In the year 1729 on the secret island of Santa Compana, Edward Teach, better known as the notorious pirate Blackbeard (John Malkovich) reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and malcontents. Blackbeard has his eyes set on a longitude chronometer, an invention that will ultimately change the world. Set in a world where one can never be sure just who is hero and who is villain, “Crossbones” is a compelling new one-hour drama that’s filled with extraordinary action, adventure and intrigue.

Actor Henry Hereford plays the role of Frederick Nightingale, a clockmaker who finds himself thrown into a world that’s out of his control. But Hereford’s acting prowess extends far beyond his work on “Crossbones”. His resume includes appearances on HBO’s ‘True Blood’ and TV Land’s “Happily Divorced”. He’s also appeared in the films “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and the Lifetime movie “Liz & Dick”.

Hereford also holds the rights to the theatrical version of “Festen” (based on the successful film “The Celebration”) and is currently searching for the right opportunity to stage it. I spoke to him about “Crossbones” (which premieres May 30th on NBC), his acting career and some of his other upcoming projects.

As an actor, how excited do you get when a new show gets close to an air date?

I get really excited. Especially when you consider that this is such a great show. It’s amazingly well-written and cast. I get excited because I know people are really going to enjoy it.

What attracted you to the role of Frederick Nightingale?

What’s interesting is that the character is sort of a fish out of water. He has an amazing mind and has created this machine which everyone is after. As a result, he finds himself thrown into a world that he doesn’t really fit into and has to cope. It’s fun to play people who are out of their comfort zones.

How did you get involved in the show?

My agent had pitched me for the role of Frederick Nightingale, but the casting director was based in New York and requested a video submission. I had never gotten a role by self-taping but a few weeks after my submission I received an email offering me the role. Coupled with that, I had to hop a plane to Puerto Rico two days later to begin filming. It’s an actor’s dream to be able to film in the Caribbean and it was just an incredible experience.

What was the chemistry like on set?

Amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer bunch of actors to work with. It’s a real family. There were no egos and everyone just got along really well. Cast and crew would sometimes work eighty hours over the course of a week and then spend even more time together on weekends. It was a special time and people were very supportive and respected each other.

What made you decide to pursue a career in acting?

I enjoy the process of telling stories as different people and have been lucky enough to keep going at it. I also enjoy working on projects with many different and exciting people.

Tell me a little about your passion for the play, “Festen”.

It was originally a Danish language film called ‘The Celebration’ that was very successful. After it won at Cannes in 1998 everyone in the US was trying to get their hands on the rights to remake it into an English language film. But at the time, they wouldn’t let anyone remake it. Then a theater producer in London approached the company about turning it into a play. They agreed and it was put on in London and did amazingly well. It’s an incredibly powerful story and quite intense. I’m trying to find a place to do it and do it the right way.

Do you have a bit of advice for up and coming actors?

A teacher once told me that you should always be the most attractive version of yourself. As actors, we’re often told to be diverse but in reality, you need to know who you are and what you’re bringing to the table. A lot of actors might get frustrated and try to be something else. Always stick to who you are.

What other projects are you involved with?

An exciting, independent movie that I did a few years ago is being released this week. It’s a fun, romantic comedy called “Man Camp”. It’s the story about a guy who is fairly useless with women and gets trained up in a “man camp” with his friends. I play a random German who appears at different points. Dean Cain plays a great role in it and it’s going to be fun to watch.

Crossbones premieres on NBC Friday, May 30th at 10pm ET