Band of Brothers Actor on Playing Easy Company's Denver 'Bull' Randleman | Michael Cudlitz
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2024
- Michael Cudlitz is an American actor known for portraying John Cooper in the NBC/TNT drama series 'Southland', and Sergeant Abraham Ford in the AMC horror series 'The Walking Dead'.
However his breakout role came in 2001 with his portrayal of Sgt. Denver "Bull" Randleman in the epic World War II miniseries, 'Band of Brothers'. Cudlitz joined an ensemble cast portraying the men of "Easy" Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division as they fought their way across Europe from Normandy to the Eagle's Nest.
Cudlitz takes us on a behind the scenes journey from first hearing about the role, to the actors 'boot camp' and production, and ultimately ending on why the series still resonates with audiences 23 years later.
Interview recorded on November 4, 2023
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas
Mr. Denver Randleman was my boss in 1977 when he was working in Louisiana. I was 17 years old finishing high school. He was a wonderful man to work for and he only told me one story about the war it was about the day they found out that Germany had surrendered. I had no idea about his experience until I watched BOB 20 years after it came out. I always thought he was an exceptional man.
Thank you Michael for this interview and for your exceptional portrayal of Mr. Randleman.
That's awesome was he a big dude ?
This is exceptional. Thank you for sharing this story. It's going to be captured forever in the history of time now, no matter how small it may seem.
That is SO awesome!! What type of work did he do? Would love to know more about his post war years. Have only found articles about his passing away - too sad😢
@@heartpaws519 I think he had a construction, or earth moving company in Louisiana.
I love those guys. My father, a WWII veteran, would've love them too.
The men of Easy company will always be alive thanks to Band of Brothers.
Always!
Wow!! You're right!!!
If only there were more miniseries or films that focused on specific units and the men that fought in them.
give masters of the air a go mate.. its not as up to par as BoB ( no mini series ever will be, and I still think its Schwimmers best role to date )...but 3 eps in, I am hooked. Same production team as BoB.@@liamregan4975
Try Echo Company.
It's not a 22 year old show. It's a timeless tribute to what men of Easy Company did. Almost a documentary.
A very touching interview.
Check out SAS rogue heroes
What do you mean the shows 22 years old!?!?!!?
@@sodapopcustoms834 it was released in 2001
One of the only shows I’ve ever watched all over again, more than once. And always binge watched it. This and the pacific. Just truly timeless and will never get old. Think it’s because it was just so inspiring and really gets you attached to these men. Like it really hits you right in the emotions
22 years old? That cant be right... 23 years. Wow. No wonder young people today have no understanding of the war. I suppose we had grand parents and post war parents who had a physical connection with it.
It's the Bull!!! Band of Brothers is without a doubt the best mini series ever made. No contest. God Bless the men of Easy Company.
God bless all veterans of WW11
@@sugarkane4830 - World war eleven? lol
Amen
@@KingGhidorah_ I highly doubt humanity would endure that long.
@@ryankuypers1819, indeed we wouldn't. But that's what the dude above my typed. :)
My Grandfather was in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes Forest. Thanks to Band of Brothers I was able to understand what that was like for him.
One of the worst winters in the Ardennes on record.
My late grandmother brother was there earned a silver star
Same
Both of my Grandfathers were there.
I was in the Marines 5 years ago. My buddies and I STILL talk about this show and all the characters. We were definitely inspired by them while we were in. I think that speaks to just how great of a job they did with this show and I'm glad it's still getting love
Recently I’ve just realized how much of an impact and influence Band of Brothers has had throughout my life. I grew up watching the show with my dad. It’s the reason why I joined a fraternity in college and became president of it. I rewatched the show multiple times during that year. The chapter was my Easy Company. Lipton and Winters were my idols, and I looked to them and the show when I sought lessons of leadership.
Now I’m graduating college within the next few months, and next fall I’ll be shipping out for Marine boot camp. A large part of that was because of Band of Brothers. I love the challenge, camaraderie, and leadership. I’m not ready to give that up, I want more. Amazing show and even more amazing the individuals of Easy Company.
We need to keep referring to the people portrayed in Band of Brothers and The Pacific as real people, not characters. Characters are fictional creations or fictionalized manifestations by writers. These were real human beings that had versions of actual events from their lives portrayed on screen. Just trying to make sure others that read these comments understand the difference. We need to keep reminding others that see these series, that those are portrayals of real people that actually lived and died, not just ghosts or images depicted in most films.
