping Detective Hudson advance the investigations in each episode.
The show also stars Kevin Hanchard (Orphan Black), Mayko Nguyen (Killjoys and ReGenesis) and Justin Kelly (Wynona Earp and Degrassi: The Next Generation).
Here is our exclusive interview with John Reardon:
What drew you to the role of Detective Charlie Hudson in Hudson & Rex?
I had just finished working on a project called Bloodhounds where I played a private investigator, so the detective world felt like a natural evolution. I also grew up reading mystery novels under my bed covers with a flashlight. So an opportunity to solve mysteries every week sounded like a great prospect.
What is it like to work alongside a dog? Is this the first time you’ve worked with an animal in your acting career?
I love working with animals. I’ve been an advocate for animal rights my whole adulthood. Before I went to theater school, I studied biology with the thought I may become a vet. So, working with the dogs on the show has fulfilled some of my dreams from childhood. I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of animals over my career. My best friend on one show was a pig! I have also worked with wolves, snakes, a Great Dane, and a polar bear.
You’ve appeared in a number of sci-fi based TV shows and a few romantic movies. Do you have a genre preference?
I do love sci-fi. Years ago, I had the opportunity to work on Tron Legacy where the technology that was used truly demonstrated the complexity of the worlds we can now create on film. But I’m not sure I have a favorite genre. I enjoy the variety of living in a lot a different worlds.
You and your wife, Meghan Ory, appeared in the mini-series Merlin’s Apprentice before you were married. Would you both consider doing a movie together or perhaps maybe you can guest star in her series Chesapeake Shores?
Yes, we have been looking for the right project to do together for awhile now. It has been tricky because we have 3 kids and one of us always watches them while the other is working. But we are going to find a way to make it happen soon.
NOTE: Chesapeake Shores will air its 6th and final season on the Hallmark Channel on August 14 at 8 PM.
Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on someday?
I would love to do a historical epic somewhere on location — a project where I don’t have to be too put together but can be dirty and scruffy. Maybe a return to the medieval Europe time period.
If you hadn’t become an actor, what would you be doing instead?
I’m not sure anybody would hire me in another profession, but I think I would have ended up doing something in the healthcare field, either as a doctor or a vet.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a teacher or mentor?
Don’t be a jerk. It applies to everything and is always good to remember.
Do you have any hidden talents or skills that your fans would be surprised to learn about?
I cannot get enough of books on tape. Right now I’m fascinated by anything related to Greek or Roman mythology. I also love science documentaries. I could waste days online going down a rabbit hole of physics and space documentaries.
Can you talk about your most memorable fan interaction?
When I was a kid I had a favorite baseball player who I met by pure coincidence at an airport. My brother and I ran through security to get his autograph but security stopped us. He then came back through the gate to meet with us and sign autographs. I remember that moment so vividly today. I recently had a similar situation when I was about to hop on a plane and spent some time with a family who had young kids who loved the show. It felt very full circle.
Is there an organization or charity which you support?
Currently our production is working with the local St John’s Newfoundland SPCA to help them raise money for a new facility. I also support several ocean conservation charities that focus on cleaning projects and wildlife preservation.
The second season of Hudson & Rex is currently available on the streaming service UP Faith & Family with a new episode airing each Thursday. You can also watch season 1 on the streaming service as well.
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