Who amongst us that watched, and cringed, during the opening of "Saw III" can ever forget the character of Troy? Played by then little-known actor J. Larose, Troy's few minutes on-screen as one of Jigsaw's more memorable "kills" has rocketed Larose into the horror stratosphere. Having recently completed his part in Darren Lynn Bousman's next and most "mysterious" project, "Repo! The Genetic Opera", Larose took a few moments to speak with Bloody-Disgusting about becoming a horror sex symbol, that fans won't be disappointed with "Repo!", the thrill of horror conventions and just how "dangerous" Michael Rooker really is.

BD: Hello J and thank you for taking time to chat with Bloody-Disgusting. You must be one of our favourite horror characters, your "Troy" from "Saw III". I suppose we should start off with getting some of The J Larose Story from you - where are you from, where you attended school, how you got into acting, any little tidbits of information like that.

JL: It’s my pleasure… I grew up in Chicago. I always loved the movies, but never gave acting much thought. I wanted to be a Rock Star. I taught myself guitar and got into a couple of bands. We played some small gigs and I fell in love with the adrenaline rush you get from a live audience and to be honest, I also loved the attention. I dreamt of playing in huge stadiums in front of thousands of people and touring all over the world. Problem was, I dreamt more than I practiced. Eventually I realized that at the time, I didn’t have the work ethic it took to chase that dream. So when I finished High School, I went right into the work force. I was a 411 directory assistance operator for many years. That was a horrible job. I eventually worked my way to a computer tech job where I stayed for too many years than I care to remember. Several years ago, I realized that I had no creative outlet, so I thought I’d start acting as sort of a hobby. Whenever I’d watched films or TV shows, I always thought that I’d be pretty good at it. I quickly realized that I sucked…WAY to much baggage from my corporate days where you had to always be “politically correct”. So I started taking as many acting classes and workshops and seminars that I could fit into my schedule. My sister is married to actor Michael Rooker, and that gave me the opportunity to visit the sets of many films. He’s an incredibly talented actor…I really learned a lot from watching him prepare and work. It also gave me a heads up on film set etiquette. I was also lucky enough to find an acting coach who could see through all my hang ups. Her name is Yvonne Suhor. She was extremely instrumental in helping me find the freedom to “be’ without trying to “act”…if that makes any sense. Anyhow…a few years ago, the corporation I was working for decided that they could go on without my services and laid me off. I decided that it was a sign that I should pursue acting full time…so I did. Boy…I’m bet you’re sorry you asked.

BD: You have worked with Darren Lynn Bousman on four projects now: "Identity Lost", "Butterfly Dreams", "Saw III" and now "Repo!". How did the two of you first meet and how would you describe a typical day working for Darren?

JL: I was doing a play at a small theatre in Florida and a fellow actor told me about an audition for a short film. I went with him to the audition and read the breakdown of the lead character. It was basically everything I wasn’t… a Caucasian, clean cut, all-American, apple pie type of guy. I did the read anyhow thinking that it’s good practice. A week or so later they posted who got the parts and to my surprise, I got the lead. The writer/director of the film and who chose me was Darren. He looked past the stereotypical choice and went with the best actor. I couldn’t help but fall in love with this dude. We hit it off immediately and have been great friends ever since. Regarding a typical day…hmmm…non-stop creative energy…he’s probably got a dozen things going on at all times…in addition to all the things going on in the current scene he’s shooting, he’s planning his next project, thinking about the dailies from yesterday, trying to figure out how he can prank an actor in the next scene, and dealing with dog grooming issues…then out of the blue he yells "action!" and is completely focused on the shot at hand…it's quite an amazing thing to watch.

BD: "Troy" left an indelible mark on horror fans - you even made the German DVD cover of "Saw III". Did you have ANY idea that your performance would cause you to become the poster boy for the "Saw" franchise (in my opinion anyway)? And now that you are attending horror conventions, what is that experience like for you? It can and often is a circus at those things.

JL: I had no idea that the TROY scene was going to get so much attention. Lucky for me Lions Gate used the footage for the Scream Awards teaser. It felt very cool to see the audience reaction. I was also lucky in that they used stills of TROY for many of the magazine articles. I’ll admit that I loved every second of it. I LOVE the conventions. It gives me an opportunity to talk to the fans. I have found that the horror genre fans are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable. I love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they’re asking a question. I only hope that I can put them at ease and make it an enjoyable experience for them too. Oh…and the other GREAT part of the conventions is that I’m getting to meet and make friends with the other actors that are appearing. It’s a pretty awesome feeling when I walk into the convention hall and I’m trading hellos with Gunnar Hansen and Tony Moran, or eating breakfast with Sid Haig, or having a beer with Doug Bradley…good times.

BD: Now you are in Bousman's "Repo! The Genetic Opera" which many people don't realize began as a short film starring Michael Rooker as The Repo Man, Shawnee Smith as Heather and you as Pavi. Now, Anthony Head has taken over Rooker's part and the character of Heather has, correct me if I'm wrong, been rewritten as Amber Sweet for Paris Hilton to play. And Pavi is now played by Nivek Ogre. Why the changes and how does it feel to see someone else in the role you originated?