Scenes from this show and The Pacific are still used in lectures at Brown Field and both MCRD's. S/F.
@@IAmAFamel I’m failing to see how joining a frat would be influenced by band of brothers. The brotherhood of those guys was formed out of the necessity to survive continued unimaginable challenges, fear, and tragedy. The “brotherhood” of a college frat is literally formed by paying for some friends to compete with in beer pong and trying to get laid. The only thing they have in common at all is a Y chromosome. What challenges are you talking about that you can’t get enough of? A sexual harassment charge? Haha. You might be in for a rude awakening when you join the marines
@@IAmAFamelwhy go enlisted when you can go officer?
Brilliant series. It's odd, now, watching it and realizing that Ron Livingston and David Schwimmer were the two "biggest" names in the series at the time. This series truly did launch a number of careers and deservedly so.
Right? Like Damian Lewis in "Billions" as the ruthless Bobby Axelrod .
A young Tom Hardy and Jimmy Fallon as well
@@austinsucca3326the company first sergeant that died on D-Day (Evans) is a young Simon Pegg
I'd like to add James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender to the conversation. S-tier casting on this show.
Donnie Wahlberg was definitely a name at the time. He was early in his acting career but he was already a name.
As a veteran who served in one of this country's wars, I really appreciated Michael's statement at the end. He said he would never know war as they knew it, but it was important to tell their story because the life that he gets to live is because of what the men portrayed did for their country. Too many people take their freedom for granted, never giving their country's veterans credit for that freedom. Very few of us run around looking for a pat on the back, but we definitely appreciate being recognized for our contribution. Projects like "Band of Brothers" tell the stories that we seldom wish to tell ourselves.
Agreed, many take what we have now for granted after WW2 but also many have been disillusioned by some modern wars for profit and the crimes committed, not the preservation of freedom. Still everyone that has served deserves recognition and respect.
Thank you for your service, sir.
@@terryhogan6205 It was my privilege and honor to do so.
The last member of East Company has passed on but their memory will live forever because of this incredible series. In my opinion this is the greatest piece of cinematography ever made and it should be mandatory for every high school history class.
Michael Cudlitz is a fascinating man to listen to.
Very modest and unassuming, I could listen to him all day long.
Thank you for posting this!
They should remake the drama set in a high security PoW camp just so they could put Cudlitz in Coldotz.
I always thought walking dead was his first gig. I love going back to BoB and seeing someone else i didnt realise was in it.
@@godsdemon7441 I remember seeing him in Beverly Hills 90210.
@@godsdemon7441me2
@@godsdemon7441 he was in Grosse Point Blank before that.
great movie
Band of Brothers remains the best mini-series I've ever seen. It's still top notch.
I love how terrified the actors were and unimpressed the Veterans were at the same time. The level of respect that was given to this. Favorite series of all time. I enjoy seeing new fans discover this endlessly, almost daily. Currahee! ♠
Yet they still won't update the title card about what happened to Blythe.
@stevenobrien557 The series had more inaccurate information than that but it is Hollywood wanting to make big bucks at the expense of historical facts
@@stevenobrien557 I was going to post that, they went back and took out the coffee cup from GOT, but never went back and updated the truth about Blithe, I understand mistakes happen, but he went on to win medals and serve in Korea you would think they could change the wording.
@@ericpercival102 You do realise that BoB was released pre-streaming times?
They already admitted the mistake and there's no reason to go back and change it for the streaming services years later.
@@FakeHDD I don't see why they can't go and edit the version we see today. There will always be new eyes watching the series that don't know and aren't going to go searching for information after the fact. It's not like it requires any special editing or CGI antics to change it, it's a simple title card, an intern could fix that in 10 minutes.
Mr Cudlitz is a great storyteller in addition to being a great actor
Watch Grosse Pointe Blank if you haven’t yet. He’s got a TINY role in that one but he’s really funny!
@@tommyt1971 I'm drawing a BLANK.
@@joshcarpenter2008 Exactly!
So grateful for Easy Company and all the other Vets. Thank you guys for keeping their stories alive.
I sat w a veteran for hours while he talked stories, his wife said she doesn't think I blinked, gulped, or even twitched while listening..
The series made people realize that the WWII vet down the street was a kid that went through hell and survived.
Such a fascinating interview. He's obviously intelligent and very humble.
This is what makes people love actors
I've watched Band of Brothers multiple times. Now I wanna watch it again! Excellent interview!
