Max Martini The Real McCoy

Max Martini The Real McCoy

- T.Cole Rachel 

In addition to having one of the greatest names ever, actor Max Martini happens to have one of the greatest faces, handsome, strong, and the kind that can easily disappear into almost any role. He’s made a name for himself playing tough guys, notably in Saving Private Ryan and Pacific Rim, and now he continues the streak with Michael Bay’s 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. In the movie, Martini portrays Mark “Oz” Geist, one of the security contractors who risked his life defending the diplomatic compound in Libya. “Most men fantasise about being heroic,” the actor says, “I know Hollywood paints me to be a badass, but Mark is the real deal. His bullets were real, mine aren’t.”

How did you first get involved in 13 Hours?

The opportunity to be part of a true story is always a draw for me. I’ve done plenty of (reallife) action movies, including Saving Private Ryan, The Great Raid, Captain Phillips, Fifty Shades of Grey, kidding! There is an incredible sense of fulfilment in the retelling of real events. I was very familiar with the events of September 11, 2012. On that day, militants attacked the U.S. Special Mission Compound, and a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya, and a handful of American private security operators engaged in a lengthy battle with them. The American security contractors that either lost or risked their lives on the day of that attack are true American heroes who represent the embodiment of valour and service to their country. It is very important to share their stories, as they are now a part of American history. To be asked to join in that process is an honour. Even before reading the script, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I think there is tremendous value in making a movie for the sole purpose of entertaining, but making a movie that entertains and educates is even better.