Rex Linn | From "Cliffhanger" to NBC & Peacock's "Happy's Place" | Longhorn Drummer

Rex Linn | From "Cliffhanger" to NBC & Peacock's "Happy's Place" | Longhorn Drummer

Author: Marc Preston Productions, LLC May 29, 2026 Duration: 1:02:29

Marc Preston sits down with actor Rex Linn from "Cliffhanger" and NBC & Peacock's "Happy's Place" to discuss his new project, career, and personal stories. Over his decades-long career, Rex has become a familiar face on television, appearing in major marquee shows like "CSI: Miami", "Better Call Saul", "Young Sheldon", and "Big Sky".

We cover his early days growing up in Texas and Oklahoma, and how classic Universal movie monsters inspired him to pursue acting. Rex details the pivotal decision to leave his career in banking at age 34 to move to Los Angeles, eventually landing his breakout role opposite John Lithgow and Sylvester Stallone in "Cliffhanger". He also shares insights into the fast-paced, improvisational nature of shooting a sitcom compared to dramatic television.

Off the set, Rex talks about his lifelong passion for drumming, including the moment his fiancée, Reba McEntire, surprised him by having him play live on stage with her band. We also touch on the dynamics of working alongside Reba every day, our mutual appreciation for Whataburger, and the importance of simply being kind.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:06:52 | The unexpected classic movie monsters that inspired his acting career

00:10:56 | The Jack Nicholson performance that cemented his career path

00:13:33 | Leaving a career in Oklahoma banking to pursue acting at 34

00:15:42 | Landing a breakout role opposite John Lithgow and Sylvester Stallone

00:24:31 | Breaking a thumb on the congas to impress a high school crush

00:26:00 | The birthday surprise drum kit from Reba McEntire

00:30:54 | Playing the drums live on stage with Reba's touring band

00:37:47 | The advice John Lithgow shared about working on sitcoms

00:40:58 | The dynamic of rehearsing and acting alongside his fiancée

00:46:16 | The Seven Questions


For over thirty years, Marc Preston has worked from both sides of the microphone, building a career as an actor and a nationally syndicated radio host. That unique perspective informs every conversation on Story and Craft with Marc Preston. This isn't a standard interview podcast; it's a series of deep, meandering, and genuinely connective dialogues. Marc's endless curiosity drives him to explore not just what his guests have done, but how and why they do it. He sits down with a compelling roster of creative minds-actors from film and television, voiceover artists, writers, musicians, and cultural influencers-to unpack the fascinating, often unseen work behind their public personas. Listeners are brought directly into a discussion that feels like eavesdropping on a great chat between old friends, one that naturally veers from technical craft to personal philosophy. The result is consistently entertaining and offers unexpected insights into the worlds of comedy, culture, and storytelling. Each episode of this podcast reveals the nuanced decisions, the years of practice, and the personal stories that shape art and performance. You'll hear about the awkward auditions, the breakthrough moments, and the simple love for the work that sustains a creative life. It’s that blend of professional insight and human experience that defines the podcast, making it a rewarding listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, society, and the discipline required to excel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Story and Craft with Marc Preston
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