Intergenerational Inspiration Q&A with Hollywood Star, Patrick Kilpatrick
Since I love watching movies, it was very exciting getting to interview Patrick Kilpatrick. He has appeared in more than 170 films working with the biggest box office names including Tom Cruise (Minority Report) and Jessica Alba (Dark Angel) and over 75 hit TV shows such as “24”, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and all “CSI”. In addition to his acting career, Patrick Kilpatrick is a writer and his new book is called DYING FOR LIVING: Sins & Confessions of a Hollywood Villain & Libertine Patriot. What makes him so intriguing is that he most often plays an action film villain (which his book talks about) and yet his intergenerational inspiration makes him want to be an angel! Below is our conversation that I thoroughly enjoyed.
1. Intergenerational relationships traditionally focus on people who are “skipped”, non-adjacent generations like grandparents and grandchildren. Have you had someone in your life from a different generation who greatly inspired you?
My maternal grandmother, Dandy, as we called her, was named Ellie Hines. She was an extraordinarily loving presence which was vital since my mother was mentally troubled, highly volatile and violent. Dandy softened the war zone at my home when she visited and was a comforting presence throughout my upbringing well into college.
Photo courtesy of Patrick Kilpatrick
2. What is something you enjoyed doing with her? What did you learn from her?
She was quite elderly, soft spoken, so merely being in her presence was healing. She also cooked a great deal and reveled in feeding me and my siblings. She would ask what we liked and then immediately set about making it in her kitchen. She was also quietly religious as a Baptist, a source of accepting forgiveness. She would send me four or five birthday cards throughout the year, all with five dollars in each card. I think it was her way of slipping me money while seeming charmingly distracted.
3. How has this relationship continued to impact you? Is there something you do or a motto you follow in your personal or professional life that came from that intergenerational connection?
It has caused me to wish to be an angel on a moment to moment basis. I think we all have the choice to be an angel, positively and protectively impacting others, or a demon, being a killer of dreams.
Photo courtesy of Patrick Kilpatrick
4. Is there someone in your life now from a younger generation in which you have a special reverse-mentoring relationship? What types of experiences do you share together?
My sons — 27 and 22. They are always a source of amusement, enlightenment, love. We do ocean things, movies, meals, travel. Also being around my step-grandchildren is a joy. They give me immense laughter and amusement. My family makes the short time of life, the challenges of age, easier to bear and enjoy.
5. How do you encourage intergenerational relationships in your family, business or community?
I believe in spending time with all age groups, particularly the young; group dinner parties, trips to exotic locales.
Photo courtesy of Patrick Kilpatrick
6. Is there a book, movie or piece of art that has reminded you about the importance and power of intergenerational inspiration?
Saving Private Ryan, 300, Braveheart — heroism is always needed.
7. How can our readers follow you and learn more about your work?
Facebook and on Twitter @IMPATRICKKILPATRICK and my website: PatrickKilpatrick.com and my book can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Thanks so much, Patrick, for sharing with us. Dandy sounds wonderful — again, reminding us of the gift of grandparents, especially when parents are struggling in any way. You described Dandy as “elderly”. At Bridges Together, we raise awareness about the attitudes of aging that each of us carries. We invite people to consider the language we use in regards to aging and older adults. So, I ask you to share more adjectives to go along with “elderly”… Do you mean “old” or “frail” or “spent most of her time at home” or…. Interesting, right? I so agree that we each have choices about being angels or demons… thank you for being an angel in this world!
