Q&A With Parker Stevenson

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of Parker Stevenson

Parker Stevenson is an American actor best known for his roles as Frank Hardy in “The Hardy Boys”, Billy Hazzard in “North and South”, Craig Pomeroy in “Baywatch” and Louis Osmond in “Greenhouse Academy”. His movies credits include “Lifeguard” and “Stroker Ace”.

He is also a gifted photographer. You can check out his work on his website below.

KB: Did you always want to be an actor growing up?

I always wanted to be an architect growing up, I wanted to design beautiful sculptural buildings and I ended up studying architecture in college. It wasn’t until I graduated that I realized that architecture was no longer my passion. I started acting at 14 years old in commercials and feature films to pay for my schooling expenses and I worked through High School/College. One film project I was in was a small independent feature called ‘Lifeguard’. That experience changed my understanding of what acting could be. The director helped me see that the experience of acting could actually be about connecting, understanding, and even hopefully truth.

KB: How did you get the part as Frank Hardy in “The Hardy Boys”?

After college and and still uncertain about committing to a specific career I enrolled in the Business School at Columbia University. As I was beginning the semester I got a call to audition in Los Angeles for the Hardy Boy Series. Shaun Cassidy was one of the first actors they had seen and they were searching for someone to play his older brother. We screen tested together and even though our backgrounds were very different we shared the same dry quirky sense of humor which they loved. The producer liked us together and offered me the part. The show was a chance to earn money instead of studying money at Business School. I did not expect that it would be a success, but three years later the show finally ended its run. I found myself with a potentially viable acting career.

KB: You played Billy Hazard in the television miniseries “North and South”: How did you get this part?

My wife at the time and I had recently gotten married and she was cast in the Mini Series ‘North and South’. She went away on location for a long six months. As the second book of ‘North and South’ was being cast the role of her brother became available. I pursued the part to avoid being separated for another six month span and because it was a wonderful role. I got the part and also went away on location for six months, but my wife’s schedule was condensed so that she only worked on location for a few weeks. Best laid plans often don’t work out as hoped for. “North and South” had an incredible cast and crew and I am still in touch with many on that series. I also discovered my own family’s history in the American Civil War. My Great Great Grandfather was the commander of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg.

KB: You played Craig Pomeroy on the 1990s series “Baywatch”: What is your fondest memory working on this show?

My favorite memories working on ‘Baywatch’ were arriving each morning on location at the beach as the sun was beginning to rise over the Pacific Ocean. No matter how late we had filmed the night before just seeing those sunrises made everything all right. I also enjoyed time with many in the cast who became long standing friends. The producers and crew were as dedicated as any I have ever worked with. I also got the chance to direct multiple episodes of “Baywatch” and that allowed me to go on to direct other series as well.

KB: You played Louis Osmond on “Greenhouse Academy”: What attracted you to this role and do you have a favorite scene on this show?

Having spent five years at Boarding School, I always wanted to portray a teacher or a headmaster as the kind of educator that I had always wished for. ‘Greenhouse Academy’ gave me that chance playing Lewis Osmond. Inevitably every scene I was in fit one of two scenarios, entering a room to discover something going on with the students and saying ‘What is going on in here”, or me entering the room and giving a gentle lecture to the students hopefully with a soft understanding twinkle in my eye. We did four seasons of the series and I loved that cast, all of them without exception. They were hard working, unpretentious, and naturally gifted.

KB: You are a photographer as well: what makes a great picture? Do you favor color or black/white pictures?

Photography is the only artistic expression I have had that is completely an extension of my aesthetics and values. All film, television, and theater are collaborative but not photography. For years I only shot black/white so that I could develop and print those as I imagined them. With the arrival of digital photography the opportunity to shoot in any format and control every aspect of the image including adjusting and manipulating images opened up a new world of expression. I look to create still images with the power to arrest viewers encountering them. To bring a moment of surprise, engagement, and connection to the viewer. That is what I am searching for.. as in acting .. to connect, illuminate, and even hopefully offer some truth to the viewer.

KB: Are there people you would love to collaborate with or you wished you had?

I have studied and been inspired by so many in my sixty years working. So many courageous film makers and performers who have put themselves repeatedly at risk by vulnerably sharing the best that they have to offer. Two in particular combined commitment to their acting and to a deep social consciousness. These two stood the test of time; Paul Newman and Robert Redford. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet both of them, but I regret I never had the chance to work with either. My loss.

KB: I give you the lead in a movie and you can pick the director and co-star: Who would you pick and why?

When asked who I would pick to direct me and who I would want to co-star with, what came to mind was Ridley Scott and Sigourney Weaver. Thinking on my answer I think it’s because they both seem so fearlessly dedicated to the integrity of their work over long rich careers.

KB: What are you currently up to?

At this stage of may life I am working on finding a healthier balance between appreciating each day, connecting more with my family and friends, and hopefully leaving something behind that resonates with others. Even in small ways to inspire others to press on constructively during their own challenging times. These, at least partially attained seem like a worthwhile legacy. So, I press on pursuing meaningful images, meaningful roles, and trying to insure that the people in my life know how treasured they are.

Check out Parker’s website: HERE

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