IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM MCCARTHY

interview JANA LETONJA

Sam McCarthy stars as Devin in the brand-new season of Disney+ and Hulu’s ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’, premiering on 10th January. He is best known for his role as Christina Applegate’s son Charlie Harding in Netflix’s hit show ‘Dead to Me’. Sam’s other television credits include roles on NBC’s ‘The Blacklist’ and ABC’s ‘The Family’, as well a recurring role on TV Land’s ‘The Jim Gaffigan Show’.

You’ve had an incredible journey in Hollywood, from starring in ‘Dead to Me’ to taking on a new role in the ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’. How did you first get involved in acting, and what inspired you to pursue this career?

I grew up in an acting household filled with parents who are creatives in the dramatic space. It’s something I have been doing casually for as long as I can remember and I think it’s where I felt most myself, alive and wake in the best circumstances. It’s also one of the only things I think I can do, and it’s become a real lifeline for me.

You’ve worked on a wide variety of projects, from comedy in ‘Dead to Me’ to thrillers like ‘Condor’. How do you approach preparing for such different roles, and do you have a favourite genre to work in? 

I think preparing for a genre, at least for me, can be a trap. If I am working on comedy, I like to do my best to remain ignorant about it. What is funny are the writers and the circumstances. and playing them seriously is often funny. The way I prepare for anything is often the same way I would read and absorb the script. I sleep on it as much as I can, and to show up relaxed and willing to play on the day.

Next up, we’ll be seeing you in ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’, which has a long legacy with R.L. Stine’s books. What’s it like stepping into a story that has such a dedicated fanbase, and what can we expect from your character, Devin, in Season 2?

This is a unique situation for me because this project means so much to a group of people, and the challenge and responsibility is to honour those people and give as much as you can and hope they enjoy it.

We meet Devin in a place where he is not sure where he fits in the world and perhaps with the challenges that come up over the season, he starts to find himself more.

What drew you to your role in ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’, and do you enjoy the most about being part of this series?

This may sound pretentious, but it’s hard to pinpoint what is attractive about a part in a project. Ideally, I am operating from a place of gut feeling because the sense of relating to someone on an emotional level is hard to pinpoint, but I admire Devin’s determination to remain young. One of the best parts is getting to work with this cast and being able to shoot in New York. I enjoy getting to show up and act every day, and work on a character I connected to. 

What are you most excited for audiences to see in the new season of ‘Goosebumps’, and how does Season 2 differ from the previous season in terms of themes? 

Season two has a full new cast. I am curious to see how people react to all the work we did and the efforts we all went through to make an extraordinary show and hopefully viewers can relate.

As someone who’s studied acting at both the Stella Adler Institute and The Barrow Group, how have those experiences shaped your craft? 

I also studied Meisner, which changed my life and helped me really look and listen to people differently. All of these tools completely shaped me as an actor.

How do you balance your career with personal time? You’re clearly dedicated to your craft, but what do you do to unwind and stay grounded in such a fast-paced industry?

I love to travel as much as I can. I just spent two months in Europe over the summer and try disconnecting wherever possible. I try not to listen to anything said about me, even the things I say about myself.

You’ve already accomplished so much in your career, but looking ahead, what types of roles or projects are you most excited to explore in the future? 

It’s a hard question to answer because it’s hard to pinpoint what draws you to a character or script. I would love to play a musician in a film. 

If you could choose any fictional world to step into, where would you go, and what role would you want to play? 

The answer that immediately comes to mind is ‘Lord of The Rings’. I do think it is perfect how it is, but that is one I would take any role in.

Besides ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?

I am heading out to shoot a new film in Vancouver, which I am really excited about. It is different than anything I have ever been in and I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into something more adult. It is also something that I will be in every page of the script.

photography DISNEY / SAMI DRASIN