Myles Grier on Developing a Dangerous Mind for ‘Game of Silence’ [Exclusive Interview]

Even though the NBC drama Game of Silence was short-lived, having been canceled after just one season, it has left a lasting impression.

Myles Grier, who you may also recognize from his role on The Fosters, played young Terry on the series. I had the chance to chat with Grier about his background, developing his character on Game of Silence, and working on The Fosters.

Tell-Tale TV: You began acting on stage at a young age, and have since made the transition to film and television. What was that transition like for you, and how is working in television different?

Myles Grier: Fortunately, I was able to train for both styles of acting simultaneously, but I don’t see it as a transition. I still go back to stage when I have the time. At 13, I signed with my first talent agent, so during the summers, I would focus on television and film, and during school, I focused on theatre, with some TV/film auditions during the school year as well.

As far as being different, television performance levels have to be more intimate, which is what I love. You’re not performing or projecting for the person 50 rows back, but only the camera and the people in the scene with you. But the theatre’s way of training an actor’s vocal instrument, mental focus, and physical freedom, is very valuable to an actor’s skill set.

Tell-Tale TV: What drew you to want to be a part of Game of Silence, and what would you say was the best thing about working on that show?

Grier: When I auditioned for the role of Young Terry Bausch, I enjoyed connecting to the role, which for me, is a sign of how great the writing is. And I’m attracted to dark dramas, so I loved the story that was developed.

The combination of great story telling with brilliant minds like David Hudgins (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) and Carol Mendelsohn (CSI Franchise) behind it is what drew me in. And the cast and crew they brought together were all genuine, lovely souls. The relationships and friendships I gained from working on the show were the best.

Tell-Tale TV: What would you say was the biggest challenge in working on Game of Silence?

Grier: Look, Young Terry was one of the most dangerous minds I’ve ever developed. He was raised differently than I was and had very different life experiences than I have ever had. To find and understand the reasons to result to crime, gun use, fighting, bullying, sexual abuse, gang involvement, family hatred, and murder was the challenge.

Tell-Tale TV: Was there anyone on Game of Silence you were particularly excited to be able to work with?

Grier: To work with David Hudgins, who was an executive producer and writer for Friday Night Lights, one of my favorite shows that I’ve ever seen, was a treat. 

Tell-Tale TV: You’ve also worked on The Fosters, Scandal, and several other shows. Which of those experiences was your favorite, and why?

Grier: After relocating to Los Angeles in 2012, I worked on The Fosters a few times in 2013 and 2014; it was my first television show appearance in my career. I met a couple of my closest friends working on that show, and the cast and crew were lovely. The Fosters was an amazing experience.

Tell-Tale TV: If you could work with anyone in film or television, who would it be?

Grier: Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, or Tom Hardy. They are my favorite actors.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s one television show you really enjoy watching right now?

Grier: A&E’s Bates Motel is a brilliant show; great artists in front and behind the camera on that team.

Be sure to follow Myles Grier on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:

• www.IMDb.me/MylesGrier
• www.Facebook.com/MylesGrier
• www.Instagram.com/MylesGrier
• www.Twitter.com/MylesGrier