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Photo by E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune
These days, it seems that all of the essential TV series to watch are on cable networks. Power, as seen on Starz, is of no exception. Its season two premiere brought in 1.43 million viewers, which was a record for the channel. Meanwhile, the season two finale of Power generated 2.39 million viewers.
Power returned for its third season on Jul. 17. The second season of the show — whose stars include Omari Hardwick, Naturi Naughton, Lela Loren and Joseph Sikora — currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showing great promise for this new 10-episode season. In support of Season 3, Downtown caught up with actor Joseph Sikora, who portrays Tommy Egan on Power, for some Q&A.
The Starz hit maintains a presence on Twitter as @Power_STARZ, while Joseph is on there as @JosephSikora4. Joseph can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.
Joseph Sikora & Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
Is there a role that you’re most proud of?
Joseph Sikora: Tommy Egan, on Power.
What was your first paying role as an actor?
JS: The Little Prince in The Little Prince at the Touchstone Theatre, directed by Sandra Grand.
Was there an event or a person that inspired you to pursue a career as an actor? Or a particular film?
JS: Michael Shannon after seeing him in the play Killer Joe, by Tracey Letts, at the Next Theatre in Evanston, Illinois, in like ’93? That was the first time I was totally blown away.
For you, was schooling or training from a teacher essential to your becoming a professional actor?
JS: No.
What do you wish more people knew about acting?
JS: You don’t have to be pretty to be great. It is an ancient and honorable craft. We are not the characters we play.
How did the opportunity to appear on Power come up? Did you audition? Hear about it from someone related to the show?
JS: I heard about it from one of my managers, Patrick Keane. I was unable to audition for it when it first came around, but when he heard that they were still looking for the role, he really pushed to make sure I was able to record an audition and send it off to Los Angeles.
For someone who hasn’t seen the show before, how would you describe it?
JS: A love story between two brothers and their struggle to survive and follow their dreams.
Does a person have to watch the series from the first episode to understand everyone that’s going on in the new season?
JS: Probably a good idea. But I have heard of people coming in late and then going back to season 1 and it feeling like getting a secret backstory.
Joseph Sikora & Omari Hardwick
How do you personally compare to your character Tommy?
JS: We both like food. We are both 5’11” and blonde. However, I am not a murderer, I don’t do drugs and I have a slightly easier time keeping my anger under control.
Aside from Power, are there any upcoming roles of yours that you can talk about?
JS: Yes, I will have a supporting role in the remake of Jacob’s Ladder starring Michael Ealy.
Is there a kind of role you haven’t yet done but are still hoping to for bucket list reasons?
JS: Bond. James Bond.
Do you have aspirations to write, produce or direct?
JS: Yes. I already have written quite a bit. I really enjoy it. I would love to direct — it’s time. I will be producing shortly.
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
JS: With my dog and my beautiful wife. I go to the gym and jog around Brooklyn. I love to play pool and find great food.
What are some of the shows that you watch on television when you have the chance?
JS: Vinyl, The Knick, Survivor’s Remorse, The Girlfriend Experience — on Starz — and Game Of Thrones.
Finally, Joseph, any last words for the kids?
JS: School. Stay in it. Follow your passion and work hard — no excuses. Don’t blame other people if you aren’t succeeding. Always take time to have fun.