You’ve likely seen Peter Mensah command the screen in numerous roles, perhaps most memorably as the imposing figures in 300, Hulk, and Hidalgo. Often cast as the authoritative or even menacing character who challenges the protagonist, Mensah in reality is known for his affable nature. Though, perhaps we shouldn’t reveal that too loudly, lest we diminish his formidable on-screen presence!
Peter Mensah’s career is marked by a diverse range of roles, showcasing his talent across genres and mediums. From historical epics to science fiction blockbusters, he consistently delivers compelling performances. In a past exclusive interview conducted at Comic-Con, Mensah offered insights into his role as Doctore in Spartacus: Blood and Sand, his experiences with green screen technology, and even shared valuable advice for aspiring actors. Let’s delve into the world of Peter Mensah’s movies and TV shows, drawing from this interview and exploring the breadth of his work.
From Comic-Con Debut to Gladiatorial Arenas: An Interview with Peter Mensah
Comic-Con First Impressions
Mensah revealed that despite his extensive work in sci-fi and fantasy, including 300, his appearance at this particular Comic-Con was a first. He explained, “This is my first Comic Con. I’ve done some sci-fi fantasy. I did 300, etc., but I’ve not really attended, usually because I’m working somewhere else at the time. This time around Rob [Tapert – Executive Producer of Spartacus] and the guys actually flew me back for this.” This highlights the significance of Spartacus and the studio’s commitment to promoting the show, even bringing Mensah back from filming in New Zealand for the event.
Becoming Doctore in Spartacus: Blood and Sand
In Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Peter Mensah embodied the character of Doctore, the gruff and disciplined gladiator trainer. He described his role: “I get to play a character called Doctore on Spartacus, and Doctore is the gladiator trainer. And it’s his job fundamentally to bring up the up and coming new gladiators and also to prepare sort of the well-schooled gladiators for each and every fight.” Mensah further elaborated on the captivating nature of the role, offering a glimpse into the world of ancient Rome: “And you know what’s fascinating about doing this is you sort of get to see how Roman society worked way back when, I think 73 B.C. And the fact that these stadiums could house 80,000 people, would come in and watch these fights. Physically. They didn’t have pay-per-view. They had to show up.” This underscores the historical context and the sheer scale of the gladiatorial spectacles depicted in Spartacus.
The filming of Spartacus took place in Auckland, New Zealand, utilizing a crew experienced in large-scale productions. Mensah praised the team, noting, “We’re in Auckland and we have a crew that is really familiar with big feature work. Head of makeup, Jenna Kens, has done a number of things, The Grudge. She did Zena of course way back when. Done a number of quite successful shows. Similarly for wardrobe and the stunts. Our stunts are really phenomenal. I think they do Narnia, you know, some of the guys worked on Lord of the Rings, so these are really good blood and sandals guys.” This emphasis on the crew’s expertise highlights the high production value of Spartacus, contributing to its cinematic quality.
Physical and Mental Demands of a Long Shoot
Mensah discussed the demanding nature of filming Spartacus, acknowledging the extended time commitment: “Yeah, it is a long shoot. It’s a change entirely of your year when you’re away for 8 months working. But it’s the job I love to do. And it’s a great environment to do it in. So, yes, I’m not at home, but I’m exploring the world. I’m in New Zealand, which is just beautiful.” He found solace and inspiration in the filming location, turning the extended shoot into an opportunity for exploration and personal enrichment.
Regarding stunts, Mensah confirmed his active participation: “Yeah, at this point. You know in my particular character’s case, yes I do everything myself. As I say, they’re so talented, they’ve actually designed things that we can actually do that are really exciting and sort of visually impressive, so yeah.” His commitment to performing his own stunts underscores his dedication to the role and adds to the authenticity of his portrayal of Doctore.
Creative Collaboration and Green Screen Immersion
Mensah felt fortunate to be cast in Spartacus by Steve DeKnight and Rob Tapert, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project. “I was very fortunate. This was a project that Steve DeKnight and Rob Tapert picked me for.” He acknowledged the ease of accepting the role, given the reputation of the producers, joking, “Well, your managers call you and say here’s what we want. And hey, by the way, it’s Rob Tapert, who let’s face it is one of the more successful guys you could want to work for… Absolutely. It’s do this or do a cop show. What would you prefer? And this is just so brilliant.”
He also noted that the character’s look and direction were well-defined from the outset: “So what it meant was that there was already some pre-thought to what the character would be like, and so I don’t, there wasn’t any real need to collaborate on the look or any of that. They had that really well-designed. I think as you see from the clip and when you see the picture it’s so beautifully shot.” This pre-planning allowed Mensah to seamlessly step into the role and focus on his performance.
