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Catherine Lavelle CLPR M 0413 88 55 95 SERIES PREMIERE 8.30PM WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 3 - continuing weekly E [email protected] showtime.com.au/deadwood In an age of plunder and greed, the richest gold strike in American history draws a throng of restless misfi ts to an outlaw settlement where everything — and everyone — has a price.
Welcome to DEADWOOD...a hell of a place to make your fortune.
From Executive Producer David Milch (NYPD BLUE) comes DEADWOOD, a new drama series that focuses on the birth of an American frontier town and the ruthless power struggle that exists in its lawless boundaries.
Set in the town of DEADWOOD, South Dakota the story begins two weeks after Custer’s defeat at Little Big Horn, combining fi ctional and real-life characters and events in an epic tale. Located in the Black Hills Indian Cession, the “town” of DEADWOOD is an illegal settlement, a violent and uncivilized outpost that attracts a colorful array of characters looking to get rich — from outlaws and entrepreneurs to ex-soldiers and racketeers, Chinese laborers, prostitutes, city dudes and gunfi ghters.
Among the settlers are ex-lawman Seth Bullock, played by Timothy Olyphant (GO, GONE IN 60 SECONDS), the legendary gunfighter and scout Wild Bill Hickok, played by Keith Carradine (NASHVILLE, PRETTY BABY) and Machiavellian saloon owner Al Swearengen, played by Ian McShane (SEXY BEAST, WAR AND REMEMBRANCE).
With its unfl inching realism, adult themes and wickedly inventive storylines, DEADWOOD is an intense drama that takes the elements of the traditional western and turns them upside down.
CAST CREW
Timothy Olyphant Seth Bullock Creator, Executive Producer Ian McShane Al Swearengen and Head Writer David Milch Molly Parker Alma Garret Co-Executive Producer Gregg Fienberg John Hawkes Sol Star Director, Producer Davis Guggenheim Keith Carradine Wild Bill Hickok Producer Scott Stephens Co-Producer Steve Turner Consulting Robin Weigert Calamity Jane Producer, Writer Jody Worth Paula Malcomson Trixie William Sanderson E.B. Farnum W. Earl Brown Dan Dority Brad Dourif Doc Cochran Jeffrey Jones AW Merrick Timothy Omundson Brom Garret Ray McKinnon Rev. H.W. Smith
1 Timothy Olyphant - Seth Bullock
Best known for his role as the drug dealer ‘Todd Gaines’ in Doug Liman’s critically applauded fi lmGO , Timothy Olyphant stars in DEADWOOD as Seth Bullock, the famous Marshall from Montana who came to the rough town of DEADWOOD to instill some law and order with the help of Carradine’s ‘Wild Bill Hickok’.
In 2003 Olyphant appeared in three fi lms including IFC’sTHE SAFETY OF OBJECTS opposite Glenn Close, New Line Cinema’s A MAN APART opposite Vin Diesel and Warner Bros’ DREAMCATCHER, directed by Lawrence Kasdan and co-starring Morgan Freeman.
Olyphant also starred in the Sony Classic fi lm THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB with Dean Cain and John Mahoney.
On television, Olyphant appeared in the HBO fi lm,WHEN TRUMPETS FADE by director John Irvin. He joined ABC’s critically acclaimed drama series HIGH INCIDENT which was created by Stephen Spielberg and Eric Bogosian for Dreamworks.
Olyphant was born in Hawaii and raised in California. He studied fi ne art and theatre at the University of Southern California. Prior to acting, Olyphant swam competitively at USC and was a US National Finalist in the 200 individual Medley.
Ian McShane - Al Swearengen
International television, fi lm and stage star Ian McShane recently returned to production for season two as the charismatic ‘Al Swearengen’ following a wave of critical acclaim for the fi rst season that culminated in the actor receiving the Television Critics Association’s annual award for Individual Achievement In Drama. McShane’s performance was also singled out by Rolling Stone magazine, bestowing the title “Hot Barkeep” on ‘Swearengen’ and describing the character as “played to perfection by veteran Brit actor Ian McShane.” While on hiatus between seasons, the actor also took the opportunity to step into a role in the indie fi lm NINE LIVES as part of an ensemble cast for writer and director Rodrigo Garcia.
