Sons of Anarchy is a highly regarded biker-drama series, initially running from 2008 to 2014 on FX. The series follows the titular biker gang as they run their organization while Jax Teller struggles to balance family life with being an outlaw.
It stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Tommy Flanagan, Theo Rossi, Ron Perlman, Ryan Hurst, Kim Coates, and was created by Kurt Sutter. The show was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Drama at the 2010 TVA Awards, and Sagal received a Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series (Drama).
Coates played Tig Trager in Sons of Anarchy, the Vice President and Sergeant-at-Arms of the motorcycle club. During an interview with MovieWeb about his new movie Neon Lights, Coates discussed characters and why he selects his roles.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
Why Kim Coates Turned Down Other Biker Roles
FX
According to Coates, he picks his roles for various reasons and one of those includes doing something different. “Man, I say this all the time, and it’s true. I never played the same guy again. And there’s always got to be something different about the guy, or I won’t do it. Like when Sons of Anarchy was over, I got offered three biker movies. I said no to all of them because I just finished Sons of Anarchy,” explained Coates.
Despite turning down other biker roles, Coates commented in a previous interview with EW that when he did play Tig, he was blessed and loved it. “The show is so Draconian — Shakespeare, Greek tragedy — that I’m just a really blessed actor to be given some of this heavy emotional stuff that Sutter trusts me with. I love playing Tig.”
Exclusive: Kim Coates Discusses Psychological-Thriller Neon Lights, Plus Stills and BTS
Kim Coates Stars in Neon Lights
Momentum Pictures
Coates’ latest role is as Denver Kane in Neon Lights, a methodical and daunting advisor of a tech tycoon who is battling his mental health while experiencing a hostile takeover of his company. Coates turns in a fantastic performance in Neon Lights that stands out in his career. “I’ve never played a guy like this before, and I’ve never done a psychological thriller like this before. This is about mental health… the script is good, and the part is amazing… I’m really happy with the way it turned out,” said Coates.
Neon Lights also stars Dana Abraham, Brenna Coates, Brit MacRae, Erika Swayze, René Escobar Jr., Stephen Tracey, and Lauren Howe. It’s directed by Rouzbeh Heydari and written by Abraham. It’s rated R and set to release on demand and digital on July 12, 2022.
