We bring you the facts about the star of LONE SURVIVOR
LONE SURVIVOR is released in Irish cinemas this week, and stars Ben Foster as one of an elite group of soldiers who set out on a mission to capture or kill notorious al Qaeda leader Ahmad Shahd, and are left to fight for their lives in one of the most valiant efforts of modern warfare. We took the opportunity to find out more about the actor.
LONE SURVIVOR is Foster’s second film with Mark Wahlberg. The first was CONTRABAND.
… The two are developing a habit of playing close friends and alibis.
In fact, Mark Wahlberg was so determined to have Foster star in LONE SURVIVOR with him, that he gave up half of his salary for the movie to ensure that it happened.
… Having made a small fortune on the new TRANSFORMERS, we are sure Wahlberg is still financially secure, but it’s a great gesture.
Moving on… Ben’s favourite actress is Gena Rowlands, and his favorite actors are Philip Seymour Hoffman and Gary Oldman.
… We like his style!
Ben’s big break came with the TV show FLASH FORWARD, a teen comedy set in middle school.
… FLASH FORWARD also starred FIREFLY actress Jewel Staite.
Foster has been practicing Transcendental Meditation since he was four years old.
… If it works for David Lynch, Josh Homme, Paul McCartney and Russell Brand, it works for us.
Ben risked his sight while filming ALPHA DOG by adding glaucoma drops to his eyes for much of the shoot to dilate his pupils, making him appear to be high.
… So intense was the procedure that he’d hide in the bushes at night and cover his eyes between takes to keep the lights from shining into them and also had to talk to director Nick Cassavetes with his eyes closed. Wow.
Foster has been announced to play Lance Armstrong in an upcoming biopic.
…The film is untitled as yet, but will be directed by Stephen Frears.
In X-MEN: THE LAST STAND Ben plays a mutant named Angel. In reality, Foster is afraid of heights.
… We like that odd juxtaposition.
X-MEN is not the only DC comic book movie that Foster has starred in, he played Spacker Dave in THE PUNISHER.
… Such is Ben’s commitment to his roles; he even got some piercings for the part.
As well as the Armstrong biopic, Foster has also been cast in Duncan Jones’s WARCRAFT movie.
… No word as yet on who he will be playing.
LONE SURVIVOR is in Irish cinemas from January 31st
Words: Brogen Hayes