McShane has starred in over twenty-fi ve fi lms. Highlights through his career include roles in THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, THE LAST OF SHEILA, VILLAIN (co-starring Richard Burton), EXPOSED and AGENT CODY BANKS. In Jonathan Glazier’s critically acclaimed indie SEXY BEAST, he gave a riveting performance transforming himself into the dark, sinister and very handsome character ‘Teddy Bass,’ prompting one London writer to declare, “McShane became ‘the king of cool’.”
McShane has also enjoyed a long and creatively diverse career in both British and American television including a role in the David Wolper’s seminal 1970’s mini-series ROOTS. Last season he was seen on both
2 BBC and BBC America’s TRUST as the eccentric megalomaniacal head of the firm, Alan Cooper-Fozzard. Starring turns in WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY? for Granada TV, the role of ‘Heathcliff’ in WUTHERING HEIGHTS for the BBC and Harold Pinter’s Emmy-Award-Winning THE CARETAKER are among his other television highlights. McShane has also stepped into roles as well known figures, taking on parts as ‘Judas’ in NBC’sJESUS OF NAZARETH directed by Franco Zeffirelli, ‘Prince Rainer’ in the network’s THE GRACE KELLY STORY and the title role in Masterpiece Theatre’s DISRAELI. Additional mini-series credits include CHARLIE THE KID, AD, THE GREAT ESCAPE II, MARCO POLO, EVERGREEN and WAR AND REMEMBRANCE.
In the late 80s the actor formed McShane Productions, which produced the much-adored LOVEJOY for the BBC and A&E. LOVEJOY gave McShane a vehicle to star in as well as produce and direct. He followed his lovable rogue character ‘Lovejoy’ by producing and starring in the darker and more serious lead role of Madson and the comedy drama SOUL SURVIVORS for BBC and Showtime. Lovejoy is currently enjoying a revival with British audiences on UK TV Gold channel.
Born in Blackburn, England, McShane is the son of professional soccer player Harry McShane, who played for Manchester United, and Irene McShane. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, leaving the drama school a semester shy of graduation to make his film debut in The Wild and the Willing.
Molly Parker - Alma Garret
Talented Molly Parker has consistently received critical acclaim for her acting abilities and her bold, diverse choices in characters. Adding another memorable character to her repertoire, in February, Parker will be seen as a young suffragette in HBO Films’ IRON JAWED ANGELS opposite Hillary Swank and Angelica Houston.
Parker was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award® as Best Female Lead for her starring role in Wayne Wang’s CENTER OF THE WORLD and won a Genie Award® for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Bruce Sweeney’s LAST WEDDING. She had three films premiere at the 2002 Toronto Film Festival: PURE directed by Gillies MacKinnon (HIDEOUS KINKY); MARION BRIDGE by Wiebke von Carolsfeld; and MAX directed by Menno Meyjes, with John Cusack. She starred in Michael Winterbottom’s acclaimed WONDERLAND, and played the wife of Ralph Fiennes in Istvan Szabo’s Golden Globe® nominated film SUNSHINE.
Parker made her feature debut as an alluring necrophiliac in Lynne Stopkewich’s stunning film KISSED. She won a Best Actress Genie Award® as well as international recognition for her performance. She appeared in RARE BIRDS with William Hurt and re-teamed Stopkewich in the dark mystery SUSPICIOUS RIVER, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Other film credits includeMEN WITH BROOMS and THE FIVE SENSES. In addition, she served as executive producer on the Canadian-released LOOKING FOR LEONARD, marking her first venture behind-the-camera. Parker began her association with HBO in their hit series SIX FEET UNDER, appearing as “Rabbi Ari.” Other television credits include TWITCH CITY, the Fox miniseries INTENSITY, directed by Yves Simoneau, and the telefilm SERVING IN SILENCE, with Glenn Close.
