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Rex Linn has built a career playing memorable characters across television and film, from CSI: Miami to Better Call Saul. Now returning as Emmett for another season of Happy’s Place, Linn is exploring a new side of his acting career through comedy, allowing audiences to see a different side of his talent. Throughout his career, he has learned from respected performers and embraced new opportunities to challenge himself, viewing each project as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. In this interview, Linn discusses his experience working with co-star Reba McEntire, what makes the environment on Happy’s Place so special, the lessons he has learned throughout his career, and what he hopes to take on next in his career.

What was it like coming back to Happy’s Place for another season and stepping back into the role of Emmett?

Oh, hell yes! It’s great to be back. I’m so lucky to be returning for another season of our sitcom. Every job is like a new office to work in, but there’s something special about returning to a place where you know the people and the environment. We have such great writers on Happy’s Place, and it’s one of the best workplaces I’ve ever been a part of. I think being around these people has made me a better actor.

You’ve spent much of your career playing dramatic or tougher characters, so Happy’s Place gives audiences the chance to see a different side of you. What has been the most fun part about showing your comedic side?

In a way, yes. No one has ever really given me a chance to be funny, so exploring that side of my acting career has been spectacular. It’s nice to make people laugh when you can. It’s hard to do, but it’s another part of my career that I’m fortunate enough to explore. It’s especially fun when you have the right people around you. We have such great writers on Happy’s Place. It’s one of the best work environments I’ve ever been a part of, and I think it’s definitely made me a better actor.

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What do you hope audiences learn about Emmett this season, and are there any new sides of his character that you’re excited for them to discover?

I hope people see that there’s more to Emmett than meets the eye. I’ve played a lot of tougher characters throughout my career, and it’s been wonderful to explore a different side of myself on this show. I think the best characters have a little bit of everything. They can make you laugh, but they can also surprise you. I’m happy to keep exploring Emmett and see where the writers take him. We have a great group of people putting this show together, and that makes all the difference in the world.

You’ve worked across so many different genres throughout your career. How do you prepare for different types of roles and fully embody each character?

It seems like everything! I never sleep the night before starting a new project. It’s weird. I did CSI: Miami for 10 years, and you’d think I would have gotten used to it after a couple of years, but it never failed. Every time we started a new season, I couldn’t sleep the night before. You just can’t wait to get to work and get your feet wet. Then, everything seems to settle down. Every job is like a new office to work in, so you’re meeting new people and going to new places. That’s one aspect of this business I love, but it can be a little nerve-racking sometimes, meeting new people and jumping right into work with them. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m also a rehearsal freak, so preparation is a big part of how I approach any role.

You and Reba have such a genuine connection on the show, and you also share a relationship off-screen. How does that impact the way you work together, and does having that personal connection make playing your characters easier?

Oh, it’s so much easier. I love being on screen with Reba. We have so much fun together. I was very nervous the first time we got in front of the camera together, but after about an hour, it was smooth sailing. The fact that we get to rehearse together at home makes it even better. As I’ve said, I’m a rehearsal freak, so that helps a lot, too.

You’ve worked on projects like CSI: Miami and Better Call Saul. Is there a different approach or tactic you use when choosing or preparing for a comedy versus a drama?

I think preparation is preparation, no matter what kind of project you’re working on. I learned a tremendous amount from working with John Lithgow on my first movie, Cliffhanger. He taught me so much about structure, preparation, and, most importantly, being kind to people in the workplace. Then you have someone like Rhea Seehorn on Better Call Saul, whose preparation techniques are unmatched. She and I rehearsed countless times until we felt we got it right. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Comedy has its own challenges, especially when it comes to timing, but you still have to come prepared and tell the truth in front of the camera. That’s what I try to do every time.

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You’re joining Season 2 of Stick alongside Owen Wilson. What made you want to be part of the series, and what are you most looking forward to with this new role?

Every job is like a new office to work in, and that’s one of the things I love about this business. You get to meet new people, work with different actors, and find yourself in situations you’ve never experienced before. I’m always excited to get my feet wet on a new project. I never sleep the night before a job, no matter how many years I’ve been doing this. You’d think that would go away after a while, but it never does. I look forward to getting in there, meeting everyone, and seeing what we can create together.

When you look back at a project, what makes you feel like it was a role or experience that was really worth doing?

I think the people you work with have a lot to do with it. I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful actors throughout my career, and some of those relationships have lasted a lifetime. John Lithgow is a perfect example. We became dear friends while working on Cliffhanger, and he’s been there to hold my hand when I’ve needed it. I also think every job teaches you something. Sometimes it’s about the craft, sometimes it’s about the people, and sometimes it’s simply about showing up and doing the best work you can. If I walk away from a project having learned something and treated the people around me with kindness, I’d say that’s a pretty good experience.

What is your favorite part about working with Reba on Happy’s Place, and is there something about working together that makes your time on set especially memorable or unique?

I love being on screen with Reba. We have so much fun together, and after that first hour of feeling nervous in front of the camera, it was smooth sailing. We also get to rehearse together at home, which is great for me because I’m a rehearsal freak. It’s a wonderful environment to be a part of. You can have all the talent in the world, but having the right people around you makes the work that much better. We’re lucky to have such a great group of writers and people on Happy’s Place. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

What has been one of the most rewarding moments of your career so far, and how has that experience changed you as an actor?

There have been many rewarding moments, and I’m grateful for every one of them. Working with John Lithgow on Cliffhanger was certainly a highlight for me. It was my first movie, and I learned so much from him, not just about acting but also about how to conduct yourself in this business. He taught me the importance of preparation and treating people with kindness along the way. I also think having the opportunity to explore comedy on Happy’s Place has been pretty spectacular. No one had really given me that chance before, and it’s been an entirely new side of my career to explore. I’m fortunate to still be learning and growing after all these years.

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CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Rex Linn
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Aaron Jay Young
Fashion Stylist: Jai Simmons Rodriguez
Groomer: Cooper HB
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ali Rosoff, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Rex Linn: An Actor’s Journey