American Primeval is a historical drama that reveals the events of America in the 1850s, particularly those that revolve around the lives of Mormons, settlers, and indigenous peoples in Utah Territory. It dramatizes the great historical character known as Brigham Young, whose life was lived between America and the Mormons.
Portrayed by the talented Kim Coates, Brigham Young's struggles will perhaps prove one of the anchor narratives for the show. The controversies surrounding his leadership and decisions all unfold in the tense narrative of American Primeval.
Coates' performance has depth in this historical character with nuances that flesh him out, so he becomes an inextricable part of American Primeval. Here is a closer look at the actor behind the role and his impressive career.
Kim Coates as Brigham Young in American Primeval
Through American Primeval, Kim Coates brings to life a vigorous performance of one of the most powerful characters in Mormon history: Brigham Young. He was indeed one of the founding fathers of Mormonism and the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After Joseph Smith's death, he brought thousands of Mormon settlers westward, founded Salt Lake City, and established a religious community in the Utah Territory.
He presided over this very spot and, at the same time, was revered as well as reviled by people, making him one of the most significant historical figures of his age. The portrayal comes straight from Coates's vision of Young in the Mormon community, his leadership during the attempting westward push, and the final controversial acts that would define his legacy.
He sheds light on Young, thus giving him an apt characterization of a haunted, demonically driven individual who is so because of his faith and desires to make a haven for his people but may be stuck in the darker aspects of power and control.
Coates very deftly captures the complexities in Young. It is a sort of masterful portraiture of the admirable and, in some ways, not-so-admirable from an outside view. It makes him draw viewers as audiences want to unravel the intricate layers behind his motivations.
Kim Coates' Career and Notable Projects
Kim Coates is considered one of the most versatile actors of his generation, and he can take on any character- from villain to complex antihero. His career-defining role as MSG Chris Wex in the crowd-pleasing Black Hawk Down (2001) and the character's fierce engagement during one true event of the Battle of Mogadishu formed the background for this intense military drama.
It showcased his talent for poising characters under pressure and would resurface in many future roles. However, when asked which role Coates is well known for, he would probably answer without hesitation Alexander "Tig" Trager in the premier series Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014). As the unpredictable and much-troubled member of the biker gang SAMCRO, Coates had a role he rocked, winning him legions of fans.
The augmented acclaim Coates got from portraying Tig by balancing dark humor with significant pain secured him a place in the annals of television acclaim. The show did wonders in bringing him into the limelight, and after the conclusion of the series, Coates' career journey continued rising.
Coates has appeared along with Sons of Anarchy in several other famous movies: Pearl Harbor in 2001, A Dark Truth in 2012, and The Last Boy Scout in 1991.
Coates has laid the commanding presence he could invoke when undertaking even the heaviest and most dramatic roles in his cinematic endeavors by showcasing his extraordinary talent in genres like action, drama, and historical fiction via his movie career.
Still, Coates displays prowess regarding versatility in both film and television. He has drawn attention once again in American Primeval.
He plays Brigham Young, thus not just contributing nuanced richness to the narrative but also affirming Coates's continuing slope toward relating multifaceted characters in rich, powerful dramas.
Kim Coates creates a mesmerizing American primitivism wherein Brigham Young is painted as an intricately deep and richly nuanced portrayal of arguably the most important historical figure in Mormonism. Known primarily as a movie and television actor, Coates's career certainly is filled with illustrious performances.
From his role as Tig Trager, the unpredictable antihero, to that of Brigham Young, Coates proves versatile and deep again with his performances. Add to it his highly enriching body of work in American Primeval, and one has what might ultimately form a milieu of one of today's most talented and respected acting guilds.