BEST PICTURE
Oscar-winning ‘Green Book’ features ECU grad
Von Lewis and his wife, Abbey Clark, perform as Lewis n Clark.
(Photo courtesy of Von Lewis)
At his Oscars watch party on Sunday, East Carolina University alumnus Von Lewis eagerly awaited the award for best picture. When it was announced that “Green Book” had won, he jumped up from his couch, screamed, and hugged friends and family. Lewis’ reaction was partly because “Green Book” is a great film about a white chauffeur and his black client in segregation-era America. But it was mostly because he acted in it.
Lewis, a New Bern native who graduated from ECU’s theatre arts program in 2010, plays singer Bobby Rydell in the film and is shown in the opening scene. Lewis is a singer and part of a traveling act with his wife, Abbey Clark, called Lewis n Clark. Their vintage style was well-suited for playing Rydell, who performs both jazz and The Great American Song Book. His agent submitted him for the role, and after nailing the audition, he filmed in January last year.
“I was blown away. It was incredible. I keep telling people it’s indescribable,” Lewis said of the movie’s win. “It’s a special story about love and friendship and clearing up the divides between people.”
“Green Book” stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Ali won best supporting actor, and Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie and Peter Farrelly won best original screenplay.
“Nick Vallelonga is a super great guy,” Lewis said. “I could tell the script meant so much to him. Everyone on set was so nice. It’s no wonder this movie had such great karma behind it.”
One memorable moment during filming happened during a late night on set with Mortensen. Mortensen caught Lewis yawning and he placed a hand on his shoulder and joking said, “You can make it, I believe in you,” Lewis said.
“All I could see was Aragorn from ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I’ve never felt like Frodo more in my life,” Lewis said.
When Lewis was at ECU, he had no idea what his future would hold. He said he’s grateful for the discipline and polish his professors gave him.
“I knew I wanted to be a part of big things, and this is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m thankful to be a Pirate.”