I've watched it 3 or 4 times too - JUST LAST YEAR! Best series ever.
i try to rewatch it each year, same with the pacific
guess im likely gonna add Masters of The Air ( Third WW2 series) of the same team that is currently airing
My wife gave me the DVD set as a Christmas gift ten or more years ago. It has become my Christmas binge treat every year.
After watching this video I am tempted to load it up again.
The only thing that was distracting to me is when they were surrounded in the woods by the Germans at Bastogne. It was in the middle of winter, snow was on the ground, but when the actors talked their breath didn't show. They didn't have to be in 5 below weather, just cool enough that their breath would show, it would've added that bit of realism. I actually live in a warm climate, and one's breath shows even here. They could've done it without too much discomfort to the precious actors.
Michael Cudlitz is the best and most personal actor I have ever had the pleasure to work with on set. I worked for Disney/ABC Television for several years as the Staff Photographer. Michael was working on a show for ABC just a few years ago. I worked several scenes and episodes with him. He was always friendly and respectful of my profession. He would give me the time to get the images I needed. But even more important, I got to watch a professional do his work with love in his heart for his profession. That inspired me even more to go the extra mile with my work as well. Michael is a human being and I say that with the best intention. He never put on airs or thought he was greater than anyone else on the show. Always courteous and considerate of others. This is something you don't always see in Hollywood unfortunately. I don't work in Hollywood anymore, but I would relish the opportunity to work with him again. Thank you Michael for being a bright star in your profession and great person to work with. You did an amazing job as Bull in Band of Brothers.
I worked in Hollywood for several years. Had a not to insignificant role in Master and Commander. But isnt it funny and also sad that the actors you recall were the ones that were human. Most of them were straight up A holes. Like 90%.
This comment is lit as they say
You worked with him on "The Kids Are Alright"?? Awesome!!!!
I met him briefly in The Netherlands. A true gentleman, very modest, a great actor.
Got my jump wings at Ft Benning in 2014, largely due to the influence that BoB had on me growing up. Great show, greater men.
Check out SAS Rogue heroes
AATW BROTHER
Best series EVER. Not just war series, but any series EVER. Every single actor was spot on, not a false note from anyone. I bought the box set and no matter how many times I have viewed it, as soon as I put on the first tape, I know I am in for the entire series.
BoB and the pacific are #1 and #2 for me, I'm tryinggggg my best to get into masters of the air right now but I just cant
I wish i could watch the new series. Im not paying for apple tv for 1 series. Im sure i could find it elsewhere. @@Dismem
@@macmac3374 piracy, man
Check out SAS rogue heroes
Still watch it a couple of times a year on dvd box set..moves me every time..respect from Durham England 🇬🇧✌️
Ditto. Also from here in England 🏴
Couple times a year?
its also on Netflix
My son and I watch at least once a year, I’d argue to say it’s the best piece of filmmaking and storytelling that’s ever been made.
I own the same one, it's even more, I guess emotional, that the tin it came in was dented in shipping. Every time I pull that out to watch the series I note that.
Bravo, well done. My father was in the 10th armored division and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He never talked about it much. He was wounded while running along side of a tank that was hit by enemy fire. The tank exploded and he had a few pieces of shrapnel lodged in his leg. For this he was given the Purple Heart. He was then flown to England to rehab and by the time he was well enough to go back the war in Europe was over. After watching this series and seeing what these brave men endured, I feel fortunate to be here to write about this. My dad was fortunate enough to return to the states and I was born in the late 50's. Now I have a much better understanding on what he endured for a short period of time. It stayed with him till the day he passed and he remained close friends with the guys that were in his unit. Many thanks to all of these brave men from WWII and to all of those who serve.
My grandpa was in world war 2 , he died in 2001, and my dad who was born 56 just died almost 2 years ago… he was vet as well, and now I’m vet … I miss them a lot
Those men were the same veterans of that war in my small rural town in New York. They didn't talk about what they did, but if one did say anything it was important to listen. And all the vets in that area kept in touch with each other. Was there for each other, I saw how they would treat someone return from the Vietnam war. There was no hugging or anything like that. It was always the manner of those vets in how they treated the returning vets that spoke loudest. It was always with respect and trying to reach out to help in quiet ways. Maybe buying groceries or making sure that the vet made it to an appointment. And that extended to the family as well. Marine Toys for Tots was not just Marine vets annual event, but all the vets in the area coming together. In my youth it was an important event every year.
Yes, that generation earned the right to be called the Greatest Generation. In their often quiet way, They were
Glad you did this interview. Michael looked like and acted like a soldier in the series--very believable portrayal of the character. Great job by the casting department for all the characters, but I especially liked his. Thx!!!!
