Man with Houlton ties to appear on ‘Glee’ TV show

  PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Former Star City resident, Rock Anthony, is on his way to becoming a star in his own right, as he joins the cast of the popular Fox TV show “Glee” on the upcoming season premiere, set to air Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m.
Finding himself among the ‘students’ of McKinley High has been quite the learning experience for Anthony, who attended Presque Isle High School from 2000-04. The acting bug bit early for the Maine actor who now calls West Hollywood home.
    “I have been interested in acting since I was 5 years old, when I did my very first play in elementary school,” said Anthony, recalling the character he played. “I was the Big Bad Wolf.”
Beginning his acting career as a bad guy — or bad wolf — proved to be a sign of things to come, since Anthony’s character on the show will be that of a hockey player with a bad attitude.
“I watched ‘Glee’ before I was cast. It’s kind of weird being on the set, walking down the hallways of McKinley High. Trust me, you can’t wipe the smile off my face when I’m there,” said Anthony, noting although his character is supposed to be a tough guy, personally he’s in awe.
“It is a little intimidating doing scenes with these established actors. But they are just the nicest people to work with; the cast and crew have made me feel very welcome,” he said.
The road to Hollywood wasn’t without difficulties, including long hours of work to earn the money for the move to the West Coast.
“I got myself to Hollywood via drive and passion. Right out of high school, I moved to Bangor and worked three jobs: one as a waiter at Governor’s, the second at The Gap and the third at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I worked 14-hour days, seven days a week, for an entire year,” said Anthony.
Any money that he could spare was set aside to fund his dream of living in California and pursuing his acting career.
“I saved just about every penny and just packed up all of my stuff into a minivan and moved to Hollywood with my best friend, Nicole Dickinson. We have been here for a little over five years,” Anthony said.
He said his goal for now is to “stay on the path I’m on, doing television and/or film.”
“In 10 years I would like to be known as Academy Award winner Rock Anthony,” quipped Anthony.
Anthony credits family for inspiring him to follow his dreams.
“My biggest inspiration would have to be my Mom and Dad. My Mom, Laura Boynton, has always believed in me and backed me up in every aspect of my life,” said Anthony.
Growing up, Anthony said his family “never really had it that easy.”
“We never had much money, just enough to get by, but my Mom always made sure that I had everything I ever wanted or needed,” he said.
According to Anthony, his mother always found a way to make things work.
“She always somehow would figure out a way to make every part of our lives feel like we were the richest people in the world. That hard work and determination to make sure that her family was always happy and living their dreams is what inspires me,” said Anthony.
Anthony’s tone turned solemn, as he recalled his father’s role in his life.
“I have to mention my father, Rock Anthony Boynton I. He just recently passed in May. He was the most amazing man to ever grace this Earth; he was so kind and giving to every person or animal he came in contact with,” said Anthony, who was named after his father.
He said his father continued to devote his life to others, even when he was seriously ill.
“Even when he was about to turn 50, about a year before he passed, he decided to go back to college to be a veterinarian’s assistant. Even when he was fighting for his own life, he was selfless enough to start studying so that he could start to save animals’ lives,” said Anthony. “If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.”
“He was the greatest father, and I miss him every day. I know he has had a hand in my recent success,” continued Anthony. “I love you, Dad.”
His family “couldn’t be happier,” said Anthony.
“They are so excited. They have always believed in me and always rooted me on. They motivate me to succeed in everything I do, every day,” he said.
“My sister, Malissa Boynton, especially has been thrilled for my success. She’s an RN at Houlton Regional Hospital and she has always been my biggest and loudest cheerleader in supporting my career choices,” said Anthony, noting he loves his sister and is also very proud of her as well.
Anthony doesn’t consider acting as work, since he derives such pleasure from it.
“The easiest part of acting is just the sheer joy that I get from doing it. I love being able to be creative and develop a character that I am playing,” he said.
It’s the daily details that are more difficult.
“The hardest part would have to be the business side of acting. There is a lot of rejection; it is very hard to break into the business. It’s a lot of hard work,” said Anthony. “I believe the stats are only 5 percent of actors are actually working actors that get their big breaks. I just feel lucky that I’m part of that 5 percent!”
Anthony said his best advice to others, in general, would be to “follow your dreams.”
“Don’t let anybody hold you back. When you are thinking about what you want to do with your life, and that first thing that pops into your head that makes you happiest — that’s it. Go for that,” said Anthony. “I always say ‘if you’re not doing what you love, then what’s the point.’ Just be happy and enjoy what you are doing with your life.”
Anthony acknowledged the past five years have had their share of ups and downs, as he worked various jobs to make ends meet and slept on a few floors in the process. He credits his friend, Dickinson, for being there for him.
“There is no way I could have accomplished any of this without my best friend, Nicole Dickinson. She has sacrificed so much to help me achieve my dreams. I just want her to know how much I appreciate her. I love you so much, Nikki,” said Anthony.
Anthony has gotten lots of attention from friends and relatives since the “Glee” preview clip began airing — it includes a scene with Anthony taunting a fellow student in the hall.
“’Taste the rainbow, Glee-otch’ is my line in the promo clip,” he said.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the overwhelming amount of love and support that I have received from my friends and family in the County. Thanks so much,” said Anthony.
Anthony said he’s thrilled to be appearing in the season premiere of “Glee” next week but even more excited that he’s been called back for at least a second appearance — if not a recurring role.
“As of right now, I will be appearing in two episodes: the season premiere episode and I believe episode 4. But hopefully more if viewers like me,” said Anthony.
Anthony welcomes fans to follow him using Twitter.
“Everyone can get updates on my career and life by following me on Twitter at TheRockAnthony,” said Anthony.