Band of Brothers Actor on Filming Iconic WWII Miniseries | James Madio

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James Madio began acting at the age of 15, starring in Steven Spielberg's 1991 film "Hook". His career would grow with a role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Basketball Diaries", and as a reoccurring character on the teen sitcom "USA High". In 2001, Madio would join an ensemble cast and star in a role that would forever change his life.
In the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers" James Madio would portray Technician Fourth Grade Frank Perconte. An Illinois native, Frank Perconte was one of the first four soldiers assigned to Easy Company and would see action on D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and in the Battle of the Bulge.
While conducting research for his role, Madio contacted Perconte and the two formed a real-life friendship that lasted until Frank Perconte's death in 2013.
Interview recorded on November 5, 2022
Video Credits:
Interviewer - TJ Cooney
Director of Photography - Umit Gulsen
Editor - Daniel Taksas
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[@rogersheddy6414]

Two years ago, I was in a coma from the communist virus. It is still very Vivid to me how when I managed to extubate myself and then was laying in the hospital bed, barely able to move, laying in the hospital bed barely able to move, I had a TV I could watch. The series was playing on one of those channels so I was watching this mostly during my time when I was still groggy and hazy after waking out of that. It really had an impression on me. Especially as family was involved. One Uncle, Glen Morris Boatman, was in medical unit that received the majority of the first casualties from Normandy that were initially sent back to Britain, but then to his unit after they deployed to the Normandy breakthrough area. The other uncle was in operation Dragoon, going north and east, and he died near Biffontaine, in the in the Vosges region of France. William Edward Boatman was part of the Lost Battalion of the 38th division. On the day he died, Manning a 30 caliber machine gun, he earned the Silver Star for saving the lives of the men who were due to be overrun by waffen-ss.

[@jamesmusisca7547]

people who didn't take no for an answer

[@jamesmusisca7547]

these people saved the free world everybody did

[@rogersheddy6414]

@@TheDogGoesWoof69 That is about the most anachronistic question that I have Seen on any KZbin

[@rogersheddy6414]

@@TheDogGoesWoof69 😜

[@kevinc6916]

Great series. Band of Brothers and The Pacific should be mandatory viewing for all high school students

[@americanveteranscenter]

Excellent idea Kevin.

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

Unfortunately the woke that run the schools would never allow that to happen🤮

[@HateTheGame1]

My 11th grade history teacher showed us the landing scene of Saving Private Ryan

[@wildcat8598]

I wish our culture thought like that still rather than the stuff they put in kids heads these days

[@buzzyboy7599]

It is I watched on high school my principle won't allow to watch because it had gromsum

[@aztronomy7457]

I’ve never seen a group of actors show more respect and pay more tributes than the BoB cast had to the boys of company E. Even the ones who went on to have long and very successful careers.

[@justinthomas85]

I think Tom and Steven deserve a ton of credit for this. If you watch the Pacific cast, they also show the same respect and reverence towards the actual Marines of that series.

[@CIintB3ASTW0oD]

@@justinthomas85 There is a audio book, Voices of the Pacific, that the actual veterans of some of the events portrayed in that series outline their stories and give some deeper insight, and mention the show. Very interesting if you liked the show and wanted to hear more. A good way to spend your commute if you have a decent drive back and forth to work.

[@JPDillon]

Mike Rowe talked about running into Ron Livingston once out in LA. Its a funny story, but yeah, Ol' Nix too is still representing the BoBs and keeping their stories going.

[@sandersson2813]

Funny thing about BoB is that many are British.

[@BobbyBoucher228]

@@sandersson2813There are a lot of now famous actors who had small roles in band of brothers like James Mcavoy, and Michael Fassbender and one is German and one is British yet they fit so seamlessly into the unit, you may not notice that they’re in the miniseries. They did the same thing with Masters of the Air with having a non American actor play Biddick who is a British actor. I personally like that the producers of Band of Brothers and Masters of the Air aren’t afraid of using non American actors to play Americans, especially if they have more likeness to the actual person they’re portraying.

[@Raoul215]

As a kid growing up in Philadelphia my Uncle Bill was a big part of my life..I was too young or too scared to ask how he lost his leg..he was such a positive influence on me and only years later after watching Band of Brothers I finally had my question answered..Rest in Peace Wild Bill Guarnere..

[@crushbent]

gtfo. if true that’s badass.

[@TaraConti]

❤❤❤

[@matthieubollea2216]

🙏🙏🙏

[@kennypowers1747]

Your uncle was a great man. When BoB first came out, my sister who was probably 11 at the time sent him a letter of appreciation. Your uncle responded to her with a phone call to our house to talk or her (to which I was EXTREMELY jealous) and sent her a hand written letter with photographs of him during his time in the service. Those men were superheroes to us. Their stories is what made me join the service at 18. God bless them all and RIP

[@michaeld.4521]

@@kennypowers1747 That is fantastic.

[@Elliesbow]

I rewatch this series every year and idk if its just me but does anyone else get this spiritual or humbling feeling after its over? I always get somewhat emotional and it takes me a couple days to digest. Greatest mini series ever!

[@JB_kind]

I’m with you. As a veteran, I love watching the more realistic war movies to get some of that camaraderie back in my life. I knew every one of the characters on BoB in the form of someone I served with.

[@halfirish8056]

I was about to comment this exact same thing. 💯

[@XxTavoRxX]

I agree, it is such a deep and moving series it's hard not to feel like you really know these characters.

[@LOGEZZZZZBRO]

1000%. My wife and I have watched it a ton of times and named our dog Easy because of/in tribute to it.

[@xxjoeyt07xx]

Definitely. Especially when they go their separate ways at the end, knowing they won't talk for years or ever again after going through all of that together.

