A conversation with the American actor, model and musician Arthur Edward ‘Ed’ Quinn about his roots and the standout moments in his life.

Q: How would you describe your childhood?
A: Idyllic. I grew up in the Berkeley Hills above Tilden Park. It is so beautiful and peaceful. But when you drive down the hill, you enter the wild wonderful world of “Berserkeley.” I really miss it.

Q: Tell us the moment you knew you were bitten by the acting bug.
A: When Gianni Versace told me after a show in Milan I wasn’t pretty enough to be a model. “You are handsome. And smart. You’re an actor.”

Q: In Shadow Force, you star alongside Kerry Washington and Omar Sy. What was it like working with them, and how did their performances influence your portrayal of Parker?
A: It’s always a dream to work with people at the top of their game. Omar is this giant international star, and Kerry is an award-winning icon. The best part is they are both the nicest people in the world, and very invested in the success of the film. My character has a nice little important storyline, so they were very supportive and I just made sure to do the best job I could.

Q: Your role as Parker is described as one of your most high-impact roles yet. What aspects of this character challenged you the most, and how did you prepare for this role?
A: Hard to say, really. Both businesses are virtually impossible, so I guess it taught me perseverance. I really love doing both, so practicing is a joy. And performing is all about clearing your mind and being in the moment, so that applies to both.

Q: You played in L.A.-based bands like Mad Theory and Scattergood. Can you share a memorable experience from your time with these bands?
A: As much fun as our Hollywood shows were, heading places like The Whisky and The Roxy and Luna Park, Dragonfly, Troubadour, the shows down in the South Bay were the best. Just loud, messy beach-rock shows. Those are the days I miss the most — getting wild with all your friends.

Q: Do you find that your musical endeavours complement your acting, or do they fulfil different creative needs?
A: Much different. Acting, I’m collaborating with lots of people to bring a story to life. Music, it’s just me telling stories. But they do complement each other nicely.

Q: With a B.A. in history from UC Berkeley, do you find that your academic background informs your approach to acting or understanding characters?
A: I’d like to think it does. I always look at scripts from 10,000 feet, like a historian. I look at the arcs, the through lines, the relationships, and then focus on how my character fits in.

Q: Looking back at some of your early work, like Nathan Stark in Eureka, how do you feel that role impacted your career trajectory?
A: That role was huge for me, and a massive learning experience. The formerly named SciFi Network was at its peak. Battlestar Galactica was a critical darling, and then Eureka came along and became the highest-rated show in the history of the network. (Record still stands, by a mile.) I loved my role, I loved the show, I loved Vancouver — it was a dream. And I was possibly going to spin off into my own show (which was very common), and then going into Season 2 everything changed. Hollywood is a cruel mistress. That show was definitely the end of innocence for me. But I credit my longevity in this business to my ability to move on and embrace the next adventure.

Q: Having transitioned from music to modelling to acting, what advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to navigate multiple facets of the entertainment industry?
A: Be aware of the change that is inevitable. I’ve had a very unique experience with all of those industries. I was modelling in Europe right before the Internet and the digital photo changed everything, wiping out most catalogues and magazines. I was in the music business right as Napster and digital streaming came along and devastated the record industry. And now, after getting to take part in “Peak TV” and fondly remembering pilot seasons, DVDs and MOWs (RIP), I am watching this industry I love grapple with massive changes as well. You have to always remember you may be an artist, but this is a business. It is art meeting commerce — you must always be aware of that and how you can contribute.

@edwardquinn