Rick Blunt in The Knight of the Burning Pestle; photo by Tommy Thompson.

Everyone loves ASC actor Rick Blunt. And since so many of our fans wanted to know more about him, we asked him to answer some questions. Here are some of the things he said:

Hometown:  Joliet, IL. Just outside of Chicago.

Year started with ASC:  2004, and a 2006 graduate of the Mary Baldwin MLitt/MFA program that works in partnership with the American Shakespeare Center.

Personal motto:  "Go to bed tired." I want everyday to end with nothing left in my tank... I try to work hard and... go to bed tired.

Favorite Shakespeare or Renaissance play:  Henry IV part 1; Falstaff is the best.

Favorite role:  That I've played is Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, which was part of the ASC 2008/09 Stark Raving Sane Tour. My favorite role I haven't played yet is Fat Jack Falstaff.

Why I became an actor:  I always thought that I would be a professional athlete... so it was kind of a natural progression, because once that didn't work out, the next thing I could think of "to go pro at" was acting. Acting requires many of the same skills that I honed playing collegiate football and tennis, (i.e. determination, focus, love for the game, playing through adversity, and an ability to be coached). Plus, my mother and three sisters encouraged me to follow a career that I loved.

What's so great about Shakespeare:  Shakespeare is about us. If you love anything—money, children, religion, laughter, if you love to hate—Shakespeare applies to you and your brain. Shakespeare wrote about our feelings and our emotions. The more I learn more about Shakespeare, the more I realize how far he reaches into the human soul. I love it.

The best thing about performing with the ASC:  The people. I have met people who have helped shape me into a better person both professionally and personally. The ASC is an environment of love and passion for Shakespeare, which introduces me to other folks who are doing what they love for a living, and that translates to a good life.

Living in Staunton is like:  Like going to a family reunion. My mother had 13 brothers and sisters, and her oldest sister had 12 children. So when I go to my family reunion, I may not know everyone by name, but everyone belongs. Living in Staunton makes me feel like I belong.