[@wvusmc]

One of my favorite scenes in Band of Brothers is when Perconte and a new replacement are in Germany and manning a machine gun post. Perconte is reading a book and enjoying the downtime and the new guy is wanting to kill Germans. His response was one of the best dialogues of the entire series.

[@Spacegoat92]

When are we gonna see some action?

[@darmoklizard1729]

I don't know if that actual scenario happened to him or not, but if it did, what I took from that scene was Perconte had at least a mild form of PTSD. I'm certain most, if not all, combat veterans are similarly afflicted. The way he dresses down the replacement (uncontrolled rage) and then almost instantly feels remorse (silent reflection) for his actions is the telling factor. Although in the moment it is hard to be sympathetic or even aware of what is happening, all combat vets deserve understanding and compassion. They've seen, and done things others can't begin to comprehend.

[@AWOL5943]

@@darmoklizard1729 The replacement was a reminder that one of his late buddies weren't on watch with him. It annoyed him and angered him and hes not a mean person, so he feels remorse for taking out his anger on the guy.

[@kennethlauer4735]

'2 years, it's been 2 years since I've seen home'

[@thebluestig2654]

@@darmoklizard1729 Replacements in a war zone are universally treated with disdain until they've proven themselves, especially in a unit that had a high turnover rate from casualties. Most of the disdain is because of new guys just like the one in that scene, they're gung ho to get some action, get some kills, and they wind up doing stupid things because they're still an individual, they're not "part of the unit" yet.

[@cleancarnivore]

I enjoyed the series and this interview. My dad was in the 101st, 506th PIR, Charlie Company and jumped behind Utah Beach, and was wounded in Eindhoven. I watched with rapt attention to learn more about my dad. I am a proud Vietnam Combat vet because of him.

[@tundranomad]

Thank you and your Dad for yalls service!

[@williamjohnbedford5776]

What an Heritage to Have, Thanks for your Family's Service.....And to all Servicemen and Women..The BEST OF THE BEST.

[@georgemartin1436]

Thanks to your family. My GF is a naturalized US citizen from Vietnam and is doing very well here...thanks to YOU showing the way...

[@ericharmon7163]

Welcome home.

[@thevoid1337]

Thank you and your father for your services and sacrifices made. Welcome home.

[@johnwilliams1091]

I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, and the work done by all of these actors is treasured by many of us.

[@injailoutsoon7289]

Thank you for your service

[@west3979]

STRIKE HOLD!!!

[@CatsAgainstCommunism]

FURY FROM THE SKY!!!

[@Tully241]

Absolutely! All you guys were the real deal sir! 🇺🇸

[@Tully241]

Did you know George Blake? I know he fought at Bastogne and I think he was with the 82nd....I " think" not sure though. -My late uncle.

[@billace90]

What a likeable person James Madio is. And seeing him again after so many years after B.O.B. ended. This interview is gold.

[@Raildig]

That word you used... likeable, so many of the guys from this series seem that way in these interviews.

[@mcmoose64]

Superbly acted , meticulously produced , quite possibly the finest television series ever to grace the screen.

[@Razgriz85]

Unfortunately, they did Lt. Dike dirty and depicted him in a way that wasn't how he really was. His men respected him and he socialized with them, and he wasn't a coward.

[@ernestpaul2484]

@@Razgriz85 Almost every man has his breaking point. In some it comes on gradually, in others they just hit "that moment" and snap. There is no time for analyzing in the heat of combat of a person's true psychological state of mind, only the outward physical responses or lack of. When it is expected for those in leadership capacities to lead and they fail to do so, then assumptions are made. Right or wrong. Should all survive the engagement or the war, then allegations can be made and adjudicated.

[@petermcgill1315]

@@Razgriz85 Blythe, too they got wrong.

[@history_loves_anime8927]

@@petermcgill1315 There's a Band of Brother's official podcast out that's on youtube and they actually go the actors and the writers to talk about the show and what all went into it and I do remember the writer talking about Blythe and admits that they did mess that up but as he put it, it was before the internet and some of the veterans thought that's what really happened to Blythe and took their words as gospel.

[@bjbruce9643]

agreed

[@jeremyronald]

Makes me happy to see that there are still some actors and actresses that are humble and learn from their roles and experiences. We need more actors/actresses like this :)

[@bdub8522]

Everyone can learn from this

[@howardoller443]

For 11 years I lived in a small town next to Joliet, IL where Frank Perconte lived. Between 2007 and 2010 I visited with Mr. Perconte three times. By that time he was a widower and lived alone, as was I. He wonderfully shared stories with me about his time in the service and stories about his family. He even signed my hardcover copy of my Band of Brothers book and let me take a bunch of photos of him, his medals, and me standing next to him. Wonderful memories.

[@macmac3374]

I'm willing to bet you made his day any time you showed up and just talked with him. You are so lucky

[@howardoller443]

@@macmac3374 Yes, I was very fortunate, and he was a very gracious host. I would have spent more time with Mr. Perconte, but in 2010, after 5 years being a widower, I met my second wife and life got busy for me, and I was unable to see him again before he died in 2013.

[@ericbrown1101]

Huge credit to Dale Dye for creating that "boot camp" for the actors (and to the actors for agreeing to do it). He originally did it for Saving Private Ryan and then revived it for BoB. He made it as tough and as real as he possibly could. I thought them only ever using their characters' names was brilliant. They had to legitimately live as these people and go through it together. I think that experience is a big part of what made SPR and BoB arguably the realest, most visceral portrayals we've ever seen in war cinema.

[@Shaboomquisa]

my grand dad said they didnt cast sink right. sink is my great great uncle. he was alot younger than he was in the show. also the accent isn't Lexington nc so that didnt flyover well either with him

[@Jonacarpenter]

He is an amazing human and what a soldier, and to humbly be a part of doing some amazing projects to tell pieces of history. Paycheck has nothing to do with it. It’s caring that it’s as true as it can be and keep people wanting to see and learn something that helped to shape and save the world, the world.

