Exclusive Interview: Jason Vendryes talks about Kenny’s shocking exit from Beyond the Gates

On Beyond the Gates, Jason Vendryes was cast in the critical role of Kenneth, a man from Martin’s past, and the key to all secrets.

Jason Vendryes rattles everyone Beyond the Gates

When Jason Vendryes was first cast to play the outsider, Kenneth, he knew nothing about the storyline or how long he would be on the show. “Even though Kenny wasn't the nicest of characters, I hope the viewers enjoyed what he added to Martin's story,” the actor said.

Kenny was a pivotal character in Martin’s secret. The fact that he appeared in Fairmont Crest and began making direct contact with Martin excited fans that they were closer to finding out what happened on a fateful night two years prior.

“Even after I was cast, everything was hush-hush, and although I was given the storyline, I was asked to keep it a secret from the rest of the cast and crew,” Vendryes explained. He laughed that some of his castmates did ask, especially while they were in hair and makeup.

One of Vendryes’ last scenes was with Maurice P. Kerry, who plays Joey’s henchman, Randy. He said that Kerry messaged him the day that it aired, and they were “both happy with how it came out.”

They killed Kenny

Kenny has definitely been terminated after pushing his luck. Once Martin found him in his home and befriended his children, the other men involved knew that he was a problem that needed to be stopped — permanently. But will viewers get to see more of him in flashbacks? “I believe some things will be answered in today's episode,” Vendryes shared, adding, “After today, as far as I know, unless they use some old footage for flashbacks, Kenny is no longer part of the show.”

Vendryes said that everyone on the show was amazing to work with, although he didn’t get to do scenes with all of the cast during his time there. “I mainly worked with Brandon [Claybon, who plays Martin] and spent the most time with him running through lines at the beginning of the day,” he added.

The actor had a bit of a reunion on set. “Maria Howell [Tracy of The Articulettes] and I did a movie years ago called Christmas Wedding Baby, so it was such a trip to see her and catch up. Lauren [Buglioli, who plays Vanessa McBride] and I had known of each other through a similar circle of friends, and we share an agent, but we had never formally met, so that was something long overdue. Mike Hugo is the editor on the show; he and I had done a film he edited...and of course, the hair and make-up team were so energetic and welcoming every morning.”

While Vendryes enjoyed his time on Beyond the Gates, he felt that his character got what he deserved. “Kenny had what was coming to him. As the actor playing Kenny, of course, I would've had fun expanding upon his story or exploring the depths of what he was capable of. Ultimately, though, he served his purpose, which was to reveal what Martin is capable of and the cover-up that ensued,” Vendryes explained. He added that he had also worked with the camera team on previous projects. “I felt like there were little reunions from different parts of my career happening throughout my time [on the show].”

Trending

As for what's next for the actor, his new film, Pet Investigators, is set to release later this month. Vendryes plays Coach Thompson in Black Spartans, a football movie also starring Neal McDonough, which is scheduled to release soon. Additionally, season 6 of Ruthless is slated to premiere on BET+ later this year, where he plays Agent Slomkowski.

Watch Beyond the Gates weekdays on CBS or stream on Paramount Plus.cb

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback