All I ask is that you let people know that George Pal ‘Discovered you!’– George Pal
That’s what Michael Berryman was told one night years ago by legendary filmmaker George Pal. Shortly after that night, he began his acting career and was in George’s film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze and then One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with Jack Nicholson. Once he starred in Wes Craven’s 1977 The Hills Have Eyes actor Michael Berryman became a household name.
Beyond his exceptional acting skills, Berryman is the most humble and hardworking person that you’ll ever meet. He’s often sought as an actor because he has a reputation of being a team player and no matter what the conditions are it’s not in his blood to complain. While filming The Hills Have Eyes in the desert, he showed up to the set immediately after having surgery on his arm and was filming a fight scene.
Michael has hundreds of film and TV credits and still dedicates time to children with critical illnesses and disabilities, along with rescuing animals, as well as maintaining an organic farm. Michael Berryman truly is an extraordinary person.
Five Questions with Michael Berryman
George Pal came into your art/plant store and invited you to be in his movie “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” and the rest is history. To this day how grateful are you that Mr. Pal walked into your store?
MICHAEL: There was one day in particular that really did alter my future and expand my opportunities for employment and self-sufficiency. Prior to the day that I was introduced to George Pal, I was part owner of a small gift shop/art gallery in Venice Beach, Ca. We sold anything that a local artist brought in; well sold on consignment, that is. We were just making our rent/lease. But one evening I found myself across the street at a neighbor’s antique store while they were having an invitation only sale. Between the coming and going of Bentleys and Limos, I heard a voice introducing George Pal to me. George had a charming manner and quick smile that was sincere. He asked me: ‘Are you an actor?’ I said ‘No, I own the little gift shop across the street’. He handed me a biz card that had the Warner Brothers logo. My busy brain sifted through hours of Sci-Fi movies and Main Title Credits…resulting in me saying to Mr. George Pal..’Do you know who you are? You produced ‘The War of the Worlds’..etc.
George calmly took my hand and said, ‘Please be in my movie, you have the perfect look for the coroner role. I will Taft-Hartley you into SAG and all I ask is that you let people know that George Pal ‘Discovered you’! Well, I always have, and my second job, 3rd day in the biz…was ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. Thank you George, you really made a difference in my family’s life and my future!
You give back to the community and spend a lot of time helping children. Currently what charities, foundations, or volunteering are you involved with?
MICHAEL: I am writing this while watching the Golf Channel. There just was a mention of ‘The Hole In The Wall Gang’..a charity formed by Paul Newman and Arnold Palmer and General ‘Storming’ Norman Schwarzkopf.
I met Paul Newman while filming ‘The Crow’ with Brandon Lee. Paul and I were having wardrobe fittings and he remarked about my physical persona. I gave him the backstory, of a premature birth, multiple birth defects and my father’s renowned career as neurologist. I told him about my Children’s Hospital experiences and crainiectomy.. He asked if I would speak at the ‘Bogey Creek Camp’. I jumped at the chance to meet these kids and families and wonderful doctors and staff. The camp I went to is in St. Petersburg, FL. What a wonderful experience for these families. All medical needs during the 4 days are covered there and the kids play while mom and dad get mentored on how to get the insurance companies and foundations to cover the re-constructive facial surgery for their children. My invitation came about via the ‘Facial Cranial Society’ of Florida. So, I would share my surgery experiences honestly and express my fears and successes before and after the procedures. On the 2nd camp, my wife went with me. During a meeting with a girl who was in her junior year of high school, I was informed that she needed one more major facial reconstruction and was done with all the pain and frustration and had had enough. I promised the parents I would speak 1on1 with her. At that time I had no Idea this 15 year old would have an effect on my choices in life. She and I had a hand-shake-deal to both get our work done. I had my eyelids closed at the corners, my nose shortened and opened up, and cheek implants sewed to my bone to support drooping eyes. I was almost 40 years old when I had the same thing done. My face swelled up from the trauma for a few weeks, but it did get better, a few dead nerves but the over-all was very helpful and I owe this young lady many thanks for the encouragement. When she was at her senior prom, she had pictures taken and sent me some. Her appearance was improved and even more valuable was her self worth. These are some examples of how we share, learn, heal, give support, lift up the human spirit and show appreciation and take on the new day. So, again, ‘Thank you George’, for helping to change my life’s path, because it led me to Paul Newman and the ‘Gang’ as well as opening so many avenues in my life. There have been many groups that I have shared with, it makes for a better day to get involved. It keeps me humble(I try), and very grateful.
You’re a very spiritual person, what are some of your strongest beliefs that help yourself or can help others?
MICHAEL: So you are asking about Spirit. Well, I will avoid all religions because above the canopy of these 100’s of metaphysical paths, there is the area where we do not hear the arguments and corrections and the debates over and over; instead, I remain focused on the universes within us and around us, and where and how we see the common center of humanity and within this quiet realm dwells the spirit that is a part of our lives. I try to stay positive and understanding I also remain fiercely protective of those in harms way. The best I have seen is what I wear on the back of my jacket that I found at the Hard Rock Café in Vancouver, while filming the X-Files. It reads: ‘Love All, Serve All, All Is One’. This pretty much says it all. Now go outside and make a difference!
Health and organic farming is very important to you. Can you tell us why farming is so critical and about your own organic farm?
MICHAEL: How do we eat? Well, I could lecture for days on this subject. Simply put, the human body is a wonderful creation and vitality comes from where we live (environment…clean air, low stress, clean water..etc), what we do (exercise) with our bodies, and what we feed our cells. Modern farming methods are (bushels per acre), instead of sustainability and soil improvements by replenishing trace minerals that should be in our food. I shop only at my local family owned produce stands. I enjoy watching the Food Channel…(yep), but I have found diet and lifestyle the key to health. Personally, about 90% of all food products in the supermarket I avoid. I was a butcher for a few years while in college. I have read tons of trade journals and found there are trade-offs allowed for commerce reasons. I choose native(heirloom) food, never, ever do I trust the GMO’s. I feel these are Frankenstein (foods). Also, make sure you drink clean water…and I never drink sport or soft drinks, ever. Aluminum is brain toxic! We grow walnuts at home…only 10 trees but almost 1/2 a ton of wonderful nuts! We donate most to the local food bank. The rest we horde till next harvest. They are wonderful.
Your accomplishments are inspiring and astounding. What is the most important thing that you gained throughout your life and career?
MICHAEL: Inspiration is a powerful conduit for growth. The source of the idea is important to know. Why we are compelled to embrace such a concept is crucial. What affect will my choices and efforts have on my life and those around me? What inspiration has allowed for me is the opportunity to evaluate my life and I always try to use compassion and grace in this effort. I try not to beat myself up for not having ‘Super-Powers’, so as to save the world (as I wanted to do as a kid). There is and always will be the ‘kid’ in me…to compel me to be ‘child-like, not child-ish’.
Michael has far too many upcoming films to mention in this interview, but one way to keep updated is by his IMDB page http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077720 Thank you Michael for this amazing interview!!!
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