Exclusive Interview — Solomon Trimble

Novel Novice Twilight is proud to present an exclusive interview with Solomon Trimble. You know him as the actor portraying Sam Uley in the Twilight movie. Now get to know him as a smart, funny and thoughtful person — with a lot of insight into the world and characters of Twilight, as well as life in general.

Interview by Sara.
(Photos by Amy Howe Photography. They have been posted here with permission. Please do not copy, use or repost without permission from Amy Howe Photography.)

You have a very interesting story about how you were cast in the Twilight movie. For anyone who doesn’t know, can you tell us about that briefly?
The short version is that I got an e-mail from Lana Veenker Casting for an unspecified role and I didn’t feel like I was the right fit for it. In the past, I had auditioned with Lana Veenker and gotten a role or two, though very small.  That day, I had already decided not to go to the casting call and to study for an exam instead.  My little brother wanted to go and had part of a script he’d gotten somewhere.  My brother was visiting from Washington so I felt a little sibling obligation (love) to take him down there to audition.  The casting call was for 15-19 year olds, and we all read from the script as the character Jacob. I wasn’t expecting to be cast because I was 23 at the time.  My brother read first and did “o.k.” he said.  I promised to read if we went so I gave it a shot.  I just went in and improvised a little with Cathrine Hardwicke, who at the time I thought was just the casting director not the director of the film.  Then some weeks later I was offered the role of Sam Uley.

 

Does your brother know yet? And if so, how did he take the news?
He knows, he gets upset every time I quote him as saying “I did o.k.” He took it like a champ. He is a very talented actor in my opinion, and he has so much going for him. I really don’t think he cares, that’s how cool my family is though. I’m sure he’ll be famous someday soon anyway.  He told me he is planning on starring in a movie with me where, and I quote, “I get to kill you”.

 

We know you had a “close encounter” with Stephenie when she was here in Portland for The Host signing. You’ve said you felt very star struck. If you get the chance to meet with her again, what would you say or ask her?
She was striking, to say the least.  If I had another chance to ask her a question, I would ask her if Sam blamed the vampires’ presence as the reason he didn’t get to go to college.  When thinking through the character, I decided Sam blames the Cullens for everything that happened in his love life, but I want to ask Stephanie if I can have her blessings on these few liberties I’ve taken. And how are Jacob, Seth and Leah stronger in the bloodline of the wolf than the others in the pack? I’m not implying incest, I just need clarification.

 

Here at Novel Novice Twilight, we focus on the importance of education and reading. What was your educational experience like growing up? Did you ever have a teacher who really made a difference?
In Portland I went to Sitton, Boise Elliot, and Metro Learning Center (MLC); the school that had the most impact was MLC. A teacher there named Larry Preston had a profound impact on my life and still to this day comes to my family celebrations.  Come to think of it, I read his book recommendations just as much as I remember doing his class work.  He was always supportive and very much into keeping students self-motivated.  Also at MLC was a math teacher named Holt that initiated my curiosity in math.  From Portland, I moved on to the Native American Preparatory School boarding school in Rowe, New Mexico; there, two teachers, Ms. McCutcheon and Ms. B, nurtured my love of math though I was never the brightest student. I do remember winning an award in Ms.B’s class for changing my grade from an F to a B- …. I also remember crying over a test in McCutcheon’s class … She let me retake it and I still failed! It was Ms. McCutcheon alone that inspired me to continue studying math in college. On the slim chance she’s reading this, “As bad as things have randomly been in my life, your words allowed me to keep faith in myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

 

You recently graduated from Portland State University. Go Viks! And congratulations. What are your plans now for the future? (Besides, of course, basking in the stardom that comes from being attached to the Twilight universe).
I currently have an internship in Portland‘s Emergency Management, it’s similar to FEMA.  Through this internship I hope to become qualified to establish Emergency Operations Centers on Native American reservations.  I am starting master’s classes at Portland State University in statistics at the end of September.  I am also traveling to reservations doing poetry workshops and tobacco cessation presentations on the weekends.  Right now I’m finishing up a film here in Portland called “7 Ravens” and just preparing for future roles in film. I still perform every Thursday night at the Ohm in Portland … Wow it doesn’t seem like that much to me, but writing it all out I felt as though I need a vacation. New Moon?