[@ericbrown1101]

@@Jonacarpenter there's some great behind the scenes on the DVD box set that shows some of the boot camp. They were literally stripped of everything post 1945, up at 5 am every day doing PT and drills, night patrols, a compass navigation test...basically anything they could pull from 1940s basic training and make safe enough to get past the insurance companies lol. These actors spent weeks away from their families putting themselves through this for the sake of these productions. Their commitment to getting this right was incredible. It's no less than the people they portrayed deserved.

[@Jonacarpenter]

@@ericbrown1101 I have that set👍👍👍. Amazing information on it. I still have it on my dvr to record any time it airs…. Just so I see it on the days it should be remembered, and revisited. I’ll post a new post, with a pic and a story that you will appreciate. Keep an eye out for it, I’ll try to do it asap, before we both forget. Lol. 👍

[@davidqueppet1450]

Actually, he first did the boot camp for PLATOON.

[@3rwparks3]

Thanks Frank ! That was a great interview. I will be 72 this April, and I grew up looking up to the WWII guys. They will always be my heroes... And you will always be Frank..

[@mcburgerking1523]

Thanks Frank, great of interview. I will be 72 this coming March, I grew up watching “Combat “ The series, and seeing Vic Morrow, Pierre Jalbert, Kirby , Little John, Doc, and all the guess stars. This WW2 show, I looked up to these Men, they inspired me, That Freedom is not free, I Enlisted into the The United States Marine Corps fresh out of High School June 1970, ended up doing Two Tours of Combat in Southeast Asia, and by viewing these actors portray the Greatest Generation in the World, made me the Man I am Today! SEMPERFi

[@3rwparks3]

@@mcburgerking1523 I was a Navy Seabee back then. Summer of seventy-two, I spent several weeks training at Camp Lejeune with Marine instructors. Best group of teachers I ever had. I still think of the "Globe and Anchor" from time to time, cold beer and the juke box in the corner.

[@dwhip49]

What a down to earth guy. Heartening to know the acting community has this caliber of individual.

[@Yoseman1]

Um, hello? Joe Pesce, Robert Deniro, Martin Scorsese, all extremely down to earth from working class backrounds. Actually, it must be an Italian thing....

[@jasonsantiago6308]

@@Yoseman1 -"Other guys did stuff, too!" You also misspelled Pesci

[@jakemilligan46]

@@Yoseman1Robert dinero down to earth??😂

[@Yoseman1]

@@jakemilligan46 Very. Are you saying only conservatives can be down to earth!? Just because he doesn't subscribe to your lunacidal world view doesn't NOT make him down to earth. You can run into Bobby anywhere in Tribeca or The Villiage, and he'll give you some time. Unlike your orange hero who never sets foot in public, and never really did.

[@chrysler5thavenue822]

One of the scenes I always replayed was Frankie running back from the concentration camp desperately looking for an authority figure, searching for an officer due to the enormity of the situation... and I always thought James portrayed that scene perfectly. It was one of those things I would pause and rewind. He really killed it. It's been 20 years and it isn't surprising to hear that he put so much effort into it because you could always feel that in the performance. Even his shortest lines always felt genuine like something a kid private would say. Respect.

[@Kilbyplays]

Band of Brothers is the best series I’ve ever seen. I watch it 1 time a year and it’s amazing every time.

[@toddcunningham3213]

Only once a year?? My wife knows it by heart now. She's become a WW2 junkie because of this series. I was hesitant to watch it when it first came out, but I (we) watch it at least 6 times a year.

[@nelson5612]

It’s a deployment series for us. We used to gather ‘round the boys after a long deployment days overseas. We would watch it religiously. Brought the boys together during deployment. Until now years after deployment we still talk about how we get together just to watch this series together. I kiss my brothers. Amazing series

[@davidjensen2411]

Same. Was always playing in the Mess...

[@FelverFelv]

"I kiss my brothers." Must be Navy?

[@davidjensen2411]

@@FelverFelv #CherryMarines?

[@benjo33]

@@FelverFelv 😂😂😂😂

[@casualgerm]

@@FelverFelv lmao... you must be a Marine with that comment. Semper Fi

[@damonbyrne8033]

The respect to stop and say 'sorry our acting bootcamp' shows how much this series impacted them all imo. Best series ive ever watched hands down

[@Terdfertersen]

I really love that they took their names away and only knew eachother by their respective character’s names. Forces them to become accustomed to calling and reacting to those specific names and brings the characters to life in a deeper way.

[@Former11b]

There’s a great “behind the scenes” reel filmed by Nixon/Ron Livingston that’s fantastic

[@martaupward5992]

@@Former11b Thanks. On what platform?

[@bubba8084]

@@martaupward5992it’s on KZbin! Just look up something similar to Ron Livingston Band of Brothers Diaries or behind the scenes

[@tomahawk5118]

I’m a 101st Airborne veteran, many family members have served and my grandfather was awarded a Bronze Star for his time in WW2. He was near Bastogne and his brother was killed near Bastogne. Thank you for your part/performance in such a great portrayal of the war. It’s my favorite.

[@warrenchambers4819]

One of my great Uncles was also killed on Dec 18th 44 outside St Vith I believe. Sgt Eschol Webb was with the 10th armored, after washing out of flight training. His brother Mac was in the Army fighting in Italy at the time, it was his letters home (hundreds of them) that his sister kept all these yrs I learned this information from plus so much more.

