If you’ve been listening to the show for a while, you’ve probably started to realize just how many different paths a Hollywood career can take---that the meeting of preparation and opportunity can take a thousand different forms, regardless of where you come from or how you first discovered your impulse to be creative and tell stories. 

Today we’re sitting down with Wyatt Russell, from Black Mirror, Overlord, Ingrid Goes West, and Lodge 49, as he shares how he came to acting, after a career playing hockey. 

He was born in Los Angeles, but soon made his way to Canada so hone his skills on the ice. After several injuries, found his way back to LA and after a few chance encounters, he realized that the business of telling stories on screen might just be for him. After several years of trying to find his place in the industry, he began to discover his niche—playing characters in psychologically nuanced worlds, rich with colorful insight. He’s continued to find opportunities to explore and create with his unique voice, seeking out other collaborators whose works are defined by a similarly distinctive perspective.  

Today we discuss how he would change the audition process, confidence in this just being a job, paving your own way, saying no and the exploration of true collaboration.

 LODGE 49 is returning for its second season on AMC and he also stars in the upcoming adaptation of The Woman in the Window, starring across Gary Oldman, Amy Adams, and Julianne Moore. 

LINKS: 

• IMDB
• Trailer for LODGE 49