Check out our interview with actor Rib Hillis, who can be seen as the lead in the Western series The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger.
The fascinating narrative explores fantastical tales from the western frontier that are based on Jim Bridger’s mountaineering exploits. As he guides a new wave of Americans heading west, he must help them survive the same life-and-death situations that made him a legend. The cast also includes Hailey Rutledge and Tyler Noble just to name a few.
With a long-running career in the entertainment industry, Hillis has made a name for himself on the small screen. He is best known for his lead role as Hamilton in the Syfy films Piranhaconda and Sharktopus vs. Pteraconda. Hillis also became a fan-favorite with Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network viewers for his work on several TV movies including Secrets Beneath the Floorboards, Psycho Storm Chaser, My Sister’s Serial Killer Boyfriend, The Wrong Man, The Wrong Mr. Right, as well as The Wrong Friend just to name a few.
He has also established himself as a true multi-hyphenate. Hillis wrote, produced, and starred in the action film Kill Shot which follows a group of terrorists posing as hunters who are in search of $100 million that was stolen and lost in a plane crash en route from Afghanistan.
Follow Rib @ribhillis
Hi Rib, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I’m Rib Hillis, an actor, host, producer, and model. I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for over two decades. I’ve done a variety of projects, from soap operas, reality shows to movies. I’m also a husband, a father, and a lover of life.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, adventurous, and creative.
How did you get started in acting?
I got started in acting when I was in college, studying at the University of Colorado in Boulder. I was discovered by a modeling agent, and I moved to Europe to work as a model for several years. Then, I decided to pursue acting, and I moved to Los Angeles. I got my first role on the ABC soap opera Port Charles, and I’ve been acting ever since.
How has this changed your life?
Acting has changed my life in many ways. It has given me the opportunity to travel, to meet amazing people, to express myself, and to challenge myself. It has also taught me a lot about myself, human nature, and the world. Acting has been a rewarding and fulfilling career for me.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part of being an actor is the creative freedom and the joy of bringing a character to life. I love exploring different aspects of myself and of humanity through acting. I also love working with talented and passionate people who share the same vision and passion. The worst part of being an actor is the uncertainty and the rejection. It can be hard to deal with the ups and downs of the industry, and to face the criticism along with the competition. It can also be stressful to balance the demands of the job with the demands of my personal life.
How do you prepare for a role?
I prepare for a role by doing a lot of research and homework. I read the script, I study the character, I learn about the background, the context, the motivation, and the goals of the character. I also try to find some personal connection or inspiration from my own life or from other sources. I rehearse the lines, the scenes, the emotions, and the actions. I also work with the director, the writer, and the other actors to develop the character and the story.
Tell us about your work in Western series “The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger?”
The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger is a Western series that I’m very excited about. It’s based on the life and adventures of Jim Bridger, who was a legendary mountain man, explorer, and pioneer in the 19th century. I play Jim Bridger, and I get to portray his amazing journey and his incredible stories. It’s a fun, action-packed, and historical show that I think will appeal to a lot of viewers.
What other projects have you been part of?
I’ve been part of many projects, both in front of and behind the camera. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where I was a designer on the Emmy-winning ABC show.
- Grooms Cake and Birthday Cake, where I played a gay wedding planner in the award-winning films.
- Sins and Seduction and The Wrong Man, where I played the lead roles in the Lifetime Movie Network films.
- The Rookie, where I had a guest role on the ABC series.
- Kill Shot, where I played the lead role, as well as co-wrote and produced.
How do you prepare for a challenging role, especially when it requires you to step far outside of your own experiences or personality?
I prepare for a challenging role by doing more research, more rehearsal, and more exploration. I try to find something that I can relate to in the character, even if it’s very different from me. I also try to be open-minded, curious, and respectful of the character and the story. I seek advice and guidance from the director, the writer, and the other actors. I also try to have fun and enjoy the challenge.
Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which one do you feel closest to or most proud of, and why?
That’s a tough question, because I feel close to and proud of all the characters I’ve portrayed. But if I had to choose one, I would say Jim Bridger from The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger. I feel close to him because he’s a very complex and fascinating character, who has a lot of depth, humor, and charisma. I also find a connection with Jim because of the environment he lived in. I have spent a lot of time in Montana, where Jim was an early frontiersman. I love that part of the country, much as I imagine he did. I’m proud of him because he’s a historical figure who made a significant impact on the American West, and who also had a great imagination and a great sense of adventure.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play, and why?
I like to play roles that are diverse, challenging, and meaningful while also allowing me to explore different genres, styles, and tones. I also like roles that have a strong character arc, a clear objective, and a compelling story. I like to play roles that make me grow as an actor and as a person. I would like to play roles that are inspiring, entertaining, and impactful enough to make a difference in the world.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the final product and the audience’s reaction. I love seeing how all the hard work, collaboration, and creativity come together to create something amazing. I love seeing how the audience is moved, entertained, inspired, or educated by the work. I also love hearing their feedback, their questions, their compliments, or their criticisms. I love knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just for a moment.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
The advice I would give to aspiring actors is to be passionate, persistent, and professional. Be passionate about your craft, your art, and your goals. Be persistent in your pursuit, your practice, and your improvement. Be professional in your attitude, your behavior, and your work ethic. Also, be yourself, be authentic, and be original. Don’t try to copy or imitate anyone else. Find your own voice, your own style, and your own niche. And most importantly, have fun, enjoy the journey, and never give up.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far in this business?