[@tomahawk5118]

@@warrenchambers4819 I sent away for my grandfathers medals and it was a complete surprise about the bronze star. My uncle and mother didn’t even know he’d been awarded and it wasn’t on his exit paperwork. I’d like to send for my great uncles since he never married or had children. He’s buried close to where he was killed in Luxembourg Natl Cemetary.

[@veramae4098]

Born in 1952 there were lots of war movies and TV series about WW II, and I now realize how bad they were. This, BoB, is gold. I'd watched one movie Saturday afternoon and went to ask my Dad if it could possibly be true (it was pretty silly) and he just exploded "It was NOTHING like the movies." Only time he ever talked about it, and he was Navy, not in the trenches. He did have to jump and abandon ship 3 times in Pacific.

[@tomahawk5118]

@@veramae4098 glad the sharks didn’t like him too closely!

[@DazeofYore]

The respect that these actors show for the story they told is truly amazing. Band of Brothers was a perfect storm.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

I’m a Vietnam Marine Veteran. Some of the series I had trouble with but most of it hit home to me. It’s hard to watch the scenes of American soldiers getting killed and wounded but the enteracting of characters brought back memories to me from when I was 19-23 years old, my time in the Marines 1968-72. Thanks so much for putting this great work in my library so I can take it out when needed. I have The Pacific also. All of my uncles and my dad were in the military during WWII, Marines, Navy and Merchant Marines. They all came home safe thank God.

[@HighwayLand]

Thank you for your service.

[@barrycroyle4473]

Thank you for your service to our country. God bless you and all the members you served with.

[@jamesstacey529]

You and your family were completely blessed to make it home. I just want to thank you all for what you did for us. God ,Family & , Country🙏🇺🇲

[@binyominsilverman1592]

Did the Merchant Mariner ever get torpedoed? People forget just how dangerous it was to get the troops to Torch, Dragoon, Overlord…

[@jacobthayer236]

Welcome home sir! Thank you for your service.

[@jensleasman1838]

My grandfather served in the Navy in WWII. He never talked about his experiences with us until my children were old enough to understand. When my son asked him why he fought in the war his answer was, so you never would have to. God, how I miss him. RIP, Grandpa Vogel.

[@Blupearl2003]

The scene in Why We Fight were he salutes the Holocaust victim, and the starving man that survived unspeakable hell mustered up a smile and saluted back never ceases to bring a tear to my eye.

[@ComedianAshelyTomajan]

Me too every time

[@aaronseet2738]

I cried when one of the prisoners hugged and kissed a trooper knowing that he had been liberated.

[@JohnnyBoy8141]

I've watched this series for 10 or so years ever single year around Christmas time. Kind of a tradition now. Never forget the sacrifices these young kids made. Currahee!

[@tycramer5173]

Yes, me too

[@animationcycles7109]

Same. Of the many things I've let go/didn't need, or grew out of the past 20+ years, I still have my DVD Band of Brothers series. I break it out, every year between Thanksgiving, and Chrstmas.

[@HighwayLand]

I watch Saving Private Ryan every June 6th, I watch Band of Brothers over the next few weeks, and I will end it with Gettysburg on July 1st. For the fun of it I will also watch Independence Day on July 3rd.

[@JohnnyBoy8141]

@@HighwayLand That is awesome. I too always watch Independence Day around the 4th. Lol. That speech the President gives to all the people towards the end is so good. I haven't watched Gettysburg in a long while, may have to watch it here soon.

[@HighwayLand]

@@JohnnyBoy8141 I did that speech in my high school theater class, way back in 1996. I was 14 when I first watched Gettysburg, and it is the movie that made me love Civil War history as well as all military history. I will be visiting Gettysburg for a second time coming up in June, and I plan on walking that entire battlefield. Don't tell anybody this but I did take a rock from Little Round Top during my first visit, and it is right here at my house in Oregon.

[@SaradominOSRS]

I always knew Ron Livingston was a good guy, but him letting James stay in his guest house for a few years PROVES his good morals and his character. The producers knew how to pick their actors for sure. All of them, good people.

[@tberkoff]

James Madio was one of the best things about the series. His performance was just excellent and added great humor and humility to the role. Madio was one of the best athletes during Boot Camp.

[@Yoseman1]

What were you watching? He is a terrible actor, and can only play one charecter...an Italian guy....

[@MrJal67]

As a Vet, and as the son of a WW2 Vet, it is hard for me to watch interviews with actors who portrayed "us." But this, this is different. A great series and a great interview. Thanks guys, and thanks to James (And all invovled wit BoB...) for doing a man like Frank Perconte and his comrades justice.

[@patrickancona1193]

I had 3 great uncles who chose airborne, 2 in the 101st & 1 in the 82nd, only one from the 101st came home & with a encrusted Purple Heart among others, grandpa was a Marine raider, Dad fought in Korea, I could go on for pages but these men were my heroes, thank you for making a film that makes explaining duty to my kids & now grandkids easier Semper Fi

[@jamesbecker3420]

What is an encrusted Purple Heart?

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@jamesbecker3420 At a guess - "The presence of the 'Silver Star' device on the riband drape denotes that the recipient had been awarded 'Five further Awards' of the Purple Heart"

[@jamesbecker3420]

@@wessexdruid7598 Ok, never knew anyone personally with that many Purple Heart awards. My Purple Heart only has one oak leaf cluster designating a second award(OEF). Thank you!!