He was also pretty good in TWD also even though the character was very poorly written.
@@blitzzbob5643yeah thankfully his acting made up for the poor writing
DsW
As a soldier and a police officer, I really admired his role as Officer John Cooper in Southland.
Me too.
The way the " actors" speak about their counterparts with the most respect says it all. Great respect to them all...❤
Since BOB came out I been watching the show at least 1 or 2 times a year. It’s a series that no one should miss. It’s the peak of television series & no show will be its equal.
My favorite mini series. Michael Cudltiz did a wonderful job and Bull Randleman's character in the series was remarkable.
The absolute BEST miniseries EVER!! I am a baby boomer and I have deep love and respect for for all vets but especially my beloved WWII vets! From the shows inception, I have probably watched it at least 50 times if not more. I've seen every interview and every reunion of the brave and humble men of Easy Company. It may sound odd but i feel a personal connection to each one of them and I am so grateful for their service and sacrifices. Thank you God that the WWII vets who have passed are not here to see what our Country has become now in 2024. It looks nothing like the Country they fought and sacrificed for. 💔💔💔
You just couldn’t help yourself could you? You just had to drag politics into this. And OF COURSE the country is different…..it’s been eighty freaking years.
They made a comment about the country being in bad shape… which it factually is… how was that political? They didn’t mention any party affiliation or ideological allegiance, they said the country these men fought for is in bad shape and they’re glad they’re not here to see it. The irony here is, based on your response, I bet I can pinpoint where you are on the political spectrum…
Agree about the state of this America. Thank God that the men and women of World War 2, who are passing away, are not here to live and witness the America tyrannical government and the tare down of our REPUBLIC.
ALLOW ME TO SHARE MY PERSONAL OPINION AND REPLY TO YOUR COMMENT.
Your FREEDOM to say what you said isn't free, it comes with a cost, The Revolutionary war and WWII!!! My comment never mentioned politics at all. Our country has been on the decline for many, many years since WWII and the young men who sacrificed so much and who have passed, would be sad and horrified at what our Country has become. YOU DO NOT KNOW MY POLITICAL VIEWS. However, Sir, your comment to my comment on the BoB and the men of easy company is exactly part of the reason our Country is in the state it is in and YOU showed your true colors as well as your political views 🇱🇷🇱🇷 Perhaps you should educate yourself on WWII or at least watch Band of Brothers.
God bless all veterans and thank you for your sacrifice and service!!!!!🙏🙏.@@cruisinguy6024
@@cruisinguy6024coming from someone who is a zoomer the country sucks because of Joe and his blue haired Nazi regime
I love this! When I see this guy I immediately think "Bull".
After watching Mr. Randleman on you tube, Mr. Cudlitz was the absolute best pick for that role.
Very sad, but it seems like Bull didn't want to relive the moments he faced in the war. Very sad to know what he endured, and all the men of the 101st Airborne Division , and any soldier of WWII.
imagine all the people in my country of the Netherlands not having food for 5 years
@SuperHns As a child who dealt with starvation- I still wouldn't want to be shot at. Comparing Trauma is stupid and is the worst trait Americans have. Please don't export it...
My grandfather survived Normandy with a Purple Heart. But through his life, he never wanted to talk about the war.
This interview was so touching. That show helped me connect deeper with my father. My father was a marine in the gulf war. I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. One night we were talking about the military and I was saying I wanted to become a marine. He looked me in the eye and said “No”.
Confused, I asked him why, and he calmly, firmly said “I didn’t do what I did so that you or your siblings could do it. I did it so you don’t have to. I don’t want any of you to go in any branch of the military.”
For a long time I didn’t understand why. Until about 4 years ago. My grandmother (his mom) told me when my dad was a young boy, my grandfather left the family. My dad’s reaction to his mom, his little brother, and himself being abandoned was he said “Looks like I’m the man of the house”. And he kept that mentality. As soon as he could, he got a job to help provide.
I am unclear on how his life really went between high school and him returning from war, but here’s what I believe it was.
He went to college and got a degree in finance, but he couldn’t get steady work. His younger brother was graduating high school and his family couldn’t afford college for him. So my dad went into the marines to pay for his brothers schooling. The US was not really at war at this point, so he was mostly traveling the US going from training camp to training camp.