The greatest lessons I have learned so far in this business are:
- Be flexible, adaptable, and versatile. The industry is constantly changing, and you have to be able to change with it. You have to be able to handle different situations, different roles, and different opportunities. You have to be able to adjust, improvise, and innovate.
- Be humble, grateful, and generous. The industry is competitive, and you have to be able to appreciate what you have and what you achieve. You have to be able to acknowledge your strengths and your weaknesses. You have to be able to give back, to help others, and to collaborate.
- Be positive, optimistic, and resilient. The industry is challenging, and you have to be able to overcome the obstacles and the setbacks. You have to be able to see the bright side, the silver lining, and the potential. You have to be able to bounce back, to learn from your mistakes, and to move forward.
With such a demanding career, how do you find balance between your professional commitments and your personal life?
I find balance between my professional commitments and my personal life by prioritizing, planning, and delegating. I prioritize what is important, what is urgent, and what is valuable. I plan ahead, I schedule, and I organize. I delegate what I can, I outsource, and I automate. I also make time for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for my hobbies. I try to have a healthy lifestyle, a positive mindset, and a supportive network.
How would your best friend describe you?
That is a hard question since I can’t speak for someone else. I imagine he’d describe me as having no limits, to the point of dangerous. I’d hope he’d say I was loyal, that I would always have his back, that I am passionate, hardworking, that I am always up for a challenge and adventure, and that I live life to the fullest.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, the title of the book would be “Rib’s Wild Ride: A Model, Actor, and Producer’s Journey Through the World of Entertainment”. I think this title would capture the excitement, the diversity, and the challenges of my career. It would also reflect my passion, my curiosity, and my courage.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I think every entrepreneur should read “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It’s a book that teaches how to create and manage a successful business in a fast-changing and uncertain world. It’s also a book that shows how to test your ideas, validate your assumptions, and learn from your customers. It inspires innovation, creativity, and growth.
What’s next for Rib Hillis in 2024?
What’s next for me in 2024 is the release of The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger, the Western series that I’m very proud of. I’m also working on some other projects, both as an actor and as a producer, that I can’t reveal yet, but I’m very excited about.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My own definition of happiness is being able to do what I love, with the people I love, in the places I love. Happiness is having a purpose, a passion, and a peace of mind. Happiness is also being grateful, generous, and optimistic.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet someone living or dead, it would be Jim Bridger, the legendary mountain man, explorer, and pioneer that I play in my upcoming Western series “The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger”. I would love to hear his stories, his wisdom, and his advice. I would also love to thank him for inspiring me and for giving me the opportunity to portray him.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice ever given to me was by my father, who told me to follow my dreams, and to never give up. He also told me to be kind, honest, and respectful to everyone. He was a great role model and a great inspiration for me.
Do you support any charities?
I have supported several charities at various times in my personal and professional life. I volunteered at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. When I was on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I organized Red Cross blood drives in each town we filmed in. That lead to connecting with Be The Match, which is the National Marrow Donor Program, a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that operates the Be The Match Registry of volunteer hematopoietic cell donors and umbilical cord blood units in the United States.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
I see myself and my career in 5 years continuing to grow, evolve, and diversify. I hope to produce and star in more projects, both in film and television, that are meaningful, entertaining, and impactful. I also hope to expand my production company, Speed Merchant Productions, and to create more opportunities for myself and for others. I also hope to spend more time with my family, my friends, and my hobbies.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song is It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’N’ Roll) by AC/DC because, well it’s true. It is a long way to the top, full of trials and tribulations. But in the end, if you want to make it, if you want to Rock ’N’ Roll, you got to just keep going. Plus, who doesn’t like a good bag pipes solo!
What do you think of social media?
I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I came up at a time before social media, where you just had to show up for work, be professional and hardworking. Now you have to manage an entire other aspect of one’s career, your social media profile, to succeed. I miss the good old days, but also acknowledge social media is a great tool for connecting, communicating, and sharing with people. It’s a great way to stay in touch with my fans, my friends, and my family. It’s also a great way to promote my work, and to discover new opportunities and ideas.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on:
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
Book: One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a book that tells the story of a young shepherd who goes on a quest to find his treasure and his destiny. It’s a book that teaches about the power of dreams, the importance of following your heart, and the magic of the universe.
Quote: One of my favorite quotes is: “What I had I gave, what I saved I lost forever.” This was said by the legendary wrestling coach, Jim Peckham, who I trained with as a high school wrestler. For me it helps inform how I live, all in, all the time. We only get one shoot, so put all you have into it.
Movie: One of my favorite movie is All Quiet on the Western Front. I was blown away when I saw it. The film was so raw and unrelenting. The pace, it just gripped you. I love the cinematography, the acting, and the score. I just sat speechless at the end with tears running down my face. It is was what a great movie should make you feel.
TV Series: One of my favorite TV series is the original “Magnum P.I.” with Tom Selleck. I grew up watching that on Thursday nights, which is same night my show Tall Tales of Jim Bridger airs ironically. I loved Magnum, his charm and sense of humor, his competence and prowess. The location in Hawaii was so exotic and fun for a young kid from Massachusetts to watch. I hope some young kid feels the same about Tall Tales of Jim Bridger.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is pizza. I love pizza because it’s delicious, versatile, and satisfying. I love pizza with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives. I also love pizza with pineapple, ham, and jalapeños.
Travel Destination: My favorite travel destination is Montana. It just feels like home, like I lived there in a past life. Perhaps that’s why I feel so comfortable playing Jim Bridger.
Sports Team: My favorite sports teams are: Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. I grew up outside of Boston and I am still a home town fan.