 

The popularity of Twilight has kind of exploded over the last few months, especially with the anticipation for Breaking Dawn and the filming of the movie. How has this experience been for you, watching the fandom suddenly take center stage? How have you handled this sudden celebrity status?
I was aware of the huge online fan base of Twilight before I started filming.  My sister in law and all her friends were big fanosaurs, way before I was cast.  Because of her, I knew quotes from the books a few years before I read them i.e. “Stupid shiny Volvo owner.” It’s been surreal watching that fandom grow to epic proportions over the last few months, but I think the fans are awesome. Having a huge fan base can be a tricky situation because they have the ability to be the catalyst for a new star’s career, but on the flip side it can be rough on a personal level to a regular dude. I found it hard in the beginning to ignore letters that say things like, “you’re too fat/tall/skinny/short to be Sam.” Now I usually respond by sending them a personalized autograph :).  Again, on a personal level, it would be nice for some fans to focus more on my acting ability. So all in all I know what I signed up for and I love every minute of it. I’m happy with whatever publicity I can get.

 

Have you had any weird/crazy/funny fan encounters?
All the time! It’s fascinating, in a good way.  Most fans don’t recognize me at first, yet once they do there is usually a loud yelp that frightens both of us. My new favorite happenstance is when I went to Barnes & Noble for the release of Breaking Dawn.  I was there for the party, taking pictures with tons of people and these girls were sitting and waiting patiently for me to finish.  When the coast was clear, I approached them and asked if they wanted a picture (just trying to be courteous) and they looked at me like I was crazy.  One girl whispered to the other, “This guy is a creepazoid!”  I was dumbfounded, but then realized that they didn’t recognize me.  I’m not the type that would say “Do you know who I am?” and I took the opportunity to get to know the very interesting duo. It was relaxing to be treated as just a dude amidst the frenzy.  So I went about my business and later that night they ran up to me blushing and apologizing for not knowing who I was. We took pictures together and had a big laugh.

 

Novel Novice is very passionate about getting more people (young people especially) to read. Besides the Twilight series, what books would you recommend to get people excited about reading?
Well my taste in books is very adult and very random. I enjoy Charles Bukowski and Dr. Seuss (specifically the Lorax).  Though in my youth I could never read good (a grammar joke) due to slacking. What helped me appreciate the art of poetry most was reading entire works of Edgar Alan Poe, Pablo Neruda and Billy Shakespeare (William and I are tight, he lets me call him Billy).  I idolize two poets, Travino Brings Plenty and a slam poet named Timothy Moss II (that’s the second, not Jr.).  The book I read most is Tupac Shakur’s The Rose That Grew From Concrete, I recommend it to everyone.  Don’t be so quick to judge the book because of Tupac’s career, it’s really deep and lovey dovey.  While trying to buy another copy, I found out that in Portland The Rose That Grew From Concrete is one of the most stolen book at Barnes & Noble, so you know it’s good right?

 

We know you write poetry. Favorite poet?
Right now it would have to be Mos Def and Jack Kerouac. Like I said above, my taste is random.

 

We have to ask: Team Edward or Team Jacob, and why?
My answer before Breaking Dawn:
Ed. Because if Bella and Jacob had a child, it would be the most emotional being that has every walked the earth.  And I doubt Sam would want to baby-sit as honorary uncle.
After:
As blood is concerned, I have no choice but to be both. (But obviously there’s no competition in respect to Bella anymore)

 

You’ve said that Sam is your favorite character, and not just because you’re playing him. Tell us what you like so much about him.
I like that Sam is the most consistent character through all 4 books.  He has his priorities straight, his people and family are always first and he never takes his role as protector lightly.  He’s willing to make huge sacrifices for the greater good, no matter the consequences.

 

Did you bring any of your own experiences to the role of Sam? If so, in what way?
I feel the character of Sam is very much a kindred spirit. Part of the reason I wanted to teach math is so I could mentor kids and show them the right path, just like Sam does as Alpha Wolf.  I take my Native history and culture very seriously and family is always first.  Sam is protector of his tribe and responsible for carrying on traditions through the generations, so I can relate quite a bit to him.  I’ve been grass dancing and singing traditional songs for as long as I can remember, and I attend ceremonies in the Portland area whenever I’m invited.  I feel I am him, if I had lived on a reservation, and if I was Quileute, and could shape shift, and if I was stuck between two women, and hated vampires.

