Alex Mallari Jr. was working as a front desk receptionist when he learned he’d been cast in the role of Four on Dark Matter. His contributions added flavor and complexity to the mysterious crew, and led viewers on a wild multi-season ride. But like his fans, Mallari took it hard when he learned of Dark Matter‘s cancellation.
Who is Alex Mallari Jr.?
My name is Alex Mallari Jr. and I am the Filipino guy from Toronto that was fortunate enough to play Four (aka Emperor Ryo Ishida)!
What does Alex Mallari remember about his audition for Dark Matter?
Doug Patterson was my agent at the time and I remember him telling me that I had a very short amount of time to tape my audition and send it in to casting.
The most important memory I have of that entire process was receiving a call from my agent and manager while I was at my part-time job at LA Fitness (I was a front desk receptionist). I was obviously not allowed to pick up any personal phone calls but when my agent calls, I pick up!
I remember leaving the desk to take the call outside. Long story short, Doug told me I booked the role and there I was in the parking lot just crying it out.
Describe Joe Mallozzi and what makes him a good showrunner.
Joseph Mallozzi is the sharpest dressed man in any room that he walks into. Look for the man with the three-piece suit and that’s probably Joe Mallozzi.
What makes Joe Mallozzi a good showrunner is that he knows his material. He can, and will, answer any question(s) you have for him which allows you to be more truthful in your performance.
Best of all, he listens. He listens to his team and to the audience. Whatever that man touches is surely going to be worth watching.
Which Dark Matter cast member is least like their character?
I’m definitely the least like my character. I think everyone would agree with this. Four/Ryo is this stoic badass who’s typically serious. Meanwhile, I’m this big kid who laughs at most things and struggle with being serious.
What Dark Matter scene is Alex Mallari most proud of?
As an individual actor, I would say my scene with Two in the third season where I tell her about her daughter is the one I’m most proud of.
Which Dark Matter episode most represents the entire cast and crew firing on all cylinders?
That’s a tough one to answer but I think the “Groundhog Day” episode would be a solid choice. I wasn’t in that episode but I’d say it represented both cast and crew so well. I loved that episode!
How did Alex Mallari Jr. find out that Dark Matter had been cancelled?
Ironically enough, I think I was in my hotel room at SDCC.
I was crushed when I heard the news. It was a tough pill to swallow knowing that the people who I spent the majority of my days with (literally) for the last three years weren’t going to be my “everyday people” anymore.
You’ve got to understand, we were family and it was always good vibes with everyone. Creating with those people was a dream that I ever wanted to end.
What was Alex Mallari’s favorite Dark Matter set?
The bridge. Hands down.
Tamsen McDonough of Killjoys wants to know if Alex Mallari has any tips for dancing while eating a Big Mac.
1. Tamsen must be present;
2. Tons of beer;
3. Be in London with the most amazing fans in the same room.
Ceresis64 asks: In Dark Matter, what was Alex Mallari’s favorite line of dialogue?
Season one: Four approached a man he was about to kill with his sword. The man says something about having a wife and children.
What does Four say?
“They can do better.” STAB!
How would Alex Mallari Jr. write a Dark Matter episode in which he went back in time to fix one of his mistakes?
I would ask Five and the Android to help me go back in time so that Four doesn’t download his memories. I would go back, take the memories I had in my possession and ask the Android to either store or destroy the device the memories were in.
I would return immediately, I think. I know Teku would probably tell Four everything he needed to know.
Further reading
- Dark Matter Showrunner Shares Secret Scenes
- If Stargate Had a Godfather, It Might be Joe Mallozzi
- How Long Has Brandon Sanderson Been Planning The Cosmere?
- A Rare Stargate Interview with John Scalzi
- Jewel Staite on Firefly and Stargate
Alex Mallari Jr. resources
Alex Mallarri Jr. movies and TV shows
- A Dance for Grace
- Beauty and the Beast
- Code 8
- Cold Blood
- Conviction
- Coroner
- Cybergeddon
- Cybergeddon Zips
- Dark Matter
- Dead Genesis
- Debug
- Defiance: The Lost Ones
- Designated Survivor
- Ginny & Georgia
- Insomnia
- Jett
- Letterkenny
- Nikita
- Pay the Ghost
- Played
- Remedy
- Robocop
- Shadow Hunters
- Shotgun Wedding
- The Adam Project
- The L. A. Complex
- The Strain
- Transplant
- True Justice
- Workin’ Moms
