Erik LaRay Harvey plays menacing gangster “Dunn Purnsley” on HBO’s acclaimed series Boardwalk Empire.
Harvey’s character was first introduced back in Season 2, as a career criminal from Baltimore who made his way to Atlantic City to get into more trouble.
Initially contracted for just one episode, “Dunn Purnsley” is now enjoying ample screen time in the gangster drama’s latest season.
“I think the fans like the fact that he’s so forthright, so daring, fearless, bolt” Harvey said. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses from the fans [about] those aspects. I think they like that.”
Purnsley is fellow gangster Chalky White’s top enforcer. In this latest season, he is exploring his own ‘business’ venture – namely the heroine trade behind White’s back.
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Harvey says his character’s slow, haunting drawl when he talks is part of his dark and mysterious persona.
He brings the words to life on screen.
“English is my background, so I love words,” said Harvey, who graduated from New York University’s famed drama program. “The words that the writers were writing were just so delectable and I just wanted to feel them, you know?”
Harvey would not reveal much about the path his Purnsley will follow in Season 4 – but he did say there will be “resolution” to his previous jail cell brawl with White.
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