Peter Mensah showcasing his versatility in various roles.
Spartacus heavily utilized green screen technology to create its immersive ancient world. Mensah shared his experience with green screen filming: “Yeah, the set managers have built most of the environment surrounded by green screen to create the atmosphere and on occasion of course with special effects definitely on green screen. So it’s a combination of built set and green screen. Very graphic novel-esque. And also vividly colorful in the fact that it’s really taking everybody on a ride to a whole different time period.” He noted his growing comfort with the technique: “I think the familiarity allows you to sort of not think about it, but I do really, really think that you know it’s kind of part of the job to just enter your story and go for it… the environment often doesn’t really impact. If anything, because they’ve built some of the set, this is actually one of the more fun ones to work on because it’s sort of you stand in the gladiator arena, and it just, you feel it. You’re in the sand, and you’re going oh my goodness, I mean, it’s pretty cool. I really like doing this.” Despite the technical aspects, Mensah emphasized the importance of connecting with the story and the physical sets that were constructed, enhancing the immersive experience for the actors.
Nerves, Camaraderie, and the Joy of Acting
Even for a seasoned actor like Peter Mensah, the first day of shooting still brings nerves. “Absolutely! I mean, and it’s also part of the fun of it is the butterflies that you always get just before action. And you sort of, you’re prepped, you’re ready to go, you know the arc, you know where you’re going, and you’re in costume and there’s still a sense of like (takes deep breath) OKAY.” He also highlighted the positive on-set environment and the camaraderie with his fellow actors: “But I’m working with Andy Whitfield, the lead, who’s brilliant. And John Hannah, who’s just a fantastic guy to work with. And Lucy [Lawless] keeps us all loose, and you know, it’s a great environment to be working in.”
When asked about downtime, Mensah admitted it was scarce during the demanding shoot. “Well, truthfully, there’s not a lot of downtime. There hasn’t been a lot on this particular environment. One of the greatest experiences for an actor I think is working. The truth of it is being so fortunate to get to perform I really appreciate the fact that I’m actually getting to do this thing on a day-to-day basis.” He views the work itself as a fulfilling experience, with preparation and exploration of New Zealand filling any gaps in his schedule.
Advice for Aspiring Actors
Peter Mensah offered simple yet profound advice for those pursuing an acting career: “Honestly I think that if, I don’t know if it’s advice as much as a learning, I think it’s really important to love what you do. And ultimately in every step, I find myself checking and realizing, one, of course I’m so grateful to work, but just realizing I’m working at something I really enjoy doing. And I think if anything just keep that joy. Keep the joy of acting. It’s more useful than learning the business or getting very clever, I think just love acting.” His emphasis on the intrinsic joy of acting serves as a valuable reminder for anyone in the creative field.
Beyond Spartacus: A Glimpse into Peter Mensah’s Filmography
While the interview focused on Spartacus, Peter Mensah’s career extends far beyond the gladiatorial arena. His imposing physique and powerful presence have landed him roles in a diverse array of movies and TV shows. Some of his notable film credits include:
- 300 (2006): As the Persian messenger, Mensah delivered a memorable performance in this visually stunning historical action film.
- Hulk (2003): He played General Joe Greller, showcasing his ability to portray authority figures.
- Hidalgo (2004): Mensah appeared as Jaffa, further establishing his presence in epic adventures.
- Avatar (2009): Though mentioned briefly in the interview as an upcoming project at the time, Mensah played Akwey in James Cameron’s groundbreaking science fiction film.
- Tears of the Sun (2003): He portrayed Terwase, demonstrating his range in action-drama films.
- The Incredible Hulk (2008): Returning to the Hulk universe, this time as General Joe Greller in a different iteration of the story.
His television work is equally impressive, featuring roles in popular series such as:
- Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010) & Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011): His iconic role as Doctore cemented his place in television history.
- Star Trek: Discovery (2017-2019): He portrayed Admiral Cornwell, adding science fiction to his repertoire.
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2014): Mensah appeared as Brigadier General Jacobs, further showcasing his ability to play military roles.
- True Blood (2010): He took on the role of Kibwe, venturing into the supernatural drama genre.
- Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008): He played General Perry, adding another dimension to his action-oriented roles.
Peter Mensah’s filmography is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. From blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed TV shows, he consistently delivers captivating performances, solidifying his position as a respected and sought-after actor in Hollywood. His dedication to his craft, as highlighted in the interview, coupled with his natural talent, ensures that audiences will continue to see him grace both the big and small screens for years to come.
