![Breon Pugh Breon Pugh Talks HBO’s ‘Mosaic’ [Exclusive Interview]](https://telltaletv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Breon-Pugh-e1518489825495-730x487.jpg "Breon Pugh | Tell-Tale TV")
Breon Pugh Talks HBO’s ‘Mosaic’ [Exclusive Interview]
HBO’s Mosaic, which first aired last month, is a six-part limited series from Steven Soderbergh that explores the psychological underpinnings of love and murder in a small town, blurring the line between reality and memory.
On the series, Breon Pugh plays Lando, a character who he describes as “quiet but full of wisdom.” I had a few questions for Pugh about his experience working on Mosaic, other upcoming projects, and more.
Tell-Tale TV: When did you decide to become an actor, and what led to that decision?
Pugh: Even as a child I felt something when I watched a movie. It was much deeper; I knew that it was something I had to pursue but I was afraid. Once I let go of the fear, I was able to dream.
Tell-Tale TV: What made you want to be a part of HBO’s Mosaic?
Pugh: Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh! I knew his vision and artistry would raise me up. You have to work with the best in order to be the best.
Tell-Tale TV: What’s something you learned from working on Mosaic that you can carry with you to future roles?
Pugh: That I should trust my instincts more. I was so sick at the time of filming that I had trouble retaining my lines, but as soon as I got in front of the camera it all came together. Always trust your gift.
Tell-Tale TV: You also star in the upcoming film, Bolden. What can you share about that project?
Pugh: That was my first big role. I learned a lot about myself and about my acting. The movie chronicles the life of Buddy Bolden, the first jazz musician of New Orleans, and the struggles with alcoholism and schizophrenia.
I play his childhood friend, Willie Warner. My character tries to keep stuff together, but as time goes by, his alcoholism gets the best of him. It causes a problem for him and the rest of the band.
Tell-Tale TV: What would you say is your most memorable audition story?
Pugh: My audition for Bolden would have to be the most memorable. I was about to quit acting and I did it just as a final bow out. I did a videotape. I didn’t even remember the lines. I taped them on the wall, recorded myself, and sent it in, but there was something different about it. I knew I booked it.
Fast forward a week later; I was on a plane to meet the director and had to quit my job that same week. It stuck with me because, just when I was about to give up, I was given another chance.
Tell-Tale TV: If you could work with anyone on TV, who would it be and why?
Pugh: Wow, there’s Taraji P. Hensen and Viola Davis. It’s just the strength and focus they pull. It’s very mesmerizing.
I feel I can learn so much. They disappear into each scene. It’s the pinnacle of acting to be able to go to that place.
Tell-Tale TV: Do you have a current favorite television show? If so, what is it?
Pugh: My drug of choice, so to speak, is How to Get Away with Murder. That’s my bucket list goal. I’ve become obsessed. Viola Davis deserves it all! And Cicely Tyson guest starring as her mother — I mean what more could you ask for.
Official links:
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2217844/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/breon12
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actorbreonpugh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breonp/
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.