RED LIGHT.

GREEN LIGHT.

This week I talked with Kevin Byrne, who you may know better as Player 454 on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge. We dove into topics such as reality TV (duh!), Beyonce, inspirations and travel.

1. Are you a fan of the scripted drama Squid Game?

I watched the drama when it first aired and again when I was in the casting process for Squid Game The Challenge. The concept was so unique and the visuals were so cool that I was hooked.

2. Since today is #TMITuesday can you tell my readers something about you that they may not already know? Any hidden talents or guilty pleasures? 

A fun tidbit that not everyone knows is that I lived inside a science museum for a month. I won a contest and I got to move in, meet guests, help with demonstrations and report it all on social media. I got to sleep wherever I wanted – inside a German U-505 submarine, a re-creation coal mine, a hamster wheel and down the center aisle of a 727 plane.

3. If you could compare the experience to a TV series, or film (other than Squid Game of course) what would you choose? (animated or live-action/reality)

I’d say “The Truman Show”. The experience was so immersive – the sets especially – that it was hard for me to remember that I wasn’t in a scripted show like the original and that my fate in the game hadn’t been determined. Plus, there were cameras everywhere!

4. What surprised you the most about yourself while competing? 

I was surprised at how stubborn I was. I had to pick a dalgona (cookie) shape my group and, when people got in my face to try to get me to pick umbrella, I dug in my heels and refused to move. On the brightside, at least it made a good cliffhanger for episode one!

5. Do you keep in touch with any of the other players? 

Yes! Trey (301), Emma (021) and I recently did a stair climb race together. Roland (418) – the guy with space buns – came to Chicago and taught me a parkour trick. Shelby (#438) and I message all the time – she’s one of my favorites.

6. If you could choose one song to be your ‘theme song’ what would it be and why?

The song that gets me the most fired up for competitions is “Run The World (Girls)” by Beyonce. It would be a ridiculous theme song – me, being a middle-aged white guy – but if it played every time I walked into a room (or to the starting line of a race), I’d be unstoppable!

7. Would you consider competing/appearing on any other reality shows? 

A few years ago, I competed on American Ninja Warrior and it was a great experience. Squid Game was amazing, too. I’m always looking for a new adventure so I’d definitely be interested. If I were to apply to another show, Survivor would be at the top of my list. 

8. Aside from the HUGE cash prize, what led you to apply for the show? 

I really applied for the challenge and for the adventure. When the casting folks and show psychologists described the what we might experience, they said we might be cold, hungry, sleep deprived, stressed and might not see the sun for 30 days. Maybe it makes me a weirdo but I was like “sounds miserable, I’m in!”

9. Who, or what inspires you? 

People in their 60s and 70s who are still really physically active. I see these super-fit men and women competing in obstacle course races and they’re finishing as fast as people half their age. It gives me hope!

10. What’s next for you?

Lots of travel this year – heading to Kenya, the Netherlands, Norway, Canada and some stops in the US too.