 

Part of the whole werewolf mythology is focusing on the animalistic side of mankind, a look at following one’s instincts instead of carefully thought out actions. How does one bring that out as an actor? How much do you think that theme plays out in our everyday lives?
I do not believe that the wolf pack’s mannerisms are modeled after any animalistic behavior of the human.  I believe the wolf pack boys have innate wolf like behavior caused by genetics, due to the relation of the original wolf/shape shifter. As for carefully thought out plans, they are overrated. Wars are planned out carefully without regard to the truth.  As human beings, our instincts and gut feelings are the only links to finding truth.  For example when a person hesitates to answer the question, “Do you love me?” the hesitation is the answer. “It’s not a yes.”  Initial reactions are only negative when they are violent, and again this is a very human trait.  Note that most animals have the initial reaction out of obligation to pack and family without logic, whereas humans react disloyally in a save yourself ‘Fight or Flight’ manner.  I think it is the human side of the wolf pack that intervenes with what is right, more then the converse.  It pains the human form to phase and yet no mention of the reverse being true.  This is a spoiler here, but in Eclipse it is implied that not only anger can phase the shapeshifters into wolves, but also heartache.  I can only agree with the first statement preceding these questions to a degree. In the Twilight series, the wolf pack members are shapeshifters, not werewolves.  Though werewolves may be mythical, shape shifting is a practiced belief.  Werewolves are truly creatures without control, slaves to the moon as it were, but the Quileutes are able to make conscious decisions to change or not change; this reveals a lot about their humanity because they willingly sacrifice themselves for love, duty, and honor.  So how do I bring all this as an actor? Well, the understanding of all aspects and histories that inspired the books helps bring deep understanding and authenticity.  Everyone should do this in every aspect of their lives. Keep it real yo.

 

How do you feel about the concept of imprinting? Any thoughts on the whole Sam/Emily/Leah drama that unfolds in Eclipse?
I have so many thoughts, too many maybe.  I probably spend more time thinking about these fictional relationships than I do trying to find a non-fictional relationship of my own …  Part of me wants to say it’s not “fair” to imprint.  Since there is no choice in the matter it hardly seems romantic, even how it is explained in the book(s). I think it’s romantic if someone chooses to put up with me rather than imprint.  Yet in many ways I think it would be nice to know who your soul mate is, with just one look. Dating can be regrettable so I see the appeal of supra-natural love. I’m not sure how Sam feels though, still working that out. (that’s ‘supra’natural, a whole lever above super.)

 

What do you hope happens to your character, Sam Uley, in Breaking Dawn?
OR, if you have now read Breaking Dawn, what are your thoughts about what happened to your character, Sam Uley?
I have read Breaking Dawn, and I like that Sam never wavered in his role as protector.  He had to make some extremely difficult decisions and he ticked off a lot of people (both characters and fans alike), but the important thing is that he refused to back down when the tribe and his family were in danger.  I respect that.  Most Twilight fans think he’s mean. But if this story were true, he is the only one that is thinking lovingly and logically.  I think many of the team Edward fans misunderstand Sam because they place themselves in Bella’s position.  I’d say think of the possibility of everyone you love being killed by rabid vampires all because of one person … (Holy crap! I’m going to get a lot of mail from this.)  To answer your question and so as to not spoil anything I’ll say this: I want Sam to die so that I can have a death scene if they make more films.

 

Sam’s role is very crucial, though small, in Twilight – but his character becomes much more central in the later books. If and when the other books get made into movies, what scene(s) from New Moon and Eclipse are you most looking forward to filming? (And if you’ve read Breaking Dawn, is there a scene from that book you are looking forward to filming?) 
I’m most looking forward to cliff diving and all the fight scenes.  I’m so curious about how they’re going to shoot it!  And hopefully I will get to pitch ideas of my own so as to make the wolf scenes authentically Quileute.

