Only three years after graduating from NIU with a B.F.A. in acting, Justin Mentell has taken on a wide range of roles. From the 2005 short film “At the Still Point,” which earned him the Student Film and Video Association’s best actor award, to his 16-episode stint as attorney Garrett Wells on “Boston Legal,” Mentell always takes along a piece of NIU with him. The Northern Star recently spoke with Mentell to see what his life has been like.

Northern Star: How did you get interested in acting?

Justin Mentell: It was just something I did for fun as a child. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized what acting was, that there is a form and craft to it. Once you’re older and understand this aspect, that’s when you realize that it’s about recreating life and becoming the role as opposed to playing the role. I think that’s the biggest challenge and a challenge I haven’t gotten sick of yet.

NS: Who is your biggest influence?

JM: Johnny Depp because he did his own thing and was successful at it. Also Chris Markle, Kathryn Gately and Rick Poole. They taught me that the work comes before everything else.

NS: How did you get the role on “Boston Legal?”

JM: Since I was still living in the Chicago area, I sent a tape to my agents. Within a week, they flew me out to test and four days later I booked the job. I didn’t even have clothes because I had planned on only staying two days.

NS: What was it like working with William Shatner? Did you ever bring up “Star Trek?”

JM: Shatner is one of the coolest guys I’ve met. I always enjoyed working with him and Candace Bergen. I never brought up “Star Trek” because I wasn’t a fan. I did bring up “T.J. Hooker,” which was one of my favorite shows as a kid. He didn’t mind.

NS: Is it easier to get a role looking as handsome as you do?

JM: I don’t know if I would say handsome, maybe more disheveled. But if I’ve learned anything about Hollywood, it’s all about who you know. They say it’s about looks, but it’s not. And it’s definitely not about talent.

NS: What’s your strongest memory of NIU?

JM: Being able to work with Chris Markle and the entire faculty at NIU. Rick Poole and Kathryn Gately didn’t just teach me about the art of acting; they taught me how to be professional as well. Patricia Ridge also directed me in “Never the Sinner,” which was my favorite show I did when I was there.

NS: Is there any genre you would not want to do?

JM: Sitcom. I don’t like the concept. It takes no training and anyone off the street can do it. Also, being tied down to a single stage reminds me of theater minus the artistic aspect. You also can’t be as creative with the cinematography, and I’m not a huge fan of the laugh track concept.

NS: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

JM: During shooting on “G-Force” (a Disney film due out in 2009), I asked Zach Galifianakis for advice, and he said to not care. I’ve noticed too, as soon as you stop wanting something, you get it.

NS: Do you have any acting advice?

JM: Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

NS: Where can we expect to see you next?

JM: “Palo Alto,” an indie film that should come out in February, and “G-Force” in July.