The highly anticipated Bruce Springsteen biopic, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” stars a Rochester-based musician.
Judah Sealy, a rising star in the contemporary jazz scene, plays saxophonist Clarence Clemons in the film, set to hit theaters on Oct. 24. Clemons, who passed away in 2011, was a member of the E Street Band, which is Springsteen’s primary backing band.
In an interview with 13ABC Wham ahead of the movie’s release, Sealy explained how the movie’s producers wanted to cast real musicians over actors. “All the members of the [E Street] band are actual musicians,” he said. He explained that saxophonist Andy Snitzer, who was friends with the film’s casting director, encouraged him to audition given his likeness to Clemons. Sealy beat out hundreds of others auditoning for the role.
Although Sealy described his role as a “small part,” he spent 10 days filming. He also shared a touching moment from the set involving the legendary New Jersey rocker.
“Our very first scene, you know Bruce Springsteen walks in and he’s introducing himself like he’s not the biggest star in the world. He’s like ‘Hi, I’m Bruce Springsteen.’ And the very first thing he said to me was ‘It’s nice to see the Big Man again,’” referring to his Clemon’s nickname.
Sealy continued to reflect on the close bond between Springsteen and Clemons. “They were brothers, they were the closet friends. And for him to say that to me was very moving.” Sealy later added that while learning all the correct music notes was stressful, “What was most important to me was to do justice to the friendship between Bruce and Clarence.”
Clarence Clemons and Bruce Springsteen perform on stage in New York in August 1978. (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)Redferns
Sealy also discussed working with “The Bear” star, Jeremy Allen White, who portrays Springsteen in the film. “He’s amazing, he’s super quiet, very chill,” Sealy said, noting that Allen was very focused during filming, so he never wanted to bother him.
“When I approached him after filming, he was very gracious, very humble,” Sealy said. “He was inspirational too because when we were shooting the scenes, he was giving his all every single time and we did like 30 takes of each scene.”
“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” was Sealy’s first Hollywood movie production. As for whether he plans to continue acting, he said, “It was nice to be part of this world, and if I get another opportunity, then yes, we’ll see.”
Sealy graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University in 2007 with a B.A. in music and has been producing music in the Rochester area for over two decades. The saxophonist, pianist, and producer has achieved multiple Top 30 Billboard hits throughout his career, including a No. 1 single titled “Stylish.” He currently teaches at Rochester Prep Adams Street Campus and previously served as a music director for over 20 years at various churches.
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