He ended up marrying my mother sometime in there, whom he met in college. Then my mother got pregnant with my oldest sister. About 5 months later, my dad got called to war. My mother loves telling the story of getting pulled over on the way home and she cried hysterically and talked about her baby’s father just shipped off for war and how she was just given a warning. If that isn’t a good excuse for speeding or whatever, I don’t know what is. I can’t imagine the emotion she went through.
This story is getting long, but basically, my dad’s life in the marines remained a mystery, other than I knew he did a lot more and went through a lot more than he told us. And it wasn’t until I told him about this mini series that he started telling me some of his most secret stories.
I will honor his wishes to not tell anyone what exactly he saw, but I tell you how he ended up there just to say that this show changed my relationship with my father forever, for the better. He sacrificed so much for his family. For me. For his country. For what he believed in.
Thank you. To everyone who served. To everyone sacrificing to help their family, or to get a better life, or to preserve a good life. To all those who are in it just because they are passionate about their country, or their beliefs. I hope I never have to serve because I want to honor my Father’s wishes, but I am grateful for those of you who do serve so that I get that choice. It’s a blessing.
Great interview
When the interviewer said "Now, of course, they are all gone", it hit me with some feels I was not quite ready for. Band of Brothers was one of the most impactful things I have ever watched. I gained a very different outlook on what these guys went through after I finished watching the first time. I do not have a military background, but my level of respect really elevated for the people who are strong enough to take on that life, that challenge. They are heroes, the fronts line guys and those that support them. All of them...
Thank you for posting this interview.
Would Love to see you all Interview every actor from the movie in this manner. PLEASE Try this is awesome as was the movie.
That would be awesome mate 😎
I'd love to hear more about George Luz's story. The man seemed like such a funny & loveable chap.
His profile says 1500+ people attended his funeral, a testament to who he was.
My Godfather was in the 502nd PIR. Survived Normandy, Market Garden, and Bastogne. Even though the show is about Easy Company, it does honor to all that served. Thank you for sharing.
I'm rewatching the first episode now. After watching Mike Cudlitz, I now have a new respect for David Schwimmer coming in late and playing Sobel. Holy crap.
I know, right?! Brilliant!!
@@heartpaws519 Phenomenal.
When you play a character to a level that you elicit an emotional response from the viewers, you know you knocked it out of the park.
Very modest and humble interview. Realising how important his role and character was and what the real men of Easy had to endure. I also have a lot of respect for the last part of the interview where he points out how lucky we actually are that we can live our life as we do now.
When the BoB mini series came out in 2002 I was serving in the Royal Dutch Army hoping to graduate from the NCO school. I remember very well we 'aspirant' NCO's had to prepare a battlefield tour in the Ardennes, specifically in the Bastogne region. Learning about what happened over there, the leadership style's from both forces, what they had to endure, standing at the very same spot as those men combined with watching the mini series, gave me an awareness and experience I still use and cary in my military career and personal life. I have been very lucky to be able to experience that moment in 2002 and I'm very thankful for that.
Thank you for this interview and thank you for keeping the memory of those who sacrificed so much for us alive.
I have watched “Band of Brothers” at least a half dozen times. It stands as the best miniseries ever. Michael Cudlitz was especially memorable as Bull Randleman, the “Market Garden” episode in particular. The entire cast was brilliant. My ex’s dad was in the 101st Airborne and my uncle was a Ranger who was among the first ashore at Omaha Beach, so these WW2 memories are very important to me. The show was a fitting tribute to Easy Company.
When I saw this series it quite literally changed the entire trajectory of my life. I had always enjoyed learning about WWII history but after watching this and consequently reading up on Major Winters, as well as the rest of easy company, I decided to Join the Army. Major Winters was and still is my personal hero.
I told myself that I would aspire to live a life worthy of the same men who inspired my choice to wear the uniform and to have the character and courage that he not only displayed for and with his men, but outside of the military as well.
I don't know if I've succeeded, or if I ever will, but one thing I know - is that if it wasn't for him; my life would have never been the same. In far more ways than one. I consider it my life's honor to have served, and these men paved the way for men like me and I have only the utmost respect for them. Airborne All The Way.
I am now a 41 year old medically retired combat veteran with four beautiful children, that I can only hope, see even a small semblance of the man I idolized, in me. It's not just that he was the ideal solder or even leader, but his men loved him. It was his character that made him so remarkable. Shortly after separating from the army, I wrote a letter to Major Winters, only to very shortly afterward receive word that he passed away. One of my more heavy regrets, was not writing sooner.
