It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a true legend in the entertainment industry, Ken Lally, who passed away today. Ken was not just a talented stuntman and actor; he was the embodiment of iconic characters that have left an indelible mark on our hearts. One such character was Albert Wesker from the legendary Resident Evil Series, a role he brought to life with unparalleled skill and dedication.
Today, as we mourn the loss of this remarkable soul, we remember the moments that made us laugh, cry, and gasp in awe of his incredible talent. As a tribute to Ken and his unforgettable roles, I am republishing an interview I had the privilege of conducting with him back in 2009.
In 2009, during a tumultuous time in Hollywood marked by the writer’s guild of America strike, Ken graciously shared his thoughts and experiences with me over MySpace. At that time, I was running a special Resident Evil 5 countdown on my blog, and one of the highlights was this very interview. Little did we know that history would repeat itself this year, leaving Hollywood silent once more.
Ken Lally was not just a gifted actor; he was a generous soul who spoiled his fans with his extraordinary talent. His portrayal of Albert Wesker, the cunning and enigmatic character from the Resident Evil Series, was nothing short of iconic. The intensity he brought to this villain's stature and attitude, the dedication he showed to his craft, and the impact he had on the gaming and movie industry will always be remembered.
As we remember Ken, let us celebrate his legacy by revisiting the interview that captures his passion for his work, his resilience in the face of challenges, and his love for the art of storytelling. In doing so, we honor not just the characters he portrayed but also the man behind those roles – a man whose talent knew no bounds.
Rest in peace, Ken Lally. Your work will continue to inspire us, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of your fans forever. Thank you for the memories, the thrills, and the magic you brought into our lives.
With deepest condolences,
Iranzo, friends & fans.
Here is the original 2009 interview about the Resident Evil 5 working experience.
Last year in November, I conducted an interview with Ken Lally. Ken Lally is the actor who portrays Albert Wesker, and in this interview, he talks about what it was like for him to film movie-quality fight sequences for 'Resident Evil 5' and how Albert Wesker has evolved. He also told me how challenging it will be for fans to fight against his almost epic character. Unfortunately, the other contributions to the countdown are becoming less 'exclusive,' but I hope you still enjoy reading them. 😉
Iranzo-Music: We see Albert Wesker in the new trailer from a different perspective than in Resident Evil 4. How can Wesker be described in the times of Resident Evil 5?
Ken Lally: I can only confirm that a lot has changed since Resident Evil (1), but I can't say more. The relationships between my character and the others are very tense, and you could even feel it during the filming of the material. The mythology delves a lot into the hero-villain theme and legends, which is a bit reminiscent of the work of Joseph Campbell. People who are not familiar with his work will still find this theme appealing.
IM: Will you pick up the controller to fight against Wesker (that is, yourself)?
Ken Lally: I've tried it before, but I enjoy handing the controller to my friends, especially when they can't win against 'me.' It's a pisser.
IM: All the combat scenes in the game that Wesker does are performed by you. How did you pull this off?
Ken Lally: We rehearsed the fights just like we would do for a TV series or a movie. Capcom had a lot of input, but ultimately, it was Reuben Langdon (Chris), Ken Ohara (stunts), me, and other professionals who fought. Some of the best fighters in the city were involved. We were all in motion-capture suits with a weapon in our hands. So, fans will really get to see something special.
IM: What work have you enjoyed the most in recent years?
Ken Lally: I had a blast filming Pirates of the Caribbean 2 + 3. I was hired as an actor, and one day, there was a huge ship battle during the shoot where I was allowed to participate spontaneously. So, I was really bored at first, but in the end, I was on the Black Pearl for 2 days with Arnold, Phil, and James Lew; with cannons and 50 fighters. It was incredible and probably very historically accurate.
IM: Are you looking forward to upcoming roles or projects?
Ken Lally: Unfortunately, Hollywood is currently hit very hard. There hasn't been much work for months. Many projects are on hold, and everyone is saving their money, hoping that this situation will end soon. So, I'm not doing much at the moment. I am a acting teacher and I also work on stunts at the New York Film Academy in LA. Otherwise, like everyone else, I am waiting for this crisis to resolve and for us to be able to shoot more TV series and movies soon.