[@SweatyFatGuy]

I bought the Band of Brothers DVD set at the BX at Osan AB ROK in 2002. The story of Carwood Lipton made me a better NCO, Major winters made me a better leader, everyone in Easy Company impacted me in some way. Every time life got difficult for me, deployed or in the states, going through divorces, dealing with being disabled in 2004 after decades as a very capable man, I would reflect on what the men in WWII went through. No matter how bad it got for me, I had it better than they did. I saw Private Ryan in the theater, not many years after my first war in 90-91. That movie messed me up, it pulled me in so it was like I was there with them. When the stickybomb vaporized the guy planting it, I checked myself for fragments of him, while sitting in the theater. The flag waving at the end broke me entirely. I could not watch it at all until 2000, when I got it on DVD, sat in my room on base and forced myself to endure 5 minutes more every day until I could watch the entire movie without getting triggered. That made me a better NCO too. Band of Brothers was a very different experience. My experience with war was completely different from those two movies. My first base in 1989 was Frankfurt Germany, and I traveled around Europe seeing the places where they fought. They found a buried cache of mortars and other armaments on base while excavating for a building in 1990, they were buried there in 1945. My first trip to the desert was in 1991. The fourth was in 2001, the last in 2004. I still can't watch movies about the desert conflicts. If I do, I can smell them, feel the heat and sand hitting my face, the tiredness sets in that I felt back then. Its like reliving it again, and the last two deployments were very safe in Kuwait. 33 years later and I can vividly remember the tiniest details from the first, and the winters in Germany, working outside in the blowing snow. So very different than the 130F heat in the desert, and the smells you never forget. I ate bacon every other day for a year just so I would stay in the present day when I smelled it. Its called flooding, its what I did with Pvt Ryan. There are things you never forget, the best you can do is remove the emotional marker from the memory. The things those men from the larger conflicts can't forget makes mine look about as serious as a kid not getting a toy at the store... and my peers who had jobs far more dangerous than mine. Tell James Madio and the rest of them, thanks for the shows. They're appreciated more than they can imagine.

[@brettlane6908]

As a former recruit instructor, who’s aim was always to forge a bond between recruits, it’s so heartening to hear him say how they too recognized that bond. ❤️

[@luigi2018]

I also agree with you. I’m army and tbh I don’t care if they didn’t went to an actual army base for basic but him knowing what is like, the struggle, the bond, and the trust they build. To me he’s an American soldier, he has the mentality.

[@Cracklin]

Perconte was always one of my favorite characters in BoB. He was always very “real” and just seemed like a cool friend to have in a terrible situation. And I felt really bad when he was shot in the backside.

[@danielbeck9191]

"getting shot in the ass is sort of an Easy Company tradition!"

[@mkcl9073]

This guy played the hell out of his role. One of the most iconic rants of the series was him going off on Okeef. Every new guy in the military has been on the receiving end.

[@voraciousblackstn]

As a 12 year Veteran, thank you to everyone who put together Band of Brothers. It is a glimps into the life of soldiers. It helps people see that we are people as well, who laugh, cry, fight and get ticked off at our boss also.

[@UniversalBrow09]

What a series. Still an unbelievable achievement, still fresh. Madio seems like he really did this right… that level of acting talent combined with gratitude. Respect.

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Wonderful story of the actors process. Thank you for honoring our brave veterans. The men and women who answered the call.

[@jaypoole8056]

I'm really glad this interview was done. BoB was truly a perfect series. All the actors did a phenomenal job and Madio's portrayal of Perconte was one of my favorites.

[@Midlanflyguy]

It saddens me to think I may someday very soon live in a world without a single WW2 vet.

[@mitchellbroaddus9120]

I know. All the men I grew up with, in small town Texas,are gone. P-51,B-24, B-17 pilots and crew. Members of the 36th,1st, and 90th Divisions. My Uncle Delmis, who enlisted in 1938 as a Private,and due to battlefield promotions, wound up a LTC, under Patton. 3 Sherman tanks destroyed he manned. My maternal Uncle Quincy, Flying Tiger mechanic. Uncle Ben, Seabreeze, from Guadalcanal onward. All gone, except Uncle Quincy, who will be 99 next Christmas. They all inspired me to my Army career. AATW!

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Me too. My dad was an army signal corps commander in the China, Burma, India theater of WWII. He died in 2004. My uncle was a battle of the bulge veteran. He died in 2013. They will all soon be gone and the world will be a less better place without them.

[@Midlanflyguy]

@@mattthescrapwhisperer Grandpa on my Dad's side was in India the biggest chunk of the war. I believe he worked on aircraft instruments

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

@@Midlanflyguy he may have very well crossed paths with my dad. Near the end of the war my dad was transferred into the Air Corps to install electronic equipment in aircraft stationed in India

[@MarineMikeGolf3587]

Nice to see how much he wanted to portray the veteran as correctly as possible. Simple smoker non smoker. My dad was a WWII vet and he never smoked a day in life. I'm sure if he was portrayed as a smoker he would have been upset.

[@jackhammer363]

This show is my favorite of all time. The characters are all fleshed out, real people. You can even notice early on how Lipton doesn't like talking negative about leadership. Small details and great actors. I'll rewatch it for years to come.

[@richr7604]

As a veteran myself I appreciate this kind of attitude and respect given by someone who's never served. Also Band of Brothers is my favorite series ever made hands down. Thank-you

[@spitfires1979]

Every aspect of this production was conceived and executed perfectly. It is, in my opinion, a timeless masterpiece of television, certainly one of the best series ever made on several levels. A young English actor who had just married my cousin landed a small but memorable role, using his best American accent to play John A. Janovec in the final two episodes - he was Tom Hardy, and though of course he went on to find huge success, participation in this series is still a career highlight as far as I’m concerned. I think every actor and crew-member involved was very lucky to have been part of such an important and entertaining work.

[@thomasbullock6416]

You did a great job in both the interview and BAND OF BROTHERS 🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@gregoryadams7949]

Absolutely loved Band Of Brothers, love our veterans.