3 John Hawkes - Sol Star
John Hawkes continues to build an impressive resume in both fi lm and television. This summer Hawkes will be seen in Lions Gate’s fi lmA SLIPPING DOWN LIFE also starring Guy Pearce. Last year, he stood out in the psychological thriller IDENTITY alongside John Cusack and Ray Liotta. He won over audiences and critics alike with his soulful portrayal of ‘Bugsy’ in THE PERFECT STORM. Hawkes also starred in and co-produced the independent fi lm BUTTLEMAN which won a special jury prize at the 2003 Deep Ellum fi lm festival in Dallas. Other feature credits include PLAYING GOD, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and HARDBALL.
Hawkes’ TV credits include a leading role in TAKEN, Steven Spielberg’s miniseries for the Sci-Fi channel, a recurring role on the hit series THE PRACTICE, and guest-starring appearances on THE X-FILES and 24.
Keith Carradine - Wild Bill Hickok
Keith Carradine has starred in over forty feature fi lms-more than twenty cable television and network television movies — is an Academy-Award® winning singer and songwriter, with two albums and a hit single to his credit. He is a star of the fi rst magnitude on Broadway.
Born in San Mateo, California, the son of the late John Carradine (veteran actor and father of acting brothers David and Robert), Keith grew up in California. He began showing musical skills at 14 playing guitar in a bluegrass band made up of high school friends. He went on to Colorado State University in Fort Collins where he appeared in the University Production of Jean Anouilh’s BECKET before leaving school to pursue his career.
In March, 1969 Keith auditioned in Los Angeles and was cast in the Broadway Musical HAIR and spent a year in New York playing the principal role of “Claude”.
Soon after returning to Los Angeles in 1970, Keith landed the role of a young gunslinger in A GUNFIGHT, with Kirk Douglas and Johnny Cash. He followed this with an important role in Robert Altman’s MCCABE AND MRS. MILLER with Warren Beatty and Julie Christie, and then went on to star in the Altman classics THIEVES LIKE US (1973) and NASHVILLE (1975). During the filming of THIEVES LIKE US Altman became aware of Carradine’s singing and songwriting talents and incorporated several of his compositions into the NASHVILLE soundtrack. His song “I’m Easy,” which he performed in the fi lm, won an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe Award® for Best Song in a Motion Picture in 1975. His single recording (Asylum Records) of the song made the Top Ten on the national charts. He also released two LP albums on Asylum — “I’m Easy” and “Lost and Found.”
Carradine has starred in a number of notable fi lms, including a quartet directed by close friend and fellow Altman protege, Alan Rudolph. These were WELCOME TO L.A., CHOOSE ME, TROUBLE IN MIND and THE MODERNS. Another of Keith’s talents was unveiled when he painted several canvases for THE MODERNS, including one that became the fi lm’s poster.
Other memorable fi lms include Ridley Scott’s THE DUELLISTS, Louis Malle’s PRETTY BABY, and Walter Hill’s THE LONGRIDERS and SOUTHERN COMFORT, as well as the more recent A THOUSAND ACRES with Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Lange and TWO DAYS IN THE
4 VALLEY. Major television roles were in the mini-series DEAD MAN’S WALK, IN THE BEST OF FAMILIES, A RUMOR OF WAR, CHIEFS, MURDER ORDAINED and the television movies A WINNER NEVER QUITS, MY FATHER, MY SON, STONES FOR IBARRA, SIRENS and BABY.
Keith was most recently seen in the US in MONTE WALSH on TNT and COYOTE WAITS on PBS. He is also starring in FALCONS, an independent Icelandic film for which he composed and recorded the End Title song “Northern Light”. He recently finished THE ADVENTURES OF OCIEE NASH, an independent film shot in Atlanta, Georgia, and just completed principal photography on THE CALIFORNIANS, a new independent film from the creative team that recently produced the cult success BARTLEBY. He will next re-team with Director Alan Rudolph (THE SECRETS OF DENTISTS) on THE BEST LIE, a film about the advertising business also starring Ryan Phillipe and Campbell Scott.
He is currently appearing on MTV as the voice of Editor J. Jonah Jameson in the animated SPIDERMAN series, and on The History Channel as the host of WILD WEST TECH. Carradine has three children: son Cade and daughters Sorel and actress Martha Plimpton. He lives in Los Angeles with his long-time love, actress Hayley Du Mond.