Vera really saved the day with that one. Classic to have stubborn, stoic vet and kind and caring wife
Dale Dye is a hero in and of himself. What a legend. I wish I could afford to meet him and tour the old battlefields
I love Michael Cudlitz, he seems such a genuine guy and he’s extremely talented.
You did good Mr. Cudlitz. As a retired combat experienced veteran I appreciate what you all did to represent these WWII heroes from the greatest generation. I binge rewatched the mini series again all day on Memorial Day last week with my teenage daughter. She cried. So did I. You did good. 👍🏻
Michael Cudlitz is truly one of my favorite actors and also a guy that just stayed "normal" in the act.. I believe he lives in a quiet residential street somewhere in LA, no fancy stuff. He nails the characters he plays.. from Bull to TWD and I absolutely loved him on Southland. Such a good interview, long detailed stories, things I personally enjoy. I could watch and hear Michael for hours!
I’ve seen this series at least 20 times. I will continue to watch it for the rest of my life once a year. My two kids watched it with me last year. They loved it.
Thank you for introducing the next generation to these heros and legends!!
What a brilliant interview. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Michael "Bull" Cudlitz. As with every interview I've seen involving the actors who portrayed the men, you can see how much they took the men of Easy Co. to their hearts and how much it means to them. Also, whenever you see these actors together you can see a very similar and strong bond that they have with each other. I love the men of Easy and the actors who portrayed them. I hope they realise what a strong bond the viewers who love this series (The best series ever made) have with them.
The best show ever made in my eyes. I did nearly all my training at Longmore camp where the cast did their bootcamp when I joined the Army reservists back in the 90's and live about twenty five minutes from where the majority of filming took place in Hertfordshire.
What a good interview. The Band of Brothers series is a fascinating portrayal of the real experiences of these soldiers.
Approximately 25 years ago, I became very interested in the WWII history. I am 70, not a veteran. I’m the next generation ( a son ) of a veteran . When the movie Saving Private Ryan came, the content of such vivid pictures of war that made
It more real for me.
I also have worked 40 plus years in the funeral business, and helped care for many hundred veteran funerals and their families. All having a small bit more of 1 man’s experience.
So there now being a vast amount of testimonies and documentaries on WWII now available for us average person to view. I’m probably a WWII history fanatic.
I would hope that our world and the different countries could learn, we’ve had enough wars. But that’ll never change.
What a guy! I met Micheal about a year or two ago in Dublin Ireland and he was incredibly nice, we ended up talking about the movie "Jaws" for about 15 minutes. He was so generous with his time and interested in what I had to say. He mentioned that he was planning to go to a pub later that day and even said if I happened to be there he would buy me a drink but I wasn't able to make it. I have a huge amount of respect for Cudlitz.
Michael Cudlitz did a fantastic job in his portrayal of Sgt. Randleman. He did Bull proud. All the actors can be incredibly proud to be a part of this magnificent series.
Used two Ambrose books to make history interesting to young men and boys in a special school. Wild Bill responded personally to our letters, got to meet Malarkey in Oregon, and a friend here in Rhode Island worked with Luz before he died. This is one of the great cinematic feats regarding telling a historical tale that I have encountered. It touches me deeply every year I watch it front to back. It brings me to tears every hour. It made history real to a new generation of boys.
Just finished rewatching Band of Brothers, it is such an incredible show, i rewatch it every single year around november 11th
Same.
Hands down, one of, if not the best mini series HBO has ever done. Over 20 years old and still better than the majority of stuff that's on TV airing today. Timeless classic
Got to meet a number of easy company when i was in highschool back in 2007/2008 during a WW2 summet in Washington DC and got to meet major Winters a few times as he lived not to far from me.
Easy company is all gone now but thankfully will never be forgotten. These were great men and had a ton of amazing stories from their time in easy company. Alot of storys that didnt make it into the series.
My grandfather was still a kid when Germany invaded the Netherlands. He worked for the Dutch Underground/Resistance for a while during '44 and '45, when he was only 14-15 years old. He always had great reverance for the Allied veterans. He used to visit the American Cemetary at Margraten almost yearly during the summer holidays. Band of Brothers was one of his favorite things to watch (aside from the classic John Wayne westerns). He died last year at 93 years of age. Watching this series again to remember and honor him.
I watched the series when it came out 20 years ago when I was a Captain in the USAF and the show's impact stayed with me all this time. When it showed up on You Tube, I watched it again. It had just as big an impact this time as the first time 20 years ago. Michael's humility shines through this interview and I appreciate his artistry as an actor and his sincerity as a human being. Kudos to all of Easy Company's soldiers and their families, thank you for your service and sacrifices; and, thank you to the actors who portrayed them for the superior job they did bringing their stories to life!
