Media Credits : Locale Magazine
Actor Sean Patrick Small took on the coveted yet challenging role of portraying basketball legend Larry Bird in the HBO series WINNING TIME. Bird was the star Boston Celtics player and archnemesis of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers team featured in the show. Small shares what it took to become Larry Bird through the audition, extensive preparation, on-set performance and feedback.
Media Credits : PopCulture.com
Small had to submit an audition tape showcasing his basketball skills and dialogue reading. He focused on emulating Bird distinct Indiana accent, competitive swagger and shooting ability. Small wore a wig and prosthetic nose to physically resemble Bird. Small felt he did his best to capture Bird persona though nervous to send the tape. He was thrilled when the producers called him with the news he had won the part.
Media Credits : Sporting News
Small dove deep into understanding Larry Bird to fully inhabit the role. He studied footage of Bird playing for Indiana State and the Celtics analyzing his moves and style. Small read books and articles about Bird life, career and relationships.
Media Credits : CNN
Small took lessons with a basketball coach to mimic Bird skills. He worked with a dialect coach to perfect the nuances of Bird voice and speech patterns. The intensive preparation helped Small feel connected to and impressed by the icon he would play.
Media Credits : Sporting News
Small aimed to convey Bird confidence and competitive spirit as well as his humor and intelligence on set. Small had fun embodying this basketball legend though challenging at times like wearing a wig in the heat. Critics, fans and even Larry Bird himself praised Small portrayal as spot-on and compelling.
Media Credits : Bleacher Report
Small was honored that his performance received such positive reviews. Bird said Small did a great job capturing him which was especially meaningful feedback. Overall the experience represented a dream role for Small as a basketball and Bird fan. He felt proud to bring nuance and humanity to one of the game complex giants.
Media Credits : Celtics Blog
Sean Patrick Small successfully transformed into Larry Bird for WINNING TIME through an immersive audition, research process, on-set commitment and warm reception. He vividly brought to life both the iconic athlete and the man behind the legend. Small shows that actors can fully inhabit even the most larger-than-life figures with dedication and talent.
Media Credits : Twitter
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it interesting and informative. Please share it with your friends and family who are also fans of WINNING TIME and Sean Patrick Small. And do not forget to comment below your thoughts on his performance. What did you think of his audition, his preparation, his performance and his feedback?
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