Peter Gerety, a familiar face to television audiences thanks to his roles in iconic series like “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “The Wire,” recently shared his memories of filming in Baltimore and insights into his latest project, the poignant film “Working Man.” Gerety, in a candid conversation, revealed his deep affection for Baltimore and the enduring bonds formed during his time on “Homicide.”
Peter Gerety in "Homicide: Life on the Street" squad car
“You’re in Baltimore?” Gerety began, immediately establishing a connection with the interviewer. Upon learning the interviewer was in Highlandtown, his familiarity with the city shone through: “I know where you are! I almost bought a house in Canton. I did a couple years of “Homicide” down in Fells Point and then “The Wire.” I love Baltimore a lot.” This immediate warmth and recognition of Baltimore highlights Gerety’s genuine connection to the city, a key aspect for fans of “Homicide” and “The Wire” who associate these shows strongly with Baltimore itself.
Recalling specific filming experiences, Gerety recounted an amusing anecdote from “Homicide,” sharing, “I remember in one episode where we had to film a car chase. Callie and I were in our squad car and I was driving… The streets we had to drive through were incredibly narrow. I don’t think we ever broke 25 miles per hour.” This relatable, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of filming “Homicide” in Baltimore’s tight streets adds a layer of authenticity and humor for readers.
Beyond on-set anecdotes, Gerety spoke fondly of the cast of “Homicide,” emphasizing the familial atmosphere. ““Homicide” was a great group of people. Kyle, Callie..we became a family. I miss the hell out of Callie and Kyle.” This sentiment resonates with viewers who appreciated the strong ensemble cast dynamic of the show. When asked about a potential reboot, Gerety’s response was lighthearted but open: “Sure I would. I’m too old to be used though ::laughs::”
Shifting the focus to his new film, “Working Man,” Peter Gerety provided a compelling overview of its themes and his role. “The film is about what’s happening to this country. Things are changing and people need to figure out for them and their communities, how to deal with those changes.” He drew upon his own background in Providence, Rhode Island, an industrial town facing similar economic shifts, to illustrate the film’s relevance. “I was aware of factories closing and desperation when their livelihoods were taken away from them,” Gerety explained. “Yes, you’re angry. Yes, you feel like your identity has left.”
In “Working Man,” Peter Gerety portrays a character deeply affected by factory closures in the Rust Belt. “My character, who they refer to as the geriatric one, has lost himself. He falls into a depression until he finds a way to go back to the factory…” This description immediately paints a picture of a character grappling with loss of purpose and identity, a theme that will likely resonate with many viewers in today’s economic climate.
Gerety articulated the film’s wider appeal and timeliness, stating, “The movie has compassion for people out of work, whether it’s short term due to Covid 19, or permanently due to changing industries. I think people will identify with what my character goes through after he loses what he knows.” This emphasis on compassion and relatability makes “Working Man” sound like a film that offers more than just entertainment; it offers understanding and empathy for real-world struggles.
For those interested in watching Peter Gerety in “Working Man,” he confirmed its availability: ““Working Man” is available to stream/rent on all major Video On Demand platforms!” This clear call to action, along with links provided to Amazon and the official movie website, makes it easy for interested readers to immediately access the film.
Peter Gerety’s reflections provide a warm and engaging look into his career, highlighting his Baltimore experiences and drawing attention to the important themes explored in “Working Man.” His genuine affection for “Homicide,” his former castmates, and the city of Baltimore, combined with his thoughtful discussion of “Working Man,” creates a compelling narrative for fans and new audiences alike.
