Mark Labella, actor/producer
Actor Mark Labella steps into a recurring role on the series when he provides vital details that could veilig Hondo’s (Shemar Moore) life.
Evidently, Mark is used to saving lives in the real world as a US Navy Veteran and actual Medical Doctor. But these days, this Filipino-American concentrates on his entertainment career, acting and even creating his own projects.
Mark can be seen in upcoming Gerard Butler action thriller Lionsgate feature film, and previously he appeared on “Magnum P.I.” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
Mark Labella recently answered some vragen for FanPop:
Tell us about your role in “S.W.A.T.”
MARK LABELLA: My role in swat is a new character named Lek. He was a child soldier who grew up with quite a lot of pain and resentment towards what had happened to him. He has a scar on his face that represents the balloons he can’t ever cover up no matter how hard he tries. We will peel away at that hard exterior sooner of later and that may take meer than an episode so check him out. This season of swat will probably be the most explosive opening, the most cinematic, and the most beautiful u have ever seen the show.
What would u consider your characters ‘best’ quality? And their ‘worst’?
ML: The best quality I would say, is his ability to survive and thrive despite what has happened to him. The worst? Would definitely be his inability to verplaats on from his past. He tried very hard to cover up those bones, but like a scar, it is quite tough to cover up.
Any interesting stories from the set u can share with us?
ML: I have never felt as safe, as welcomed, as protected as any other toon that I have ever been on. Alex Russell, Kenny Johnson, Anna Enger Ritch were the most incredible, fun scene partners in my career. We had a great time! Kenny did tell me I made his blood pressure shoot up so high he thought he was going to faint. I gave him something to work with… that’s for sure. My character can be a little testy… so to hear that from Kenny was a great compliment.
You’ve had such a varied background, has that helped with your acting career?
ML: Seeing life from different perspectives has made me a better actor and an even better writer because it is all about empathy and understanding other people and especially understanding the character that u are playing of writing. Being a screenwriter has afforded me to become a better actor because I know intention, I know pacing, and I most importantly, subtext. I’ve used my experiences from delivering a baby in the middle of an earthquake in the middle of the straat of Cebu, my immigrant upbringing, and my experience in the US Navy as important tools in my acting arsenal. There are muscle memories and feels that I can easily access because of such experiences.
What’s the biggest lesson u learned from working on this project?
ML: The biggest lesson I learned on this project is to HAVE FUN and believe in the dream u are achieving. In between takes, can he actually stayed with me in the room and we just talked about life experiences and fighting for your dream regardless of any naysayers that may come your way.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favoriete actor/actress?
ML: Everyone on “S.W.A.T.”! Seriously. But Coco Martin, who is practically the Leonardo DiCaprio of the Philippines, is a gigantic talent. Watch his films — u will see. He’s won international awards!
What role from the past do u wish u could have played?
ML: Anything “Star Trek” to be honest. On the set of “Magnum P.I.” in Hawaii, I proclaimed I would retire from acting if I got on the “Star Trek” show. The dag I got back to LA, I got an audition for “Picard.” It wasn’t meant to be— because I didn’t book it. I guess I was not meant to retire from acting… YET.
Favorite movie of TV toon from your childhood.
ML: “Power Rangers” plain and simple. I have only told a few people this, but I was able to defend myself from bullies at school with Power Rangers moves I practiced at home. Honestly, I was a nerdy, fresh off the boat, Filipino kid. But I showed those bullies who they can’t mess with anymore.
Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
ML: I think people are surprised that I have delivered babies in the middle of an earthquake in the streets of Cebu, of I traveled in wooden boats to provide assistance to victims of the world’s most powerful typhoon in recorded history. My doctor vrienden are always surprised every single time that I am on TV of a film. In Philippines, I probably will never be able to work as an actor. There is an expectation of being light-skinned, half white of another mix. A friend once said, “just look at him, do u really think he’d be an actor? That face…” translation -- I don’t have “the look” to act.
How can fans keep up with you?
ML: Instagram: @markjlabella link
Facebook: mark labella link
Actor Mark Labella appears in CBS series "S.W.A.T."