JL: Have you heard Rooker sing? Kidding of course…Love you Mike…You do know that he could kill a person with his pinky…so I’ve heard.

BD: Do you get to sing in your role as a Zydrate Reporter? What was it like working with her as well as Paul Sorvino, Bill Moseley, Sarah Brightman and Joan Jett?

JL: I did get to sing…well…sort of speak singing. I loved it though. I got to record the lines in a LA sound Studio and then lip-sync them when we filmed. It was great experience for me. Everybody I worked with was great…my scene was singing to Paul Sorvino’s character…I love his work and it was really cool to be sharing the scene with him. This film is so well cast…everybody fits their character…or I guess I should say that the actors have made the characters their own.

BD: For horror fans that might be a little nervous about a horror musical, what would tell them to allay their fears? This won't be some PG-13 travesty? May we expect lots of blood, gore, etc. (although probably not on the level of the "Saw" films)?

JL: It’s definitely got the blood and the gore, (No PG-13 here) and it’s got some comedic touches and some very emotional scenes. This film is going to be great…something you’ve never seen before. I went to visit Darren before the Holidays and he showed me the film…It wasn’t completely done with all the final edits and sound, but close enough to get a feel for the film. I was blown away. I had heard most of the songs already, and I read the script, so I knew the story, and the songs, but to see it all laid out and to watch the incredible performances that ALL the actors gave was very exciting.

BD: I have seen quite a few message boards where fans who have met you describe you as very friendly and HOT! You do have a very exotic look which can translate into many different ethnicities. What is your background and how does it feel to be a horror sex symbol? AND, how does your family feel about your new status as a horror icon?

JL: ”Horror sex symbol” Hmmm…I don’t know if that’s true, but I like that way it sounds. My background is a mix of Hawaiian/Japanese, French, and Native American. It does give me the opportunity to portray a variety of ethnic characters, which is great. I think my kids like the fact that there dad was in a SAW movie...I had the cool experience of participating in “Career Day” at my daughter's school…Here I am mixed in with doctors and insurance guys etc…I was constantly swarmed by kids, dozens of kids…it was a lot of fun…then the next day I’m at Target, and I hear someone yell “Hey…It’s that SAW dude”…always nice to be recognized…;)

BD: What has been the response so far to early screenings of "Repo!"? And what would you tell the fans to expect?

JL: The teaser clip has received great response…People I’ve met at the conventions are curious to see what the heck this film is going to be.

BD: Do you have any upcoming projects with Darren Lynn Bousman and if so, perhaps you could throw the fans a few bones about what you two might be working on?

JL: Darren has had his hands full working on REPO and I’m not sure what his next project will be.

BD: Any information regarding SAW V that you would like to share with the fans?

JL: I don’t have any information regarding the script, but as everyone who follows the SAW adventure knows, SAW V is going to be directed by David Hackl. David is awesome. He was Production Designer on SAW 2, 3, and 4, and did second unit directing on 3 + 4, so he’s extremely involved with the story. David and his team made the traps that you see in the films and the various rooms where everything takes place. I loved walking through his offices where he has all the sketches of the traps and rooms that he’s creating. On REPO he took a huge warehouse and turned it into a beautiful Opera House. His work is outstanding…He’s truly an artist. I think all the SAW fans can rest assured that David is a perfect choice to take over the reigns of Director.

BD: You have another new film, "Death Walks the Streets" currently in production in Chicago. It has been described as the most anticipated werewolf movie in quite a while. What can you tell us about this latest horror film you are a part of?

JL: I can’t go into details (spoilers) but it’s a very cool script. James Zahn is the writer and will direct the film. James is a very talented guy and I’m very excited to be working with him. He’s also creating a comic book series to tie in with the project.

BD: With you and Rooker being so close, have you two ever talked about working together? "Troy" and "Henry"? Fans would LOVE that!

JL: Lol…I think you’re on to something there...

BD: Would you say you are a fan of the horror genre and if so, what are some of your favorite horror movies?

JL: I love all genres of film including horror. As a kid, my dad turned me on to the classics…Frankenstein, Dracula, etc. The original Texas Chainsaw is a fav…I would have to say that I’ve watched Silence of the Lambs about a billion times, so that might be one of my favorites.

BD: Do you remember the first horror movie that scared you silly?

JL: “PSYCHO”…One of the very few times I was actually scared was the reveal on Psycho.

BD: What is your opinion on the state of horror movies right now, with the remakes, the "torture" films, the PG-13 dreck?

JL: There seems to be a contest as to see who can out gross the other. That’s a good thing in that everyone is trying to come up with original ideas that no one has seen before. Personally I’d prefer to see some of that originality directed towards plots lines and suspense and not just out right, in your face gore.

BD: Is there anything you would like to add that I have not asked you?

JL: What my favorite food is…cookies!

BD: What is one thing no one knows about J LaRose that you think they should?

JL: That secretly, I still want to be a Rock Star.

For more information on J, be sure to check out his MySpace page as well as his official website