Lord of the Rings Star Greets Palm Beach Atlantic University Students

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) students crowded the Warren Library on March 25 to meet John Rhys-Davies, the actor best known for his roles in blockbuster hits "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003).

Also well-known for his voice acting, including narrating a dramatized audio of the New Testament Bible, Rhys-Davies's commanding voice drew fans to fill every corner of the room. Engaging with the students through Q&A, he told stories about various projects he's worked on, and people he's met, jumping from amusing anecdotes to serious advice.

On Set and Off the Page

Initial questions from the students dug into Rhys-Davies's experiences on "The Lord of the Rings" set.

"I think one of the hardest things was Helm's Deep, because we were doing it in the rain," which was artificed courtesy of the local fire brigade, he said. "That cold water goes in, down your back, through the chain mail, down, soaks your backside, all the way into your boots, and that goes on while you do the scene. You've got about 20 minutes, and the body is just beginning to start warming again, and then the hose comes on again, and that goes on all night.

"Those nights are nights that you try to forget, but when you're making something of such wonderful interest as 'Lord of the Rings,' you accept it."

Moving from the story to the author, students prompted Rhys-Davies for his thoughts on the underlying themes in Tolkien's worldbuilding. He answered with his admiration for Tolkien's resilience in surviving the horrors of war before creating his fictional world.

"People with faith tend to be more resilient than those of us who are without faith, but part of it is just a certainty of doing the right thing; the consistent practice of virtue," he surmised.

Artificial Intelligence and the Arts

Students were also curious to hear Rhys-Davies's thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on artistic careers.

"Do I tell the truth or do I encourage them?" Rhys-Davies mused, garnering nervous chuckles from the crowd. "AI has the potential for infinite improvement, which we do not have. So, one of the questions that one should ask oneself is, can we coexist with AI?"

Several times, Rhys-Davies analogized using his knowledge of space science and connections with NASA, and shared his anticipation of data eventually being stored on the moon.

A Lack of Self-Consciousness

Finally, he gave a word to the shy students in the room.

"I am now going to tell you the secret of success," he said. "The real secret of success is good manners. Why? Because you need to learn how to make strangers feel comfortable."

Actors can't afford to be self-conscious, he went on. When you're able to focus on other people instead of yourself and how you are being perceived, those around you will be encouraged to flourish.

Taking his own advice, Rhys-Davies led the students downstairs following the Q&A for a group photo and autographs, offering kind words and an impression testified by the students' smiles.

Learn more about upcoming guest speakers at https://www.pba.edu/events/.