[@RCsev070]

Still the best tv show I've ever seen

[@HoseTheBeast]

Band of Brothers is a masterpiece of a series. First time I watched it I was just in the army, boot camp first few weeks. I was looking for some high octane war shit to watch. I have always been a night owl and I spent a few late nights watching the show in the dark barracks in my bunk while everyone else had already fallen asleep and that show just took me on an emotional rollercoaster man. I was looking for some high octane action but what made me glued to the screen was all the other stuff. The relationship and the growth of the characters from boys to men. And the insanity that they had to endure. Probably the only series that truly affected me, it has a humbling effect. Oh and Winters is such a perfect example of a man you should try to be.

[@jamiepuente481]

It has amazed me that for as long as I’ve been out of the service it never fails that if we see each other we start in like we’ve lost no time.

[@heyg7819]

Arguably the best ten episodes of television ever made. Your portrayal of Frank Perconte was fantastic. The sacrifice these young men gave up at the prime of their life is being forgotten. If you have never watched this program, I suggest you block off a few days and immerse yourself in this beautiful story and experience the fantastic portrayals of these real-life young men.

[@bryanmacklem2654]

My dad and I had a yearly tradition of watching the series on the same evenings even though he's moved down to Tennessee. When he passed in 2019, I truly enjoy watching it even more now because of the memories it brings.

[@moshco23]

Man I'm sorry for your loss! They are always with us ♥️

[@willzinc6137]

So sorry for your loss. That's a really nice shared experience to have with your dad

[@caldaque7354]

Band of Brothers is a masterpiece. The writing, acting, and cinematography is amazing. James did an awesome job portraying Frank Perconte. My son just turned 13 and this is the next series on our list to watch together. We don’t call these folks during this time period the Greatest Generation for no reason. They lived in hard times and they fought harder hence why we are able to thrive as we do today.

[@littletexas3101]

James, thanks to all of the actors who did an excellent job of portraying the real Easy Company men. This serious meant a lot to me because my favorite uncle was in the 101st during WWII. He made both jumps at Normandy & Holland and was captured on 12/23/44 during the battle of the bulge. In my humble opinion, all of those men and women that served our country then & now are our true heroes

[@patton303]

I've probably seen the Band Of Brothers series 20 times. And I never get tired of it. Best WWII adaptation ever made in my opinion.

[@tomdaley9154]

Mr Madio, idk if you'll ever see this, i doubt it, in fact. I grew up watching, no memorizing, every second of that series. Im a Vet myself now and i didn't realize till im now 35, just how much y'all's portrayal of their story influenced my life. I feel like i know those dudes, because of the amazing job yall did. Thank you so much for doing it and taking it so seriously. It means so much more than you may know. Thank You

[@danmancmufc]

I remember I watched it every day for about 3-4 months straight haha so obsessive isn't pal! I love meeting people that love it too and introducing people to it too. It's 100% the greatest piece of television ever made in my opinion! Flawless

[@chrysler5thavenue822]

I see you. Right or wrong, the impression left by depictions such as this, and maybe a little too much Sergeant Oddball, absolutely did and continue to impact myself and military leaders today. Sometimes you just stand back and ask yourself what 1SG Lipton would do... Absolutely. It's just a fuckin mini-series. It's just a movie. But... sometimes... with depictions as great as these it translates to real world events.

[@Giantist]

@@danmancmufc 100%

[@lucamadio]

Glad the series had such an impact. A deep respect for your service to our Country. Currahee :)

[@taishoku14]

I’m not American. My grandfathers did fight in WW1 on the Allied side. But having said all that, BoB was the most moving war depiction that I have seen so I bought the DVD and have rewatched it many times. Thank you Mr. James Madio for your portrayal. You were part of a unique set of circumstances that resulted in a beautiful production that brought the book to life. This interview illustrates to all of us your heartfelt desire to do justice to those real life heroes of the 101st. Thank you sir for your dedication to your craft. Your performance is a legacy.

[@11bravo1789]

As an Iraq War veteran. Infantryman, and former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant - I can say. You guys did a helluva job portraying these heroes. Loved this series back then, and still love it.

[@steve24550]

Such a great interview, and an iconic production. It's hard to believe it was 20 years ago, but will never date.

[@buddystewart2020]

The way these guys took this seriously, and really wanted to honor the men they portrayed, has always made me like the series even more.

[@A7X062388]

exactly! You can tell when an actor really cares about the man they portray!

[@luc2o]

I can't believe it's been 20 years already. This series seems like last year. So well done.

[@wademccormick4371]

My great uncle was a colonel in a tank regiment. We took him to see saving private Ryan, we had to leave the theater in the first 15 min of the movie and we all felt terrible. We realized how traumatizing the experience was for the troops.

[@robthebold4589]

Captain Dale Dye (USMC, Ret.) was the technical advisor on the series; his job was to make the actors as realistic as possible. When Madio recounts the gun story at 8:50, I call tell you for sure that's real life. In military parlance a "gun" is a crew-served weapon. That is, it takes more than one soldier to operate. Examples are a machine gun, mortar, cannon. The soldier's individual weapon is a rifle.

[@kevingouldrup9265]

True I knew what was coming and laughed my a** of!

[@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883]

what do you call a grenade launcher?

[@alexrobertson557]

the line i always used to get was "guns have wheels"

[@alexfloate2420]

In the Marines we were taught the difference between a weapon and a gun was that one was for shooting, one was for fun.

[@stevenvail6277]

@@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883 RPG, man portable anti tank weapon......

[@TictacAddict1]

I love the series so much. I've watched it at least 20 times. The short commentaries, by the actual 101st members, was the most important part of the series.

[@Autobotsunited]

Absolutely.

[@Suavellous]

Always remember in the film “The Basketball Diaries” where he was in the ice cream shop. Such a good film. Band of Brothers was truly exceptional. I bought the steal boxset, watched it so many times.

