Dolphin Tale 2’s Nathan Gamble

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably already gotten your tickets for Dolphin Tale 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed first film. We had the opportunity to sit down with Nathan Gamble, star of both films, to talk about his love of animals, his own dog Nick (pictured below), and his hopes for the future of the Dolphin Tale franchise.

Can you tell us about Nick (age, breed, how you got him) as well as about your family dog?
NG:
Nick is a male Puggle that I got from a local breeder in Washington state 5 years ago. Midnight, our Black Lab mix, was a rescue dog that my parents got in Eastern Washington 9 years ago while on a wine tasting trip. They weren't planning on getting a dog but- as fate would have it- at the last winery they stopped at they met a person who had one puppy left from a large litter that they were going to call animal control to remove because they could not take care of another puppy. My folks fell in love with her and the rest is history. Nick and Midnight are best buddies.

Describe your ideal day spent together.
NG:
First, Nick always sleeps with me every night. He does not like to be alone. So the day always begins with him scratching at the door to be let out. After breakfast we'll "play fight." Nick loves to chase after me and "tackle me."  Then we'll trade off and I'll tackle him. We also like to play hide and seek, too. What I love about Nick is he'll be real mean one moment and the next he'll be all drooling and smiling. He really does smile! We also love to take walks around the block, though in summer it's sometimes too hot for Nick as he is a bit, well, pudgy, shall we say?

Did Nick get a chance to visit you on set?
NG:
Not usually, but when I was on a sitcom several years ago he did move down to LA with us. He loved California and actually did a bit of swimming in our pool, too.
 
What do you love most about dogs?
NG:
Their consistency. They are the same today as they will be tomorrow. So no matter what kind of day I've had I know I can come home to my best buddy, Nick, and he can cheer me up and make me smile.

Is there anything that inspired your love of dogs and animals in general?
NG:
I love what a dog represents: loyalty and unconditional love. When I have a bad day, what's better than curling up on the couch with your best buddy? Well, maybe a cheeseburger, some fries AND your best friend! 

You're a spokesperson for Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Can you tell us why that's important to you? Do you support any other animal causes?
NG:
Being a spokesperson for CMA has frankly changed my life. As a spokesperson I've really had my eyes opened to the power of Winter. I've had the pleasure of meeting wounded veterans and kids who've had some real challenges in life.  Sure its fun to meet a bunch of fans who are excited to get an autograph or a picture. But to see these kids so sick and in a hospital- some with very little time left to live- well, that really puts life in perspective, you know? Being a spokesman has given me perspective and an overwhelming sense of how blessed I am. Dolphin Tale the movie is fun- but Winter and her impact on those with challenges and her unique power to inspire is the real important thing that I've learned and will always remember… I'm not formally involved in any other animal causes but I am personally a big proponent of spaying and neutering, the work rescue shelters do and the movement to support sustainable, line caught salmon fishing.

A few years ago you worked on one of our favorite dog films, Marley & Me. Can you tell us about the different challenges working with Winter the dolphin compared to the dogs on Marley & Me?
NG:
Very different experience. As you might imagine there were several dogs "playing" Marley as the film covers his life from puppy to older dog. So I actually got the pleasure of working with many "Marleys." Working with the dogs was much more controlled as the trainers were closer to the dogs than I was. With Winter in many scenes it was just me and Winter. And some days Winter was into it and other days- like a human- she was more tempermental. But  when you're under water things get real quiet. All the hectic hustle and bustle of a big Hollywood movie disappear. Those were the special moments where I felt really connected to this beautiful animal called Winter.

Aside from the Dolphin Tales movies (we LOVED the first one), what has been your favourite role to date and why?
NG:
I was in a crazy horror movie called the "Hole" which was directed by Joe "Gremlins" Dante which I loved. I get to play a fun-loving, smart-aleck kid plus do some stunts too. It was released in Europe but, unfortunately never got a wide US release.

Do you have a favourite rescue? If so, which?
NG:
I don't, really. So many great stories of folks who have taken a chance on an unfortunate, neglected dog or cat and then realize how many times over their act of compassion pays them back. 

What was the funniest thing to happen on set with an animal?
NG:
Definitely when we got together at the end of Marley for a cast picture and had all the various dogs who portrayed Marley in one spot. I swear you could sense some jealously amongst the dogs as each one probably was thinking, "Hey, who's this dog think he is? I'm Marley!"  Just shows dogs are very much like people!

What is the most important lesson you have learned from working with animals in movies?
NG:
It sounds cliché, but they are so much like people, you know? And like a person, if you take the time to learn the unique personalities of your animal co-stars you not only will produce a great film but you might also just make a friend for life like I did with the incredible Winter.

What animal would you not want to work with, if any?
NG: 
Like Indiana Jones, I'm not fond of snakes. I'm sure they make great pets for some folks- just not me!

What is your ideal next animal co-star?
NG:
Hopefully Winter again in Dolphin Tale 3!  Honestly, Winter is the ideal animal to work with on camera. She's caring, smart, sensitive and playful. Who could ask for a better co-star?

Catch Dolphin Tale 2, starring Nathan and Winter the Dolphin, in theatres nationwide on September 12th!

