Actor Jim Klock was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and spent over a decade as a police officer before turning to a career in entertainment where he frequently plays the role of police officers.
Jim still serves part-time as a deputy sheriff in Stafford County and is trained in SWAT tactics and hostage negotiations. Jim and U.S. Congressman Robert Wittman recently collaborated on celebrating the start of the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon. The fun and healthy marathon was held in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on May 21, 2017.
Background
A former narcotics detective, Jim had starred in films such as "The Whole Truth and "Deep Water Horizon" as well as in television series such as "24," "True Detective" and “Scream Queens." Jim is also a writer, director, and producer who was behind "The Trials of Cate McCall," "Massacre on Aisle 12" and a web series called “Interrogations Gone Wrong" that guest stars A-list celebrity Keanu Reeves. Jim has been recognized for his creative efforts, and he even won the Best Comedy Award at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival.
In 2017, Jim was named an official starter of the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon--which began on Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg’s Central Park at 7 am--alongside Congressman Rob Wittman.
Both men fired starting pistols to kickstart the marathon that featured thousands of runners from forty-six states and seven different countries. The run was a pleasant and scenic route through the city's historic downtown area, and the route also passed landmarks and the University of Mary Washington.
Jim Klock recently discussed his life, career, movies and upcoming events in an exclusive Interview.
Interview
Blasting News (BN): You started your career as a police officer so why did law enforcement appeal to you and what department of policing did you enjoy most?
Jim Klock (JK): I grew up with amazing parents and siblings. I knew I was blessed and wanted to do something to help people in need. As I got older, I realized I didn't like bullies at all and wanted to protect people.
That's what being a police officer inspired in me, to simply protect the good people from the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working as a Narcotics Detective and working in the community policing unit. Helping to reduce crime in low-income housing areas and improving the quality of life for the residents of those areas was the most rewarding part of my career.
BN: How did you make the move from police work into acting and how did you initially land gigs?
JK: I had been a police officer for a few years and went back to college taking an elective in acting because I enjoyed it in high school. At the time, I was working midnight patrol but soon went to a stolen car task force that had a schedule which allowed me to pursue theater opportunities throughout Washington D.C.
After doing a few plays, I decided I wanted to pursue work in film/TV. I started writing, worked on a few college productions, a few low budget indie projects and decided I was going to make my own films.
I made my first feature film in 2001 and then made several more films during my vacation time or days off, and this led me to an opportunity to audition for the "The Wire" on HBO. That was my first speaking role on a big show, and it helped me get an agent when I finally went to Los Angeles to pursue acting and filmmaking full time.
The transition really happened over the span of several years. I used to say I was a full-time cop and part-time actor/film- maker--to me, it was my hobby. Then one day I decided it was time to switch that order, my passion was to be an artist full time, and police work became my part time job!
BN: So far how many characters have you played and what would be your dream role?
JK: I've been very blessed to play a lot of different characters from a security guard with two lines on "Desperate Housewives" to starring opposite Keanu Reeves in the feature film "The Whole Truth." I've loved them all and feel very grateful for every opportunity.
My dream role today would be the opportunity to play a series regular on a great TV show for many years. I admire the actors who play these characters over several seasons and watch them develop the characters as each season changes and circumstances change while creating new storylines all the time. I think that would be so challenging and rewarding to be involved in.
I did several episodes recurring as Detective Chisholm on season one of "Scream Queens, " and that just gave me the taste of it as far as getting to grow or change a little bit over the season.
BN: You have worked on films, TV, and web-series so did you like one medium in particular?
JK: I honestly love them all. They all have elements that make each one a little different and special. I've had wonderful experiences in every medium and learn more and more every time I work. Every chance I get to act I try to take it all in and enjoy as much as possible because I know it's a gift to be very thankful for.
BN: You are also a writer, director, nd producer so how did you fill these roles and what genres do you tend to gravitate towards?
JK: I started writing, directing, and producing to give myself more opportunities as an actor when I first started out. Over the years, I really started to enjoy the development process of producing, turning an idea into a completed film. I had been writing and producing for a few years and decided to start directing to push myself more as an artist.
I enjoy directing but you have to be fully invested and committed for a long time to go from script to delivery of the film. Writing and producing is something I can do a little more at my pace, working around my schedule while working with partners on different projects.
I've found comedy to be the genre I'm doing a lot of now. I also have interest in some faith based/faith friendly stories about real life people who have overcome great tragedies and obstacles with faith, family, and friends.
That's probably what I will write/produce/direct in the future as well.
BN: How did you get the opportunity to start the half marathon with U.S. Congressman Wittman?
JK: Rob Hedelt, a reporter from the Free Lance star in Fredericksburg, did an article last December about the screening of "Massacre on Aisle 12" for the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Blue Christmas program raising money and toys for underprivileged children at the Paragon Village 12 theaters.
After the article came out, Tami Faram from the Marine Corp Marathon contacted me and asked if I would like to be involved. I was humbled and thrilled to be asked to be involved. I have so much love and respect for our armed services and worked with so many former Marines during my time as a police officer I was extremely excited to be involved.
BN: What have you found to be the most rewarding things about working in the entertainment industry and what new projects are coming up for you?
JK: I think the most rewarding thing for me has been the personal growth through so much failure. You learn that you hear a hell of a lot more no's to every yes. You learn as a film-maker you will never please everyone, some will like your film and some won't, and that's ok. I used to believe in "making it" I don't anymore, I don't believe there is an ‘it’, we run a race as artists that never ends.
I love the feeling I have now where I try to relax more, smell the roses, not worry so much about what is next, and I've learned that through the up's and downs of my acting/film-making career.
I find that to be very rewarding in every aspect of my life now. I try to face every day with a lighthearted approach and I'm very blessed to have done everything I've done so far.
Coming up next, I'm developing a new feature film comedy that I hope to shoot late this year or early 2018. I have a horror comedy feature film I directed/produced/starred in "666PM: Evil has an hour to Kill" coming out in the fall of 2017 and "Massacre on Aisle 12" is currently available on all VOD platforms. I've also done a few TV shows that will be airing throughout 2017 and continuing my comedy web series "Interrogations Gone Wrong" which can be found on the “FunnyOrDie” website
BN: As someone who is still somewhat active in policing, what do you think people can do to be better citizens overall?
JK: Respect, courtesy, and kindness. It's pretty simple really, treat people the way you want to be treated, and courtesy doesn't cost anything. think a little understanding goes a long way. We never know the battles other people are going through at any given moment, so try to be more caring to people. All I know is I'm a better person when I love a little more, forgive really quickly, and make it less about me and more about others. It's not always easy, but it’s always true in my experience.
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To learn more about Jim, visit his official website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Google “Marine Marathon” to learn more about the event.
