Chaléwood No. 7: Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. – Star Trek

By Kiko Martinez (San Antonio Current contributing writer)

Line up the characters that actor Clifton Collins Jr. has portrayed during his nearly 20-year career and it’s no wonder people might not recognize him once he’s off the set.

In Star Trek, Collins Jr. (second from the right at the L.A. premiere), who is the grandson of the late comedic actor Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez (Rio Bravo), plays Ayel, the right-hand Romulan henchman of Nero (Eric Bana). The Romulans are the alien race who threatens the crew of the Starship Enterprise.

During an interview with me, Collins Jr., 38, talked about what it’s been like playing a variety of roles over the years and why he thinks we’ll soon be living in a world full of Trekkies.

The last time I interviewed you was for your amazing work in Capote. How has your life changed since that breakout role?

I’ve just been branching out. I’m even directing music videos. I’m diversifying my talent and doing different things across the board. And then I still go after these [acting] roles. I still have the same work ethic. I love acting. I love pounding the pavement and getting in the room and doing the dance. For Star Trek, J.J. [Abrams] offered me the role. I think everything else I’ve ever been in I had to audition for.

In the span of two months I’ve seen you in Star Trek, Sunshine Cleaning, and Crank: High Voltage. Do you ever worry about a Clifton Collins overload?

Not yet. I don’t really look like… READ MORE