In America, 1920 was a time of change.
Women got the vote, broadcast radio began, and young people ruled the world.
The Great War was over, Wall Street was about to boom, and everything was for sale.
What kind of reading have you done about the era?
Steve: I had the book that its all based on, and I read some other books.
They made it easy for you?
Steve: Oh, absolutely.
The scripts are so richly detailed and, if ever I had a question, they were always available.
With this, they truly made my job easy.
Was the wardrobe fun?
Steve: Well, I need help getting dressed.
How many people does it take to help you?
Steve: I have a dresser, who literally is a guy who makes sure the tie is right.
Its a little bit of a process.
I could probably do it by myself, but it would take me three times as long.
Were you surprised you needed that much help to get in costume?
Steve: I didnt know that it would be that much.
That top button is just really hard.
Have you spent much time in Atlantic City?
Steve: I have not.
Im not a real gambler and it seemed okay not to go there.
Its not just a backdrop.
The incredible source material and just having Terry Winter at the helm makes my job easy.
How do you imagine the ocean?
We werent looking at the East River.
We were looking at these huge canisters that was a big blue screen.
Will you direct any episodes?
Steve: I don’t know.
I just want to keep playing this character.
Do you have a natural curiosity for this era?
People just looked great then, even working class people.
People just looked so different in those suits, and its a shame that we havent kept that up.
Why do you think that is?
Steve: I think because its work.
Its a lot of work to look that good.
What do you think it was about the governmental apparatus that allowed for so much corruption at that time?
Thats what he provided.
Do you identify more with the character or the historical figure?
What do you like about playing the ladies man side to him?
Steve: Whats not to like?
How did it feel to play the big boss who makes all the rules against the girls?
What were the challenges and the fun of that?
He certainly has a dark side, but theres also a lot of humor that goes along with it.
I think he genuinely has a good heart.
I believe that he wants to share the wealth and help people.
He likes being a politician and a leader.
I suppose he could step down, but I dont think its in his DNA.
Now the stakes have risen, and he rises to the challenge.
Its so much fun to play a role like this.
Really, going to work every day was a pure joy.
Youve played a lot of vivid supporting characters in your career.
Did you ever think youd be top of the marquee in this big, sprawling mini-series?
Steve: Only in my wildest fantasies or dreams.
When I first read the script, I could tell from page one that this was the man.
It was terrifying, in a way, but also so exciting.
He said, No, Steve, I just said we want you.
It still didnt sink in.
Im so excited to be a part of this group, and work with Terry and Marty again.
Selfishly, I hope this continues for years and years.
Steve: I never know what Im going to get.
ASopranosfan is very different from aBig Lebowskifan.
Every days an adventure when I step out of my door.
Thats why I usually wear a hat and keep my head low.
Do you set out to mix your career up as much as you do?
Steve: Ive never had a grand plan.
Certainly Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese fall into that category.
Do you have any films coming out soon?
He madeIn the Soup.
I have a small part in that.
I play a producer.
Its always fun to get to do independent film because I believe that thats the life blood of film.
Its about writers and directors who truly have their own vision, and thats hard.
I dont blame any director for wanting to do something more commercial.
Thats all part of the business.
I certainly have done it, as an actor.
I think both sides need each other.
Boardwalk Empirepremieres on HBO on September 19th.