Bull was one of my favorite characters, I feel bc Michael Cudlitz nailed it. :)
I’m struck by how, in all of the cast interviews, the actors really do realize how fortunate they were to meet these remarkable veterans. I only wish that my own father had been more open about his combat in WWII. Or, more importantly, that I had known what questions to ask.
Every time I start feeling my struggles are too much I watch band of brothers. It helps me find strength and humility. It also reminds me to reach out to my friends when things are too difficult to handle myself. We all have brothers to lean on.
Mr. Cudlitz, you were amazing in this miniseries, but it's even better to be able to get your take on not just the part you played, but how all of you grew after participating in this adventure. ''"Band of Brothers" is definitely one of my favorite shows/movies I've ever seen. Your character is one of my favorites as well. Thanks for giving us an insight not just into Denver "Bull" Randleman's place in history, but into yours as an actor.
I loooove Michaels work!!! I also loved him in the walking dead. TBH I loved the show but once he was killed by Negan it was over for me, even though he was just a small part in the series. But I liked him so much from Band of Brothers that it broke the other series for me :D Grüße
He was also good in the role of a Los Angeles Training officer in the show "SouthLAnd" with Ben McKenzie from Gotham.
He’s really good. In TWD novels, his character actually does not die by Negan’s hand-he dies a different time. That was put in the TV show version to make it seem like they were going to cop out of killing Walter (who in the graphic novel was the lone victim in that particular Negan scene).
Every 18 months I watch the show. I cry every single time. Multiple times. Not much makes me feel the way this show makes me feel anymore. They must be so incredibly proud to have been a part of the greatest thing ever filmed.
fabulous talk, and just like the actual soldiers, Michael is so humble. 22 years wow ... the show that made me read more subject books than any other show in my lifetime.
Yesss!!!! Who’s excited about this video as much as I am! Long live Easy company! We love you Bull!❤
Those men were heroes as kids, and famous as grandparents with full and accomplished lives in between. They got things out of life that their buddies never got the opportunity to experience. I think the fact that Mr Randleman didn’t want to “toot his own horn” speaks to his character as a man.
I wish they could also interview Damien Lewis who played Major Winters and all the other men who played the men of Easy.
Good interview with my favorite character from my favorite series. BoB was very well done
It’s fitting to hear him say that the real Bull was a quiet and seemingly reserved guy - it’s just how he came off in the miniseries YET he still came off as right there for the company without any question.
I just rewatched band of brothers not even a month ago, guess I’ll be rewatching it this weekend. Great video by the way.
Michael Cudlitz is clearly an intelligent, articulate and thoughtful person. I loved BoB and thought the acting was outstanding and conveyed what Easy Company went through.
When someone sets out to relate or represent a segment of history, there is an immense responsibility to maintain an accurate collective understanding of that piece of the puzzle. I believe, based on everything I have heard and read, that the cast of Band of Brothers did the work, took their responsibility seriously, and delivered a work that defines the way history should be passed on.
Mr. Cudlitz, you impress me as a true gentleman with a big heart. Thank you for your work!
I love the way his face lights up when he describes his first call with the real man.
Awesome work sir . I was 10 years old when that show came out. I watched it with my dad and brother, I believe it came on at 9 o'clock & ended at 10. We had to make sure to my dad let us stay up to watch it. It was Like nothing else back then or sense.
Awesome interview. One of my favorite characters. I still watch band of brothers every June 6th.
Not sure how anyone could not like band of brothers. It may be the best tv series of all time. It never gets old, I watch it once a year and it feels fresh each time. It’s a tv show but it’ll always have a place In my heart. Really affirms my appreciation for what that generation did for us. We have freedom today because of them. Thank you 🙏
Michael is such a good actor and story teller. They nailed getting him to play Bull
I've rewatched BoB every 6 months or so since it came out. It's the single greatest limited series ever made, in any genre. The writing, sets, costume design, sound, music, shooting style, and above all acting are second to none. To be fair, it's easier to write a story when that story is true and at the time, many of the incredible men were still around for guidance. Thank you to the cast and crew for giving the world an amazing glimpse at what WW2 was like, that'll be around long after the greatest generation is all gone.
