We Speak Actors
Actor and wrestler Ryan Nemeth on appearing alongside Zac Efron in ‘The Iron Claw’

Ryan Nemeth – actor, writer, comedian and pro-wrestler – is a truly multi-faceted Hollywood talent. He plays the iconic 1980s wrestler Gino Hernandez in the much-anticipated A24 film ‘The Iron Claw’, and has appeared on TV shows including ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, ‘The Eric Andre Show’, and ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. Ryan, known in the wrestling world as ‘Hollywood Hunk Ryan Nemeth’, currently wrestles exclusively on AEW (All Elite Wrestling)TV programming, but his contract is up in early spring 2024 and he says he’s “open-minded and excited” about what the future holds. He is repped by BAC Talent and Brevard Talent Group.
Tell us about your role in the upcoming wrestling film ‘The Iron Claw’?
“It was an absolute dream! The script brought me to tears every time I read it. I’ve wrestled Kevin Von Erich’s sons in the past, and they’re great, so to be cast in this prolific film about the Von Erich family was very meaningful for me. I studied Gino Hernandez matches for months, every move and mannerism; I just wanted to nail it. After one of the longest in-ring days on set, Sean Durkin (the writer and director) pulled me aside and said, ‘Ryan, you seriously brought Gino to this film’. I was speechless. It was one of those moments you just feel like you’re in the right place in life. I worked about three weeks on the film, and loved every minute of it. The cast is amazing. It was a thrill to do so much in-ring stuff with Harris Dickinson and Zac Efron, who both took to it really naturally. They really put in the work! Harris has a really great dropkick in the film as well.”

What’s your wrestling persona?
“I’ve been wrestling for about 10 years. I worked in WWE NXT for three years, then on independents, and in 2021 I signed with AEW. I perform as ‘Hollywood Hunk Ryan Nemeth’ – I’m a cocky, pretty-boy villain with a dash of Ken from ‘Barbie’. A himbo you love to hate!”
Tell us about how you got started in the film industry?
“When I moved to LA I started auditioning, networking, and helping out on other people’s projects. I got lots of reps on stuff like ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’and some bigger things like ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday’. I also started writing: things like ‘WWE Swerved’ for Jeff Tremaine, and smaller projects that I could act in myself. I was also lucky early on to book a few national commercials, like a very fun Venmo campaign where I’m riding miniature horses, and an Xfinity spot alongside Amy Poehler. Look up the Venmo one, it’s very funny.”

Other than ‘The Iron Claw’, which film projects are you most proud to be a part of?
“I wrote and starred in a short film called ‘Heel’ that I’m so proud of. It was the first time I collaborated with filmmaker Maggie Levin, which was really great. It was screened and won awards at over 20 festivals around the world. I am eternally grateful to everyone who worked on it. I had two screenplays optioned last year – I’m always working on something! I had a really fun part in Ethan Nestor’s new movie ‘I Have to Do This’; playing his best friend Justin, in this hyper-stylized, insane, absurd world. I’ve started to do some voice acting as well, which is a whole new challenge.”
Featured photo credit: Brandon Cohen
We Speak Actors
Michael William Freeman on his exciting role in new Netflix medical series, ‘Pulse’

American actor Michael William Freeman has appeared in many hit shows, but is perhaps best known for playing militia member Blake Sarno in ‘Fear The Walking Dead’. Now he’s swapped the zombie apocalypse for a medical procedural, playing the character of Glenn Vogel in the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’, which follows the personal and professional lives of doctors and staff at a busy Miami trauma centre. We talk to Michael about working with his idols, the joys of collaboration, and why ‘Pulse’ feels like it comes from the golden age of TV.
Tell us about your experience working on the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’?
“It was epic. I had such an amazing time on this show, and it was really great to work with Netflix. The very first day I stepped on set, the energy was palpable. Everyone was just so happy and grateful to be part of this project – it really elevated the whole process.”
“Sometimes work can feel like a grind, but this show was a real pleasure. It was such a warm and welcoming environment, and I know that is reflected on screen.”
What was it like working with series creator Zoe Robyn and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse?
“Man, what an absolute dream! Zoe is such a brilliant talent, her writing is so rich and compelling. And Carlton is a master of his craft, an absolute legend in the industry. Yet they both approach the work with zero pretension. It was inspiring and heartening to be around them both. I think it was the most supportive, collaborative environment I’ve ever worked in; it really felt like a family on set. I’d do anything for those two.”

This is Netflix’s first medical drama – did you enjoy working in this genre?
“I’ve done medical procedurals before, which are fun, but this is something different. The heart of this show is the relationships. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of action and excitement, but what really drives the story are the people. It feels like a show from the golden age of television, something like ‘ER’, it’s so thoughtfully crafted and executed.”
“The way all the stories intersect and collide is really special, I’ve never been a part of anything quite like it. I’m really excited for people to see the show, I think they’re going to love it.”
Who will enjoy watching this show?
“There’s something for everyone! There’s romance, action, drama… even a few laughs. It’s stunning work from Zoe, Carlton and the whole cast and crew. Seriously, every department killed it: from hair and makeup, to wardrobe, to camera, everyone really shines. And I know the audience will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship. Plus it’s such a fun and vivid world to explore.”

You’ve acted in so many hit TV series and films; which projects have been the most pivotal for you?
“‘In Time’ was my first big studio movie and the first time I saw myself on a big screen in a movie theatre. So that was a pivotal job for me and I certainly learned a lot from that experience. ‘Doll & Em’ on HBO was another one. Getting to act with Chloë Sevigny and be directed by Azazel Jacobs was momentous; I was such a big fan of them both and working with them exceeded my expectations. But most people recognise me from ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ – that show definitely raised my visibility and had a lasting impact on my career. I’m really grateful to be a part of that franchise. And now I can add ‘Pulse’ to that list.”
All episodes of ‘Pulse’ are available to stream on Netflix now.\
Featured photo credit: Netflix
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