Lance Reddick on John Wick 4 role days before his death: I'm amazed I've lived this long

 “…I’m amazed that I’ve lived this long,” Hollywood star Lance Reddick, who died early Friday in Los Angeles, told PTI earlier this month ahe of release of his film “John Wick: Chapter 4”.

It was in reference to his role as hotel concierge Charon surviving dramatic plot twists in film series, which has plenty of bloodshed, violence and murder. But words of 60-year-old whose sudden death has stunned American film industry and his colleagues echo, almost like a prophecy.

"It's ironic for me to say after this film that I'm amazed that I've lived this long... It's interesting because when I re script for this last film I was still shocked at just how many people die. I think it's gonna be a record," Reddick told PTI in a virtual group interview, among his last media interactions.

Known for his appearance in major TV series like “ Wire", "Fringe" and “Bosch”, Reddick was found de at his Studio City home on Friday morning, American media reported.

He was busy promoting his newest film, "John Wick: Chapter 4", latest part in Keanu Reeves-led franchise that releases next week, in days before his death.

"John Wick" series centres around eponymous assassin played by Keanu Reeves. Among few characters who survived carnage of every installment was Reddick's Charon and his co-star Ian McShane, who plays Winston, a close friend of Wick and owner of upscale New York hotel Continental.

action franchise started with 2014's "John Wick", about a retired assassin who returns to world he h left behind to avenge killing of a pup which was a final gift from his deceased wife.

In subsequent movies -- "John Wick: Chapter 2" (2017) and "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" (2019) -- new characters have been routinely introduced and killed towards end but Winston and Charon stay on.

USP of franchise is script and its balletic action sequences, which remain unparalleled in American action genre, Reddick said.

"It all started with first one. first script was so tight for an action film. It was so character driven and re were so many interesting and compelling characters and world that it created, which you didn't really quite understand, but you understood enough to be really intrigued and wanting to find out more.

actor, who mostly played a man in uniform, also recalled shooting for first movie back in 2013 and how he was in awe of superstar Reeves.

"I remember my first scene with Keanu in first... He came into lobby of hotel and stopped halfway at a distance. And he just stared at me and it was chilling because it seemed like his eyes almost went black and that he looked through me. I thought 'holy....', I won't say that word. This guy is that character and he's scary. But Keanu, human being, is not like that at all." What was most fun for Reddick was exploring relationship between Charon and Winston, he said.

"In terms of story, from beginning of first film to end of last one, I don't think a lot of time has gone by.

"But what's so interesting, and so much fun for me to play are two things -- you see how deep and loyal Charon's relationship is to Winston, and you find out why he is this kind of taciturn, exquisitely gentlemanly man in this world. It's because he's also a f***ing bass," actor said.

Many former colleagues paid tribute to actor, popular as straitlaced Lt. Cedric Daniels on hit HBO series “ Wire" and Chief Irvin Irving in “Bosch”. His or credits include shows such as "Fringe", "Lost" and "Oz".

actor studied music composition and earned a Bachelor of Music from University of Rochester. He moved to Boston in 1980s and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Yale in 1994.

"John Wick: Chapter 4" is scheduled to hit atres in India on March 24 through Lionsgate.

In a statement, released in American media, director Ch Stahelski and le star Reeves, dedicated upcoming film to Reddick.

"We are deeply sdened and heartbroken at loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick. He was consummate professional and a joy to work with. Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends.

"We dedicate film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly," y said. Co-star Ian McShane said he is in "total shock and disbelief".

"Lance was a wonderful human being and a wonderful colleague. My deepest condolences, peace and love to his wife, Stephanie, and all his family," he ded.

Besides "John Wick: Chapter 4”, Reddick will also feature in upcoming "John Wick" spinoff "Ballerina", helined by Ana de Armas.