 

What are your thoughts on the other Twilight actors you worked with? Who was your favorite to work with? Did you bond with anyone in particular on the set?
My friend Krys Smokey-Desperado!  Krys is playing Embry Call.  I would actually define our bond as more than a friendship, it’s more like the awesome term ‘Bromance’ (Bro + romance.)  We worked so well together that we had to be hushed when we were off camera because we were laughing.  Even though we had signed these behavioral contracts, we made it a goal to make every female crew member blush.  I’m saying way too much, but whatever.  I got a fever due to the combination of the cold and my wardrobe, so Krys and I sought refuge in his van.  We ended up playing my guitar for a few hours while his grandma nursed me back to health.  Later, to keep warm, we kept having head banging competitions at random scaring anyone who was near by; all it took was one of us whispering “Rock” and the head banging commenced.  All my lines were serious and Krys kept being a punk by trying to hold my hand, while on camera!  We went from yelling “No! I am the Alpha Wolf!” to lisping “You’re such a Beta” while we hand combed each other’s hair.  We also kept trying to touch Taylor‘s wig telling him “You’re so pretty!”  Oh, and all day Krys was laughing because I was trying to convince him that Taylor is a world class martial artist.  Every time I said, “No dude, Taylor is seriously a ninja!” Krys would wheeze with laughter.  Finally Taylor showed off a one leg back flip right in front of Krys, and Krys wasn’t even looking!  For some reason I found it really funny and had to calm down in the food tent.  It took me an hour because I also found it funny that no one in the food tent knew why I was laughing, everytime I tried to explain myself all that came out was, “Krys… Ha ha… and the ninja flip.. Ha ha… And his face… Ha ha… and what was up with the peanut butter breath?.. Ha ha!”  You had to be there. I’m laughing as I write this … It got out of hand when Krys and I took turns trying to distract Kristen Stewart, she is a pro. I doubt she even noticed.  The height of it was when I tried to toss one of my Redvines in the hood of her jacket and missed.  Everybody in Twilight is dazzling.

 

What was it like working with Catherine Hardwicke?
She is and will always be the most amazing spirit I have ever been in the presence of.  I loved every minute of the time I spent with her.  Her energy is infectious and her smile is so calming, wow I think I have a crush on her … She was very open to my wardrobe ideas and completely open to authenticating the script by adding “Quileute lingo.”  I hope the next movies are made, and that I’m in them, and she is still the director, because I honestly believe/know that she has made the best film adaptation of the book and that it will exceed all expectations.

 

Your role in the Twilight movie is your first major film role, but I hear you were also an extra in “Elephant,” which was also filmed in Portland. What was that experience like? Did you get to meet or work with Gus Van Sant at all?
I’ve done a few other things that you can see on IMDB.com and in addition I have not added my work resume pertaining to Native American art and performances.  In Portland, everyone and their grandma was in “Elephant.”  I missed the audition because of a midterm, I’m still sore about it.  I got a part by lying; I said I smoked.  I was just an extra.  My role was “A punk skater skipping class to smoke”.  I brought these non tobacco cigarettes, but even they made me sick. I went off camera to heave once. The things I do for fame … I had a brief encounter with Gus, he was very polite and actually wanted to talk to my surprise, but alas he was busy.

 

What did you take away from the experience of filming Twilight?
There is so much to say. It was the best experience for a cinematic debut an actor could ever ask for.

 

Anything else you’d like to say?

Read the books before you watch the film to understand what they cut and why they are adding things.  Even though I said my taste in literature is adult, I found myself laughing, from time to time, cursing at the book(s) aloud and throwing them and running to pick it up to continue!  Fun read, and guys should really read this series, Bella’s perspective embodies how women think, or so I’m told. (Crap again! More ‘no you didn’t’ mail.)

For the fans that see me, before New Moon is possibly made, I know I’m fat, I’m on a new weight gaining diet to get buff, geez! If I don’t get my shoulders big enough, everyone will know I have a bobble head if they cut my hair in New Moon.  Stop with the mail already! And thank you for your concerns about Sam’s image, I agree with you.

Lastly, if Kristen is reading this, I didn’t miss, that wasn’t my Redvine, and Krys licked it.  I’m not sorry. Love Ya!

Novel Novice Twilight would like to thank Solomon for taking the time to do this interview, and his agent for setting it up.