While aspiring talent around the world tuned in to watch the 88th academy awards, one Smithtown family had a special reason to celebrate, as the movie Spotlight won best picture. Smithtown native, Michael Cyril Creighton has received national recognition for his portrayal of a young, gay man, who discloses his story, as a survivor of molestation by a priest, to investigative journalists at the Boston Globe. Creighton’s heartbreakingly human performance in Spotlight, has been revered as his breakout role, by renown movie critics and respected journalists throughout the industry. Smithtown Today got the chance to sit down with the Writer/Actor in an exclusive “Spotlight” interview with the rising star.
How long have you been an actor?
A long time. When I was a pre-teen my aunt Erin bought me an acting class at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson. I was in a production of Alice in Wonderland and played the pivotal role of a flower who stood in the background. We all have to start somewhere! I did theatre in high school, went to Emerson College for acting and have been pursuing it ever since. I’m also a writer and received a Writers Guild of America Award for my web series “Jack in a Box.”
Do you remember what you were doing when you got the call that you’d been chosen for a role in Spotlight?
I was in my apartment getting ready to go to the beach as a way to distract myself from the fact that I didn’t think I got it, as I had auditioned a few weeks earlier. The phone rang and it was my agent & manager telling me I got the role. I screamed and may have used some expletives. It was an amazing moment. I knew as soon as I read the script, I needed to be part of it.
Who was the first person you called after hearing the good news?
My mom.
What preparation and research did you do prior to shooting?
I read all the Boston Globe articles the Spotlight team published on the abuse crisis, researched the long term side affects of this kind of abuse and went to Boston to spend a day with Joe Crowley, the real survivor I portray in the film.
How were you able to relate to your character? In other words, you had to get to a very dark place. How does someone mentally prepare to tell the world a true story that is essentially a rape survivors disclosure.
It’s impossible to read that beautiful script (by Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer) and not feel empathy and rage for all the survivors and victims of clergy sex abuse. As far as mentally preparing for the role, I give all the credit to meeting the real Joe Crowley. He was so open with his story and it is that generosity that was able to inform my performance in ways deeper than I can even articulate. While Joe’s story is a difficult one, I think it is also full of hope and bravery. He is a survivor and made it through the pain, shame and anger. It was my job to honor him and get his essence. He’s an incredibly gentle, funny and likable person, which are all qualities that made my job easier. I felt a great sense of responsibility to get him right.
What was your favorite moment on set?
It was really wonderful to spend time with Rachel McAdams. Not only is she a phenomenal scene partner, but also a very nice person. During our scenes she showed great empathy and made me feel safe, which I imagine was what the real Sacha Pfeiffer did that day she met the real Joe. In between takes she was a joy to talk to.
What’s next for your Career?
I recently appeared on an episode of Louis CK’s new show “Horace and Pete,” am currently shooting an independent feature film called “Coin Heist”, will be seen as a recurring character on the new season of “The Outs” on Vimeo and you might see me pop up on “High Maintenance” on HBO, coming soon.
To learn more about Michael Cyril Creighton’s career as an Actor/Writer, including recent awards and reviews, visit his website: MichaelCyrilCreigton.com