Chilling with The Iceman Star Danny Abeckaser

Danny Abeckaser, co-star of the shocking real life story of Mafia contract killer, Richard Kuklinski, one of the most notorious hit men in history,  recently participated in a phone interview during the media day for "The Iceman" which is now playing in select U.S. markets.

Known for killing as many as 100 people, Kuklinski skillfully lived a double life ultimately fooling even those closest to him including his wife, played in the film by Winona Ryder, family and friends.

Danny Abeckaser, who plays Dino Lapron, the lifelong friend of Ritchie Kuklinski, played by “Boardwalk Empire” star Michael Shannon, spoke candidly in our phone interview on the film, his role, working in Shreveport, Louisiana and what’s next.

Janet Walker: So Congratulations on the film. I loved it.  Tell me a little about your character?

Danny Abeckaser: I play Dino Lapron, the Iceman, Ritchie Kuklinski’s, best friend. Starting all the way to the 80’s, we grew up together, I’m the only person who actually knows Ritchie and socializes with him outside of his family life.

JW: How did you bring the character to life? It’s a great role.

DA:  Well, it’s in the book. My character is in the book as being his best friend. I didn’t really go into detail and research the role but I got some great advice from the director and he was like, basically, it’s based on a personal relationship you have with someone who is doing really well and very successful. So, I compared that relationship to my personal life relationships. That was a great note. I used it in the tone that I spoke to him and the mannerism and respect that I gave him.

JW: You did mention the director and it’s Ariel Vroman, right? Describe working with him.

DA: Ariel Vroman. It was great. He was so hands on.  He gave me so many great notes. The important thing for me as an actor, he just made me feel comfortable and encouraged me to continue to do what I was doing. That’s what you want to hear. That’s just what you want to hear as an actor, “Oh, that’s great.” He’s very hands on and very, very complementing. I love working with directors like that.

JW: So, what were your first thoughts after reading the script?

DA: Well, I was very familiar with the story caused I loved the HBO documentary, “Iceman Confessions” So I was very familiar with the story. Once I read the script I felt like they nailed it. I really liked the fact they showed a lot of the family aspect of it and it wasn’t really just about him and the police who were looking for him. And that’s what I was really drawn to and loved how they built the characters on it.

JW: Tell me a little bit, there is a great cast, so tell me about working with Michael Shannon and what is he like?

DA: Well, he’s one of the nicest guys in the world. Obviously he’s one of the greatest actors working today. It was such a pleasure working with him. Very intense, I felt like I had to bring my “A” game. So, I was really focused and felt privileged. He’s such a great actor in that he really gives you so much to work with and everyday he brings something else. He’s so giving. He brings the best out of every actor that does anything with him. So I was excited, I was nervous, but now that I’ve see the results thrilled that people are going to see it.

JW: So, um, what challenged you most during the filming of “The Iceman?”

DA: You know being away from home, being in Shreveport, Louisiana was a big part of it. But it’s the first movie that I felt my character was the focal point in the movie. It [my character] really brings a side of Richie that I felt I really needed to nail. So that was really challenging to get the character right.

JW: I did notice it filmed over the holidays from December 15 through January and that falls on everybody’s holiday.

DA: Yeah. I worked through it. I started on December 26, well, left and started working on the 27th and I had New Year’s off. So I worked a few days and then they broke for New Years and I went back. So I was fine.

JW: Tell me what was your most memorable moment?

DA: The memorable moment for me was getting on set for the last scene that I had. The last scene that I’m in, it’s like one the last scenes in the hospital scene where I’m coming out of the elevator and talking to him.

JW: Sure, Sure.

DA: Because the director, Ariel, changed the scene on me at the last minute, we were supposed to be sitting down having coffee and he changed it to a one shot and it was very memorable because I was so nervous about it. But I think it worked because I was supposed to be nervous in that scene. It really helped in the end. That was really memorable because I will never forget that day.

JW: So when you went to work that day what did he say? Did he just say everything you rehearsed up to this point forget it.

DA: I basically said let’s not mess this up. It was a really crucial scene that I have in the movie. I really needed to focus. So I remember waking up early and just, I remember literally rehearsing that scene fifty times in my trailer. It was that important to me to nail.

JW: Sure and you did a great job. It’s a great film. I loved it.

DA: Coming in I felt we were going to something special. And it would be a great movie. I felt like I had to step up and get into character. I was excited.

JW: Was your expectation of making the film different from what you thought it would be and if yes, how?

DA: Actually, I kind of knew what I was getting myself into just because I knew the director on a personal level. We’ve been friends for a long time.  So I kind of sensed it. But, you never know what you walk yourself into but you study, you prepare yourself where you’re just so ready for anything. It was better than what I thought just because everyone really brought their “A” game. It brings out the best out in you.

JW: I read the press notes and it said that Ariel was a relatively new director and, you said you’ve known him for years, did he seem nervous to you on the set?

DA: Not at all.  I mean this guy knew the movie inside out. He also wrote it, he produced it, and he knew the story so well. That’s why it was such a pleasure working with him because he knew every beat and every moment.  He was able to guide you that way. So no, he was great. And I think he has a really bright future.

JW: So what’s next for you?

DA:  I start shooting in July on a film call “The Life” written by Ryan O'Nan and myself. Ryan is also in “The Iceman” he plays Terry and we’re going to start shooting that July 8 in New York. I’m very excited.

JW: You should be excited. So tell me a little bit about “The Life?”

DA:  The Life” is loosely, loosely, based on my experience with the nightlife world in New York. I take you into that nightlife. It takes place from 2007 to 2009 and it’s really a personal story for me and something I’ve been passionate about and I feel like no one has really taken you into that world, inside, the way it really is, the in and outs, of how the nightlife business works. The nightlife is really more like a backdrop. It is about this kid and his journey and his family and what he has to go through to survive.

JW: Wow. Okay Danny. Thanks so much. I appreciate you taking the time out to speak with me. 

DA:  I’m excited. Thanks a lot.

The Iceman” also stars Ray Liotta, Robert Davi, David Schwimmer, James Franco and Chris Evans. "The Iceman" can be seen in select U.S. cities and opens worldwide June 2013.

 

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