EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Llyod Talks Family Dynamics in his New Film, The Tender Bar

Based on the memoir by J. R. Moehringer, The Tender Bar focuses on a young man’s relationship with his family as he grows up fatherless on Long Island. Christopher Llyod stars in the new film as Grandpa Moehringer and we got the chance to hear from the icon about his new role.

During the chat, Llyod talked creating the family dynamic needed for this film and what he looks for in projects before accepting the role.

When you’re in a movie like this where the family dynamic is so important, is there something that you as an actor like to do with your castmates in order to foster a family dynamic that will then transfer to the screen?

“I feel, in an ideal situation that this was, there’s kind of an innate trust in each other because we’re all trying to achieve the same thing for the same people. It’s kind of a collaboration just by its nature, which is great when you have that going on. You could do your thing and not have to apologize for it.”

When it comes to accepting roles, what is it that you’re looking for in a project?

“I guess when I kind of read the part for the first time or the scripts or whatever, I want to feel that I could connect with something about the person that everybody else can connect with if I do it right. Otherwise, well, what’s the point?”

The Tender Bar is now out in select theaters and will be available to stream on Prime Video on January 7.

Photo credit: CLAIRE FOLGER © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity