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| After starring in the independent film Finders Fee last summer with James Earl Jones, actor Erik Palladino knew that something was different. When he returned to the set of ER for his second season as the offbeat Dr. Dave Malucci, he was brimming with confidence. Even the sound guys noticed. “There is a term in acting — ‘being on your voice.’ It means you’re projecting very clearly. When I’m feeling confident, I find myself being much more on my voice. When we started shooting ER I was definitely on my voice. The sound guys were like, ‘Wow, what did you do this summer?’ I told them I went to summer camp…with James Earl Jones.” For the Yonkers-born Palladino that confidence was a result of taking yet another chance in his career and succeeding. In this case, it was choosing the lead in Finders Fee over a funnier supporting role he knew he’d be very comfortable doing. “I don’t usually gravitate toward lead roles. They tend to be more serious. Because of my sitcom background, the important thing has always been, ‘Is it funny?’ I’ll be honest. When we were filming in Canada this summer, as I’m doing it, I felt the most insecure that I’ve felt. But when it was over, I felt like I was in a new place.” Palladino considers the opportunity to star in Finders Fee as just one more recent stroke of luck in a fortunate career. As for the future, Palladino is still getting used to the idea of having a regular job and looking for ways to grow as an actor. “I hope I can continue to be bold as I get older, to take the same kind of chances and not get complacent.” —Evan Bartelheim Photography by Hope North |