Actor of ‘Falling Skies’ fame is a Clanton native.
Where do you live right now?
I live alone in a small studio apartment in Hollywood, California. My mother frequently tells me that for the amount of rent I pay each month, I could have a nice home back in Alabama.
How is that different from Clanton?
It’s a much faster paced city, as most large cities seem to be. Everyone is so focused on handling business and moving on to the next deal. It’s unfortunate to see people completely consumed by their jobs and missing out on the simple, good things in life.
What is your favorite thing about living there?
The weather is hard to beat. But if it weren’t for the entertainment business, I wouldn’t live here. There are too many people, and the traffic is horrible.
What do you miss most about Clanton?
Outdoor Southern BBQs; heading to the lake with friends; the sounds of summer nights – cicadas, grasshoppers, and frogs; and that feeling you get from cutting the grass in the hottest, most humid days of summer, and then jumping into the family pool to cool off.
Do you plan on staying there?
Time will tell. I love the outdoors, so there are numerous other places where I would rather settle down.
What are your hobbies?/Do you collect anything?
I worked on getting my sailing license last year, so I’ve really been enjoying taking friends out in the Santa Monica waters.
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
I just attended a lock picking convention, and I may have a new hobby! I know it sounds a bit strange, but it’s interesting. Too many action movies and video games have influenced me possibly. I’m also beginning to write my own screenplay which, hopefully, will turn into a TV show.
What is the last book you read?
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
What is the last movie you watched?
Batman: The Dark Knight Rises
Favorite TV show?
60 Minutes
Who is your favorite band?
Ahh that’s a tough one…Mumford and Sons, The Antlers, Blitzen Trapper, The Black Keys…I listen to music as my mood changes, so to pick just one favorite is tough.
What made you want to be an actor?
I have always been a very competitive person, so the allure of moving to a large city and going toe-to-toe in such a competitive industry was appealing to me. I’m glad I didn’t listen to all those who tried to dissuade me; however, I really had no idea how difficult it would be.
Do you plan on acting for the rest of your life?
There are many talented but not commonly recognized actors who are fortunate enough to act the majority of their lives, so I am hoping that I’ll be one of them.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a surgeon. Probably shows like ER were a huge influence. I was captivated by the chaos and unpredictability in the emergency room and the quick actions of the doctors. The repetitiveness of a dull office job has never been attractive to me.
What was your “big break?”
The guest star spot on iCarly started the ball rolling, which led to the arc on Hannah Montana and the role in Secretariat.
Who is your dream costar?
I have always admired Ryan Gosling’s work, so I would love to do a project with him. I sure wouldn’t turn down the chance to stand opposite Natalie Portman either.
What has been your favorite role so far?
Playing Hal Mason on Falling Skies.
What’s next on the agenda?
I head to Vancouver, British Columbia, in August to shoot season 3 of Falling Skies.