[@eliquate]

He was so frigging good in that series. He deserves more credit for his portrayal in that show.

[@HighwayLand]

I know nothing about James Madio, but I feel like I know everything about the man he portrayed in Band of Brothers. 21 years later and I know every single line and every single detail of every single episode. I have told friends about this mini-series, even in 2022 I was still telling others about this amazing show! When that DVD box-set was available at Wal-Mart I was like the first one to buy it, and I still have it. THANKS to everybody who made Band of Brothers a reality, and God Bless to our soldiers who gave their lives for our Country.

[@ryanphillips4700]

Living the dream through these guys. What an honor it must have been to spend time and represent the men of the Greatest Generation. The series still holds strong. I thank you and wish you all well! God Bless!

[@oldguyofarizona8602]

Class act. One can see how he truly felt about the man he played and the importance of the series.

[@AlwayzFresh]

Recently retired after 20 years in the armoured corps with two combat tours in Afghanistan that certainly changed my life forever. It's an honour to hear James tell his story with such passion. James has a warriors spirit. He would have been welcome and very successful in any military unit. It sounds very fortunate that despite not actually serving, James was able to achieve the comradery and sense of belonging from being in the Military.

[@mediamannaman]

James, you were incredible. Your character was one of the most memorable in the series, and that is mostly because of your portrayal.

[@pf6797]

What a great interview! Dude looks great 20 years later too.

[@brandonwestbrook6003]

I’ve watched Band of Brothers, must be, 15 times, yet I’ll never get enough. I’ll be watching it until the day I die. One of the most spectacular series of all time

[@codytotten9545]

Im right there with you brother, still yet find something new each time i see it. Maybe something in a scene i didnt pay attention enough to or a certain line.

[@davidpietarila699]

If you spend a whole weekend watching this series for the 10th time, it's still time well spent.

[@timnavarrette3274]

These actors are so humanitarian! Great guys and honor the vets they portray.

[@hammstah9578]

Super interview!

[@iVETAnsolini]

He played such an awesome roll! This series is part of the reason I joined the army!

[@Cuevanator]

Band of Brothers is what heavily influenced me in my decision to join the US Army. I served for ten years in a combination of active and NG and I have met men who I will consider brothers for eternity. I have instant connection with those who served before and I will always love my first MOS as 11B/infantry. I got out as a FA officer but I remember the pride of wearing my blue cord and the camaraderie that I felt being with my infantry brothers. It was awesome. I watch Band of Brothers and The Pacific every year and cant help but think of my friends and buddies in our time in service and how sacrifice, dedication, honor, and commitment are values for the US service member today and are carried on from those who came before us. I have always been proud to have served, and would serve again gladly for my country and to be in the company of great men and women who pledge to protect the United States and its citizens and those who cannot defend themselves. In my opinion there is no higher calling nor any action so great as to voluntarily place your life on the alter of freedom knowing that it may be forfeit so that others may have peace. God Bless the American Veterans Center. God Bless the United States Armed Forces. God Bless the Actors and volunteers who keep our military history alive and serve our veterans. God Bless the United States of America.

[@wb6162]

When we built our house 30 years ago we had this wonderful older couple in the house next door. Their house had been done about 6 months earlier. Great people, they brought over a meal for us and just treated us like family from day 1. My son was 8 months old at the time. The man and I got to be pretty good friends. He would come over and help me plant trees or any project I had to do he was always there. I knew he was a WWII vet because he told me he was president of his ship reunion committee (Navy) My son got into elementary school and had a project where he was supposed to interview an interesting person so we talked about it and decided on the neighbor man. So we went to their house and of course they had coffee and cookies and you name it. My son asks him about his service in WWII. I was completely blown away at the story that unfolded and what the guy had been through by the time he was 20 years old. I seriously doubt I could have done any of what he described as pretty routine. Like his ship trying to survive a typhoon and him crawling down elec duct tunnels working on 480V cables to keep the power on as sea water was coming in. I mean he was in mortal danger of being electrocuted. He calmly explained that the individual sailor was expendable compared to the life of the ship. Amazing generation of men and women. Then he went on to describe the Battle of Leyte Gulf and how they fired so many shells at Japanese suicide planes they ruined the barrels of their guns they got so hot and they ran out of space on the deck to store the spent shells. They ended up throwing them in the ocean. Finally the front bow of their ship gone blown off by a torpedo and they had to be towed backwards all the way to San Francisco for repairs. Even though the ship was obsolete and would have been normally scrapped it had so much respect from the Navy they completely repaired and updated it. They had the most battle stars of any ship to that point of the war. To this day the ship is a museum somewhere. USS Minneapolis.

[@Mthumb]

This is just awesome. You can tell it meant more than just a part in a show to James. They all went above and beyond the call of duty to bring those heroes to life for the later generations. 🙏

[@markwhalebone751]

A great show and timeless. The bootcamp that James Madio and his colleagues attended is also where I did most of my basic training as a British Army reservist back in 92. Longmoor Camp.

[@shanemichael3925]

Excellent casting and acting, they gave brave and honorable men the credit and respect for their service, support our veterans.🇺🇸

[@briansavage932]

What these guys went through was as close to WWII boot camp as you could get. They had to learn everything, and they had to do all the PT, all the weapons training and qualifying, they had to ride in those planes, eat shitty food, lose sleep in those God awful bunks, get screamed at... I think the only thing they didn't do is jump, but I can't be sure some didn't. For all intents and purposes they went through boot camp. The main difference is that at the end of every day they weren't looking down the barrel of a real war, a real invasion. I can see how it bonded them all and gave them that level of admiration and appreciation for those soldiers. To this day I think it's the finest work every single one of those actors has ever done.

