Tony Hale’s new film ‘Sketch’ blends grief and fantasy
A new chapter for Tony Hale
Tony Hale, the beloved actor known for his roles in “Veep” and “Arrested Development,” is stepping into a new realm with his latest film, Sketch. As he prepares to move his 18-year-old daughter, Loy, into college, Hale reflects on the transition and the emotional journey of his character in the movie. “It’s good,” he says, with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia.
A complex role in ‘Sketch’
In Sketch, Hale plays Taylor, a widowed father grappling with grief and anxiety. The film takes a unique turn when the monster art his daughter draws comes to life, terrorizing their town. This blend of personal loss and fantastical elements creates a challenging role for Hale, who must navigate Taylor’s emotional landscape while dealing with out-of-this-world creatures.
Hale describes a poignant moment in the film where Taylor puts away photographs of his late wife and family to avoid being reminded of his pain. “He’s an intelligent dude, but he’s in survival mode,” Hale explains. This scene encapsulates the delicate balance of emotions that Hale and writer-director Seth Worley aimed to achieve. “Seth does comedy, and I obviously come from a comedy background — we wanted to infuse it with comic timing, to soften it before it could go too heavy.”
Working with young talent
Hale shares the screen with young actors Bianca Belle and Kue Lawrence, who play his children Amber and Jack. The task of guiding them through sophisticated material could have been daunting, but Hale praises their natural talent. “Finding organic performances from kids that age can be tricky. These kids just had such a natural gift — it was a real breathe-out relief,” he says. Jack’s character, in particular, tries to hold the family together as his father hides from his own pain. “I as the dad should have realized, We need to grieve this,” Hale reflects.
Personal reflections on theater and creativity
Hale’s own childhood experiences in theater resonate with Amber’s use of cartoon monsters to express emotions. Growing up in the South, where football was a dominant culture, Hale found solace in theater. “Theater was a space where I could let it out — not be judged for it but applauded for it, and encouraged to be funnier. Thank God my parents found this theater in Tallahassee,” he recalls. This creative outlet allowed him to explore his emotions freely, much like Amber’s artistic expressions in the film.
The legacy of ‘Veep’ and beyond
Hale’s portrayal of Gary, the devoted political aide in “Veep,” remains one of his most iconic roles. The series, which has re-entered the cultural conversation, draws comparisons to real-world politics. However, Hale dismisses these comparisons with humor. “Wow, nobody wanted Gary’s opinion until now!” he laughs. “The whole social-media fodder comparing her to Kamala is just silly. Politics is its own thing; I remember us thinking, this is really just a workplace comedy.”
Family-friendly entertainment
In recent years, Hale has focused on family-friendly projects, including voice roles in the “Toy Story” and “Inside Out” franchises. Sketch represents an opportunity to create something that appeals to both children and adults. Hale fondly recalls watching movies with his daughter when she was younger. “When Loy was little, it was tough to watch things together that didn’t drive me crazy. Family viewing is really precious — just something you don’t mind watching six or seven times. That’s kind of the life that we hope this has.”
A heartfelt journey
Tony Hale’s journey in Sketch is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to infuse humor into even the most challenging roles. As he navigates the complexities of grief and fantasy, Hale brings a unique blend of heart and comedy to the screen, creating a film that resonates with audiences of all ages.