Lyriq is a face you may have seen, but haven't had a chance to know - till now. Originally from Jamaica, Lyriq has been grinding in Hollywood for over seven years, appearing in films like Honey and Four Brothers. He made his debut with Saw in the 2005 sequel.
The role of Commander Rigg for Lyriq almost didn't happen - it was a role he didn't even want. "I auditioned for Xavier, which was one of the characters in the house," he explains. "I thought I hit it out the park, but we have some pretty insightful people on this team; they thought it would be too stereotypical to have a black guy play that role because he was a drug dealer." Instead he landed the role of Commander Rigg who, at first, was "a glorified extra," he says. But two years later, Commander Rigg has survived the villain's Jigsaw ghastly traps - and Lyriq Bent is still part of the popular franchise.
In a one-on-one with VIBE.com, Lyriq chats it up about up the franchise, keeping his integrity in Hollywood and much more.
The stereotype is that black characters don't survive in horror movies, but you're on your third installment of Saw. How does it feel to be part of this project?
It's a great opportunity because I see it as opposed to any type of stereotype that could happen - I'm conscious of it, so I make sure not to fall into that. I like the project, I like the franchise and I think it's very smart. The story is what actually grabbed me, believe it or not, being that the genre is what it is. It really was the content of the story that kept me going. Here we are with number four!
One thing I've liked about Saw from the beginning is that it's always had a diverse cast, which is rare, especially for horror. Has that been a conscious decision through all of the installments?
I think it came about naturally, and when they realized it was working it became a conscious thing. Hats off to the team for trying to do things differently, breaking new ground [with] the franchise, what they've been doing with the casting and storytelling.
Saw is such a graphic film, and it looks incredibly realistic. What is the vibe on the set - do you guys laugh when someone gets their face crushed, or is it disturbing?
It's really relaxed. People do get a little bit spooked out, grossed out with certain scenes because the make-up is so incredibly realistic. When you incorporate the talent with the effect, it's pretty close to real. So, it's taken seriously once the cameras start to roll, but when there's a cut, it's real relaxed.
When you look at the final product of the Saw, does it make you jump - are you scared at all?
Honestly, I haven't seen any of the Saws. I watched the first Saw so that I could understand what I was going to audition for. I haven't really watched the others only because I'm in them. [Laughs] But the stuff that I have seen, it's not scary, it's more disturbing. You don't have people jumping out at you or monsters chasing you; it plays on your phobias. I think that's the success of it. It's real stuff that could actually happen if you get some sicko out there.
I've heard many A-list black actors say it's incredibly hard for them to get good roles in Hollywood. How is your experience being an up and coming actor?
Honestly, I don't even think about it. If I do, it's too overwhelming and I might just quit. It's a business that you have to hold true to yourself, you got to be in it to win it. Not to try and gain as many friends, or as much money - you got to know why you are in it and you got to know what motivates and drives you.
I was looking at your filmography and all of your roles seemed like something to be proud of. Have you ever turned down a role because it was negative?
I turned down my first three jobs before I worked a day in my life as an actor, because they wanted me to play drug dealers, rapists and gangster roles. I thought, "Why do you see me in that light when I did not come out and show you that light? Why is that you're offering me those jobs that I'm not even going out for?" That really spoke to me loud. So yeah, I've turned down more jobs in the beginning than I actually worked. At this stage, for me to pick and choose work is really not a problem. That's how I started in the game and I have no problems continuing that. It's never been for the money, because if that's the case I shouldn't be doing this. You don't make a whole lot of money when you start out in this game.
What advice would you give to a young person of color who wants to get involved in Hollywood?
Man, first of all, don't even believe the hype, it's an illusion. You just got to understand it's something that has to come from you. You can't look at the glitz and glamour. The stuff you see in magazines or on TV. If that's what's bringing you to it - it's going to crush you. If you keep true to yourself, then you'll be true to the game - and the game will be good to you. I totally believe that. You have to understand yourself before you even try to understand what this game is all about, because it is a mess. It's not normal; it really isn't a normal thing to be doing. You have to be honest with yourself. Once you do that, I think you'll be okay, because you won't get caught up in the hype.
Lyriq Bent as Commander Rigg in Saw IV.
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