Exclusive! Stars & Their Dogs: Actress Julie Benz

Dog-loving actress Julie Benz, best known for two shows adored by the Modern Dog team—Buffy the Vampire Slayer (she was Darla) and Dexter (she was Rita Bennett)—dishes on why dogs are the best remedy for heartbreak, how to ensure your new fella falls for your dog even if things get off to a rocky start, and her ideal day spent with her pups

Q: Tell us a bit about your two dogs.

A: Bamboo is a seven-year-old Morkie [Maltese Yorkie cross] and he's a hot mess. He loves to bark and protect the yard from intruders (squirrels), but becomes a nervous wreck when I start cooking in the kitchen (he hides in the closet!) and he loves to fall asleep in my arms. Sugar is a five-year-old Havanese and she's so easy going. I can take her anywhere and know that she will behave. She's very in tune to our needs and does whatever she can to please us. However, do not disturb her when she sleeps! 

Q: When you divorced from your then-husband actor John Kassir, you were widely quoted as saying your dog Bamboo helped you through the divorce. Can you tell us about that?

A: Divorce sucks, but it's amazing how healing a little heartbeat laying next to you can be! My whole world had changed. I was living in a small apartment with rented furniture and I had lost everything that was familiar, but knowing that at the end of my day Bamboo was there waiting for me made everything OK. Sometimes all you need is a heartbeat, someone excited to see you every day and Bamboo was my heartbeat. 

Q: Do you have any advice for readers who are going through hard times?

A: Time heals! I know it sounds cliché, but clichés exist because they're truths! When seeking a heartbeat to come home to a dog is a very smart option.

Q: You’re now happily married to marketing executive/Firebrand LA co-founder Rich Orosco. Did Rich and Bamboo get along right from the beginning?

A: No! Rich was not a dog person when we first started dating but I wanted him to be a dog person. I remember he said he thought Bamboo smelled so I would bathe poor little Bamboo every time Rich took me out. Let's just say Bamboo had A LOT of baths! There was also "The Blackberry" incident (Bamboo chewed on his blackberry) and "The Shoe" incident and "The Sock" incident… and…well…there were a lot of incidences, but slowly over time they started falling in love. Now Rich is a total dog person and Bamboo follows Rich around everywhere. They are true friends for life.

Q: Any tips for introducing a new person into the pack?

A: It’s important that the dog spend alone time with you and alone time with the new person. 

Q: How about Bamboo and Sugar? Did they like each other right from the beginning?

A: Sugar loved Bamboo immediately, but Bamboo did not feel the same. He started acting very needy and all of a sudden he couldn't jump up on the couch. He would cry and cry until I picked him up. I worked with dog trainer Amy Peel and she said that it was important I spend time alone with Bamboo. I would take him for walks without Sugar and as soon as I started doing that he began to accept Sugar into the pack. 

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your experiences volunteering for animal groups?

A: I was very active in spreading the word about Patrick the Miracle Dog and the movement that has become known as Patrick's Law. Patrick's Law aims to pursue strong animal welfare legislation at a State and Federal level. [Patrick was an emaciated Pit Bull discovered at the bottom of a trash chute in Newark. He had been tied to a railing and starved near to death before being tossed out with the trash. Patrick, as he was named, was discovered moments before a trash compactor would have killed him; amazingly, made a full recovery, in the process garnering fans around the world.] I had the opportunity to meet Patrick very early in his recovery. When I met him he climbed into my arms, rested his head on my shoulder, and stayed like that for a very long time. He was so trusting even though his human had neglected him so severely. 

Q: Why would you recommend volunteering?

A: It’s important we help and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Through fostering and volunteering you are helping a dog that may not have a chance at life. The rewards of fostering a dog outweigh almost everything!

Q: Describe your ideal day with your dogs.

A: My ideal day would be hanging around the house with my husband and my dogs, watching TV, going for a walk, hanging out in the backyard, and taking a nap! 

Q: If Sugar and Bamboo were celebrities, who would they be and why? 

A: I've always thought Bamboo looks like a cross between David Duchovny and Fabio and I would say Sugar is a lot like Cameron Diaz. Both have a lot of toughness wrapped up in a lot of pretty. 

Q: Do your dogs ever come on set with you?

A: Yes! Bamboo and Sugar grew up on the Dexter set. I'm fortunate that they are able to travel with me and come to work with me. Bamboo even had a featured role in Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. Sugar is awesome on set, she will sit quietly under my chair, not react to gunfire or explosions, but if you have to kiss me in a scene, she becomes very vocal!

Q: What has been your favourite movie or TV role to date and why? We’re big Buffy fans here at Modern Dog.

A: It's hard to pick a favourite! Working on Dexter was amazing, I felt like I was in a master acting class working opposite Michael C. Hall. Playing Darla (Buffy/Angel) was a roller coaster ride, I never knew what she was going to do next! Robin (Desperate Housewives) was so fun and quirky and a real character role for me. Amanda (Defiance) is a total bad ass. I get to be challenged emotionally as well as physically every day and for that I am very fortunate and grateful. 

Q: Lessons you’ve learned from your dogs? 

A: Patience and unconditional love. 

Q: The best part of having dogs is:

A: Some days they are the only ones who are happy to see me! 

To see more of Julie (and, we can hope, a guest appearance from one of her dogs), watch “Defiance” on Syfy. Season 2 premieres June 19th!

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