Robin Weigert - Calamity Jane
Nominated for an Emmy® for her role in DEADWOOD Robin Weigert’s film credits include SLEEPYTIME GAL (Sundance 2001), IN GOD’S HANDS and WHAT I CAME FOR. Robin has also appeared in LAW & ORDER and MARY AND RHODA. Most recently Robin appeared in TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE with Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock, and played the Mormon Mother in the HBO movie ANGELS IN AMERICA, with Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep, and Al Pacino.
Paula Malcomson - Trixie
Paula Malcomson’s first appearance in the new HBO western series, DEADWOOD, is literally explosive. Her character, Trixie, blows a hole right through the head of an abusive john. As the toughest whore in one of the toughest mudstreet towns of the old west, Trixie is a stick of dynamite lit at both ends.
The energy Malcomson brings to acting reflects the self-reliance and passion for life that propelled Paula from her home in Northern Ireland at age 15. She explored Europe for a few years before locating in New York’s East Village in 1991.
Her first stint before the camera was occasioned by chance, when director Michael Almereyda spotted her bartending and cast her in the award-winning experimental film, ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET. Later that year, writer/director Kevin Jarre cast Malcomson as Allie Earp in TOMBSTONE, the hit western in which she appeared opposite Val Kilmer, Kurt Russell and Sam Elliot.
Having been drawn into acting without formal study, Paula proceeded to combine on-the-job training with extensive class work and theatre experience. There followed notable performances in Steven Spielberg’s A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), opposite Jude Law, and in Frank Darabont’s THE GREEN MILE, as well as in Michael Almereyda’s HAMLET, opposite Sam Shepard and Ethan Hawke.
5 William Sanderson - E.B. Farnum
Best known for his roles as the gentle toy maker in BLADE RUNNER and as Larry in the popular sitcom Newhart, William Sanderson is a versatile character actor, whose lengthy career includes feature fi lms, television, and commercials, has spent plenty of time in the Old West in fi lms like LAST MAN STANDING with Bruce Willis, LONESOME DOVE with Robert Duvall, and most recently MONTE WALSH with Tom Selleck.
William has played a host of distinct and diverse roles, routinely working opposite Hollywood’s A-list talent. The 80s saw him in fi lms including THE ONION FIELD, LONE WOLF MCQUADE, COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER, and CITY HEAT. In the 90s his body of work grew in a broad range of features including DEATH HUNT, THE ROCKETEER, WAGON’S EAST (John Candy’s fi nal fi lm), John Grisham’s THE CLIENT (which brought him home to Memphis) and more. In STANLEY’S GIG, William revealed what was no surprise to those in the know — that he can just as easily support the mantle of leading actor — with his poignant portrayal of the title character opposite Faye Dunaway.
Most recently William was again on the big screen with Robert Duval in GODS AND GENERALS.
W. Earl Brown - Dan Dority
Born in Golden Pond, Kentucky in 1963, W. Earl Brown graduated from DePaul University with an MFA in 1989. In 1993, he moved to Los Angeles and began working almost immediately. Auditioning for Wes Craven was landmark for Earl as he was cast in WES CRAVEN’S NEW NIGHTMARE, which led to A VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN, which led to SCREAM. Two years later Earl landed his fi rst “stand out” role as Warren, Cameron Diaz’s mentally challenged brother in THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY.
Along the way, there have been numerous guest star roles on television shows such as SIX FEET UNDER, NYPD BLUE, X FILES, CSI, CHICAGO HOPE and SEINFELD as well as series regulars in pilots for Dreamworks/ABC, Paramount/NBC and a recurring role in PUSH NEVADA. He was cast in the fi lms DEEP IMPACT and KISS THE GIRLS and was featured in the Oscar nominated BEING JOHN MALKOVICH.