[@lynheydt3304]

I never had the honor of serving but I totally respect those that did. They and there families sacrifice everything for this country. The greatest generation.

[@peggytravels793]

My uncle was in the 101st and fought all the way to Battle of the Bulge & wounded there.

[@codystout5353]

My favorite mini series of all time

[@runfourcover]

This guy is so honest and genuine. Where are more people like him? Humble, honorable, and wanTing to do the best things to honor the greatest generation. What has happened to our nation? Why can’t more people be like this?

[@fatherstrifemneh2010]

I watch BoB and TP every year. I also introduce everyone I can to it. It’s an exercise in mindfulness at this point. Whatever I go through, and whatever my struggle, it’s nothing compared to these young men’s struggles. We’re able to live this life of ease because of countless sacrifices. This should be mandatory viewing for all Americans.

[@maximus1318able]

Band of bros is one of the greatest series ever.

[@lappin6482]

James did an awesome job, I think Franks family would be proud of how he portrayed him in the series 👏

[@nguyenangtuandung2745]

2 brothers of my grandpa died serving in the People's Army of Vietnam. The oldest one was a freshman college student in Hanoi, he fought and died at Dien Bien Phu, and the other died at Khe Sanh (battle of Hamburger Hill) at the age of 19. My grandpa had fragments all over his body but luckily he survived the long 20 years Vietnam war vs the USA. I hope that the Vietnamese movie industry can somehow one day depict our 2 great wars in such a cinematic, brutal way just like Band of Brothers or The Pacific, they would be the best study materials for younger generations for years to come.

[@giuliobernacchia1848]

So many stories that are waiting to be told.

[@nhatpham9933]

We somewhat did get such movie. Những cánh én đầu tiên by Silver Swallow Studio. Highly reccommend

[@giuliobernacchia1848]

@@nhatpham9933 thank you, I found it, really interesting!

[@ghostly6175]

The US was only involved in the Vietnam war for 8 years directly

[@ThunderOnTheLeft]

Part 2) I took him to lunch and we chatted. Folks, I had no idea what to say. I'm never speechless. I met him at his house and took him out to lunch 4-5 times. i asked Frank if I could bring him to my son's high school for history day. Small auditorium but jammed packed. It was in the news paper. During one visit at his house and I got comfortable asking questions. I was asking about his time at the concentration camp. He got up put the DVD in the player and walked away. He went to the bathroom went into the kitchen grabbed a couple of beers he sat down and started the DVD. Here I am sitting with Frank Perconte watching one of the series and drinking a beer. BoB changed a part of my life. I don't know but it did

[@Sean-ot4zq]

I wish that more producers and directors doing combat type films or shows would take a more realistic approach instead of just the Hollywood "well it doesn't happen that way but it looks good". I hope we see more of these type of shows for other major events in the 20th century.

[@PMC_Wanker_Group]

I really wish Tom and Steven would get back together and make a Vietnam and Korea miniseries

[@PinkFloydFreak55]

I believe they are working on another series about US bombers working out of England during WW2 - Masters of the Air I

[@CowBoyPyro]

@@PinkFloydFreak55 masters of Air i believe. I’m not sure Steven and Tom will be a part of it but I know that several writers who worked on band of brothers and the pacific are part of it. It’s supposed to be even more ambitious then bob

[@user-ch6xi7rh8k]

I've always appreciated how sincerely respectful all the BoB ETO actors have been towards the veterans, but especially James Madio. He continually honors them appropriately and often and it's very refreshing to see from an actor. Best WW2 series / movie footage ever created!!

[@joehowarth8093]

Just a wonderful interview!! My Dad was in the Pacific….BoB was unique. Watched it over and over, read just about every book associated with the story….the feeling you get when you put yourself in their place during that time period is unimaginable. The actors who portrayed those men did and unbelievable job at honoring their memory….

[@wes11bravo]

It's awesome to see actors truly dedicated to a project, so much so that they let go of any ego to truthfully inhabit the character they portray. I've heard of a few actors who were simply uninterested in getting that level of detail from the real people they were supposed to be playing, believing they didn't need to because of their over inflated sense of their acting abilities.

[@45eno]

Band of Brother is my favorite war movie/series over everything else. I rewatch it every few years a few episodes a week. A big part of why I liked it so much is not only are the sets and costumes very believable but most of the actors aren't big hollywood stars. Good acting but from less known actors helps make the entire series feel less like hollywood and more like the real thing. Seeing Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise in WW2 movies just makes them feel unauthentic. Also why I have found some subtitled european WW2 movies that were extremely enjoyable to watch even though subtitles which I normally am not a big fan of. No disrespect to these lesser known actors, I think the acting was great and was great to have a fresh less known face filling the cast.

[@johngetty3839]

Great interview with James. His character as Frank Perconte was one of my favorites in BoB. I own the series and watch it about once a year. Never get tired of seeing it. The stories of the 101st and the 82nd in Normandy are always fascinating.

[@xXE4GLEyEXx]

I loved both Band of Brothers and specially the Pacific. Very personal experience. One that you won't ever forget if you watch.

[@jscho8674]

I wish every actor was this kind, respectful, and overall good. What a fantastic guy.

[@darrengilbert7438]

What a great interview. I have studied World War 2 history for almost 50 years. And like James, I have be in awe of the men who fought and sacrificed so much for our country. I think both Band of Brothers and The Pacific portrayed those soldiers and Marines in a realistic and honorable way.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

I can only agree that you really change when you meet, get involved and become very good friends with an Arnhem battle veteran and their family and their comrades. Living near Arnhem gave me an unexpected opportunity to accompany him and his best veteran friend to all commemorations for several years . An experience I will never forget. My channel is about the 2009 events. There are hardly any veterans left, so we have to do with those memories and keep honouring those who fought and fell for our freedom.