Michael is so well spoken in this interview. Absolutely love his portrayal of Mr. Randleman, he did an amazing job
when Michael said the Wife said Do you want me to tell you all about him and you spoke for 90 minutes, I have no idea why but I teared up so much. You guys are the heroes of the Legends ! I've watched B.O.B SOOO many times, without you guys I'd have known nothing about all this and without the actual Legends of that time I could well be speaking a different language being from London in the mid 50s. God Bless you ALL with pure Gratitude for ALL you've done ❤
Very well spoken, Mr. Cudlitz....loved how you talked about Vera Randleman.
Absolutely brilliant production and actors!
"The life we live is because of them" Michael Cudlitz. That short statement sums it all up. We wouldn't exist without "the GREATEST generation"! Thanks for sharing this video with us. Most importantly THANK YOU to all of the men and women who have served in the USA military!!! We all owe you a debt that can never be paid!!!
Phenomenal TV series. Should be reshown lots more on television. He's a fantastic actor, Bull was such a rock to the others. He was fantastic is the underrated Southland
You did fantastic in the series sir, thank you!
Please do more of these! This was a fantastic interview. I just went back and watched the Madio and McCall interviews as well.
Micheal speaks with such compassion about ‘Mr Randleman’ and Vera. What a truly humble individual who was chosen to play a truly humble individual. Excellent interview about one of the best pieces of ‘television’ ever made.
An incredible actor in an extraordinary role wrapped in probably the best mini series ever made. We can never pay the debt of gratitude we owe the Men who fought so that we can live free today.
Outstanding series! I have 2 copies. They'll always be alive. I do wish the series would play on TV every yr every anniversary. Hard to believe it's been 22 years though.
The quality of the series makes it feel like it was made yesterday. The Pacific was good too. I'm currently trying to get into Masters of the Air but so far I can't
Michael Cudlitz is a stand up guy. Had the privilege of meeting him at a comic con in Las Vegas years ago, he was making the rounds for The Walking Dead. I was in his line with my family to meet him and get an autograph, well worth the $50 buck to me. He spotted me in line from 20 yards away, and immediately ask if I was a vet. I told him of course I was and he pulled me and my family up to the front. Spoke with him for about 5 minutes. I left with a great memory and a few autographed photos he provided free of charge of course.
He does a nice job with this interview of a series that is so respectful of heroes. Thank you
#RIP Denver 'Bull' Randleman!!!! Wonderful Michael Cudlitz in your Portrayal of "Bull" ! If I'm having one of those days, when I think I got it tough, something usually happens where I end watching something to do with our #GreatestGeneration! It always put's my little struggles in perspective!
The 101st were an amazing bunch of individuals who deserve the utmost respect and love. I have read the book by Stephen Ambrose countless times and watched the series countless times and they're just brilliant. Listening to Michael Cudlitz talk about Bull Randleman and what he meant to him was just superb. Thank you!
After years of wanting to watch it, I finally got around to it. What a fantastic show!
In every interview with the other actors of BoB they said they came out as different men after playing those men. They share the same opinion about the boot camp where they bonded. Thanks for sharing this experience 👍🏼
If the boot camp was just a little taste of what E Co went thru, you guys really picked it up because it all looked pretty damn real onscreen. Nice work, sir.
It’s so cool that a lot of the actors still feel connected to the show after all these years. They nailed the cast and couldn’t of picked better people to carry on the memory of easy company.
I re-watch Band of Brothers and the Pacific every year or two. It always leaves me with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for those men
Great interview.
Thanks for putting this together and posting this.
It’s weird but I see the actors that played these guys as an extension of the real guys… like I hold a respect/reverence for the actors as if they were the real guys.
I love how respectful all the actors still are towards the men they portrayed as well and how they held onto to the bond between the actors. Kinda cool that the still reunite annually with each other, too.
Same. Like Michael said I think a lot of them took the acting gig as a staple in their career, not knowing exactly what they were getting into, but I think as it progressed and they met the actual men, found out about the story, etc., I think they all felt the gravity and duty as actors to absolutely nail their portrayal of these men out of respect for these giants, and to capture the historical significance knowing that like Saving Private Ryan that came out a few years prior, this miniseries may also have great significance as a beloved accurate portrayal that depicts what this generation went through. It truly shows how much these actors cared for the men they portrayed and like the actual men, I hold high regards for the actors who did their homework and it's clear from the other interviews that it affected them and became better men because of it. Beautiful interview. I'm happy many of the actors established a relationship with the men of Easy Company.
Micheal - Thank you for your work on BOB and SouthLAnd. Each was a role where you put the BE in believe. From a veteran and former LEO.