In this past year, Earl has completed four fi lms — THE ALAMO, THE LAST SHOT, KILLER DILLER and DUNSMORE and was most recently seen in SUGAR AND SPICE, DANCING AT THE BLUE IGUANA, directed by Michael Radford, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and LOST SOULS. Earl also got to work with one of his favourite directors, Cameron Crowe (opposite Tom Cruise) in VANILLA SKY.
6 Brad Dourif - Doc Cochran
Nominated for an Emmy® for his role in DEADWOOD Brad Dourif is a veteran of both stage and film. He began his career in theatre but received worldwide critical acclaim for his motion picture performance in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. His performance was recognized with an Oscar nomination in 1975. In addition the Hollywood Foreign Press Association honored him with the 1977 Golden Globe Award® for Best Newcomer.
A true character actor, Brad’s intensity has found him playing a diverse range of characters in numerous films such as EYES OF LAURA MARS, John Huston’s WISE BLOOD and Milos Forman’s RAGTIME. Dourif also teamed up with director David Lynch for DUNE and BLUE VELVET. His broad skill set also served him well in a number of horror films, notably as the voice of the evil doll Chucky inCHILD’S PLAY and its sequels.
Dourif’s recent film work includes the role of Grima Wormtongue in Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
Jeffrey Jones - AW Merrick
Jeffrey Jones is best known for his performances as the music loving Emperor Joseph II in AMADEUS and his classic portrayal of the frustrated school principal matching wits with Matthew Broderick in FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Jones began acting while a pre-Med student at Lawrence College in Wisconsin.
Jones’ feature film credits include the just completed DR. DOLITTLE 2 with Eddie Murphy and a lead role in the independent feature PAR 6 as well as STUART LITTLE, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE CRUCIBLE, ED WOOD, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, THE REVOLUTIONARY, EASY MONEY, TRANSYLVANIA 6-500, HOWARD THE DUCK, BEETLEJUICE, WHO’S HARRY CRUMB? VALMONT and OUT ON A LIMB.
On television, Jones starred in the series THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR and made an appearance in the Steven Spielberg produced anthology show AMAZING STORIES.
7 Timothy Omundson - Brom Garret
Seattle native Timothy Omundson has worked steadily in TV and Film including lead and recurring roles on MEDICINE BALL, LUCK OF THE IRISH, SEAQUEST DSV, JACK & JILL, FIRED UP and the international cult hit XENA. He worked opposite Renee Zellweger in DOWN WITH LOVE, and has appeared in SWORDFISH, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL and STARSHIP TROOPERS.
For the past fi ve seasons he has played Sean Potter opposite Emmy® Award winning actress Tyne Daly on JUDGING AMY.
David Milch - Creator, Executive Producer and Head Writer
Emmy Award® winning Milch is DEADWOOD’s creator and head writer in addition to its executive producer. A onetime Yale lecturer his TV credits include such series as NYPD BLUE (he was co-creator) and HILL STREET BLUES. Walter Hill (48 HRS, THE LONG RIDERS) directed DEADWOOD’s pilot episode. Gregg Fienberg (GODS AND MONSTERS) is co-executive producer. Director/producer Davis Guggenheim (ALIAS and 24) and Scott Stephens (THE MIND OF THE MARRIED MAN) serving as producer.
Milch’s career gained momentum throughout the 1980s with the addition of two other series to his credits. In 1987, he created and Executive Produced the HILL STREET BLUES spin-off BEVERLY HILLS BUNTZ, which featured NYPD BLUE co-star Dennis Franz, and, in 1989, Milch served as Executive Producer of the ABC series CAPITAL NEWS, starring Lloyd Bridges.
In 1992, Milch co-created the history-making police drama NYPD BLUE. The highly-rated series set a record by garnering 26 Emmy Nominations its premier season, winning the award for Best Drama Series in 1994-1995.
While still at the helm of NYPD BLUE, Milch created another police drama, BROOKLYN SOUTH, co- authored, along with NYPD Blue producer Bill Clark, TRUE BLUE: The Real Stories Behind NYPD Blue, and served as creative consultant for Steven Bochco’s MURDER ONE and TOTAL SECURITY.
Since forming Redboard Productions, Milch co-created BIG APPLE, a one-hour drama set in New York City’s FBI fi eld offi ce.
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