IN CONVERSATION WITH JACKIE KAY

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography and styling by ERIC OWES

Jackie Kay is having the kind of breakout year most actors dream of, one that’s equal parts range, risk, and recognition. Fresh off his turn as the golden-age heartthrob Tab Hunter in Hulu’s ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, he headlines the indie feature ‘Signing Tony Raymond’, premiering this month at the Austin Film Festival, and will soon be also seen in Apple TV+’s ‘For All Mankind’ and Zack Snyder’s highly anticipated film ‘The Last Photograph’. 

white tank top HAUS

You’re having such an incredible year with ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, ‘Signing Tony Raymond’, and several major projects ahead. How does it feel to see everything aligning at once?

It’s such a great feeling to have a few of these projects coming out around the same time. It can be pretty tough sometimes, especially when you’re just starting your career as an actor, to wait and be patient for the things you’ve worked on to go through the post production process and finally be released to the world. You’re just so excited about it so it’s hard to be patient. But it feels pretty special that everything that I’ve had the opportunity to work on over the last couple years is starting to come out around the same time and sort of in sync. It does feel very aligned and I’m so grateful that it’s unfolding in this way. 

You play Tab Hunter in ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, a real-life figure with a complex history. What drew you to that role, and how did you prepare for it?

It was such an honor to have the opportunity to bring Tab Hunter to life, especially in the company of incredible story tellers in a franchise like ‘Monster’ on Netflix. Everything they do is the best of the best. When I initially auditioned, I didn’t know it was Tab. I just knew it was a movie star of the 50s and 60s, so I really tried to lean into the era. Then it wasn’t until a little bit later they told me who it was. It’s crazy how similar we look. Makes me think we’re connected in some way, who knows. He was such an incredible person, and it was awesome to learn all about his life and his story. He and Anthony Perkins had such a special love for each other. Tragically, times were different in Hollywood and they had to keep their love so secret. I read and watched everything I could find on Tab, and had so much fun revisiting all of his works. 

white tank top HAUS

The project tackles some heavy and psychological themes. How did you approach finding humanity in a story so dark?

The show is very dark for sure and sometimes it can be hard to find the bright spots in it. For me, I looked at Tab as one of those bright lights in the show, and just leaned into that as much as possible. My storyline didn’t have too much darkness, but definitely a sadness in it because of how much he loved Anthony Perkins and truly didn’t want to see him suffering. 

‘Signing Tony Raymond’ is premiering at the Austin Film Festival. What can you share about the film and your role in it?

I’m so pumped for the world to finally see ‘Signing Tony Raymond’. The movie means so much to me and it’s such a great story that I think will resonate with people. I play Tony Raymond, who’s one of the nation’s top football recruits trying to decide what college to go to. His family life at home is dysfunctional which makes things so complicated for him while he tries to navigate one of the biggest decisions of his life. Family means everything to him, and we get to watch all the chaos that comes with college sports nowadays unfold. I’m so excited for it.

leather jacket REBALANCE 
denim shirt WRANGLER
jeans LUCKY BRAND

Independent cinema often gives actors room to experiment. How different was the creative process on ‘Signing Tony Raymond’ compared to your larger studio work?

Working on independent projects is so special because it feels so intimate. Telling stories is such a beautiful collaboration and you end up feeling so close to everyone you work with, especially on independent movies. Tony Raymond’s story meant so much to me and to be given the opportunity to help bring it to life was so cool. It was my first big job as an actor so I was just beyond excited the whole time. And getting to work with actors I’ve watched for years was a real pinch me moment. They were so welcoming and supportive, and it’s cool that they’re just my friends now. I can’t wait to see them at the premiere.

You’ve worked across genres, from crime and true-story dramas to sci-fi and thrillers. What kind of roles challenge or excite you most?

That’s such a tough question. I’ve been lucky enough to work on projects that are just all in all interesting and compelling stories, real life and fiction. I think the most important thing is asking yourself if there’s something in this story or project that can truly move an audience. That’s always what I look for, and I gravitate towards watching those types of movies or shows, things that move me, something you feel in your soul. So going forward, those are definitely the types of roles I hope to have, big or small, just to be a part of stories that move you as a human being. But I’m just happy and lucky to be working at all. I don’t want to get too picky. 

leather jacket REBALANCE
denim shirt WRANGLER
jeans LUCKY BRAND
boots BOOT STAR 

We’ll also be seeing you in ‘For All Mankind’, which is such a high-concept, emotionally charged series. How was it stepping into that world for four upcoming episodes?

Shooting season 5 of ‘For All Mankind’ was so much fun. I can’t say too much about it because of spoilers, but the new season is going to epic. The scale and world building of that show is so wild. I was like a kid in an amusement park on those sets. I met so many incredible people on that job, some of whom are now some of my closest friends. I can’t wait for it to be out next year.

You’ll also appear in Zack Snyder’s ‘The Last Photograph’, one of his most anticipated films. What was it like working on such a cinematic, large-scale project?

Being a part of a project with Zack Snyder is something I only dreamed of. Once again, I can’t really talk too much about it, but it’s been incredible to work with the best of the best. Just to be a fly on the wall and watch how the whole team of filmmakers that he assembled for this operate has been such a pleasure. The movie is going to be fantastic. I’m still shooting it now as we speak. Can’t wait to talk more about it as we finish up. 

white tank top HAUS

Acting can be such an unpredictable career path. Who or what keeps you grounded when things get hectic?

This industry can be so hard. You’re constantly facing rejection and coming up against barriers that you think are impossible to break through. I think you have to have this kind of delusional self-belief and drive, which I think also comes back to whether or not you truly love it. I really can’t see myself doing anything else. On top of that, the most precious thing for me is the support system I have. My life partner and fiancée Madison Lintz is also an actor. She’s always in my corner, picking me up when I crash and burn, and cheering me on with just unconditional love and support. She also relates to everything because she’s living it herself. We’re a great team. I also lean on my family support as well. They keep me grounded and remind me that I’m just a normal guy.

As your profile rises, what kind of stories or roles do you want to champion next, especially in this new stage of your career?

We’ll see where the wind takes me. I really believe that things unfold in the way they’re supposed to, and that the roles that are meant for you will show up at your door. You just have to be prepared to show you have the ability to bring that character to life. For me, like I said earlier, I just want to be a part of telling meaningful stories and those come in all shapes and forms. My dream right now would to be a part of some kind of Western genre series or film. I’m obsessed with the American West and love riding horses, so maybe something in Taylor Sheridan’s cinematic universe would be a good fit. 

leather jacket REBALANCE
denim shirt WRANGLER
jeans LUCKY BRAND
boots BOOT STAR