One Artist, Multiple Talents
DAMAN chats with multi-talented American actor Grey Damon about hit TV series “Station 19,” the show’s upcoming new season and more Photography Jalen Turner
PHOTOGRAPHY jalen turner STYLING ty headlee
Like many of his peers, Grey Damon’s acting career started with a stage production, then slowly but surely built up with minor roles in various TV shows and movies. His first TV appearance was in 2009, in an episode of The CW’s “90210.” Then came minor roles in series like “Greek” and “10 Things I Hate About You” as well as a recurring role in the third season of “True Blood.” Damon’s breakout role came in 2010 as he landed a lead role in the fifth and final season of “Friday Night Lights.” Other major roles would soon follow, including in “The Nine Lives of Chloe King,” “Twisted,” “Star-Crossed” and “Aquarius.” He also added a number of big screen roles to his filmography, appearing in the 2013 American remake of “Oldboy” and “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.”
Today, the multitalented actor—who has quite a few other artistic endeavors outside of acting—is primarily known for being part of “Station 19,” the massively successful spinoff of “Grey’s Anatomy,” where he plays the passionate and energetic Jack Gibson. To top that off, he also has a couple of movies in the works. Between his two upcoming big screen appearances and the second season of “Station 19,” we’ll definitely see more of Grey Damon in the months to come.
DAMAN: First of all, thank you for making the time for this interview. How are you doing? Grey Damon: Doing well, thanks for asking.
DA: So, “Station 19” is about to come back to TV. How excited are you for the show’s second season? GD: Pretty excited. I think we’ve got a lot of really exciting stuff coming up.
DA: Now, season one ended with a huge cliffhanger— especially for your character. Can you give us some spoilerfree insight into how the upcoming second season will move forward?
GD: Mainly from what I understand is that we’ll see some backgrounds of some of the characters. And Ben and Bailey’s relationship will be put to the test as Ben encounters more dangers on the job.
DA: Season one of “Station 19” was well received and was named Best Primetime Program—Drama at the Imagen Awards. How do you think season two will top this?
GD: Well, I can say already that from what I’ve read, everything’s more challenging for the characters. We have a new character, Sullivan, who makes all their lives a bit harder.
DA: On a more personal note, what is the best thing about being part of “Station 19”?
GD: I’d say that we get to play firefighters. I don’t think anybody doesn’t have a strong appreciation for these folks that run into burning buildings. And the crew and cast are amazing. We all take care of each other and treat each other with respect. It’s nice to be on a set like that because it doesn’t always work out that way.
DA: Looking back to the start of the show, what was it that you found most surprising about the life of firefighters?
GD: How humble they are. How they don’t see themselves as heroes. And also their ability to push through even the toughest of obstacles.
“THE CREW AND CAST ARE AMAZING. WE ALL TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AND TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT. IT’S NICE TO BE ON A SET LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT DOESN’T ALWAYS WORK OUT THAT WAY”
DA: By the way, speaking of new seasons of TV shows, season five of “The Flash” will also start airing this October. Any chance of us seeing you reprise your role as Sam Scudder aka Mirror Master in this show or any other shows in the Arrow verse? GD: I hope so! But that’s really up to the writers and where they want those stories to go.
DA: Playing a named character in a comic-based TV show or film is often said to be a big mark on an actor’s resume that can open many new opportunities. Has this been true in your case? GD: Maybe. I’d have to ask the folks that hire me.
DA: All in all, though, is this a genre that you’d like to explore more of if the opportunity arises? GD: Of course. It’s our modern Greek mythology. Gods and monsters, if you will.
DA: Moving to the big screen, you’re also set to appear in “Cadaver.” Can you give us a short intro about the movie and tell us a bit about the character you play here?
GD: It’s about a shamed cop who starts working in a morgue. And strange things start to happen when the body of a particular girl is brought in. I play a cop and former lover of said shamed cop.
DA: Looking at your filmography, it’s obvious that you’re no stranger to this genre as well. Do you personally enjoy watching horror films, though? GD: I do! When they’re good. Which is rare. That’s true for any genre, I think. But yes, I have an affinity for the darker films.
DA: was there anything particularly memorable or remarkable from your time filming “Cadaver”? GD: Great effects. Hard working cast and crew. Solid script.
DA: Do you have any other titles that you’re currently working on? Or perhaps planned for the near future? GD: None that I can mention.
DA: How about plans for the not-so-near future? what are your long-term career goals? GD: I think that working on myself will bring about whatever I need in the future. I don’t map things out too much. I like the ride, not too concerned about the destination.
DA: we’ve heard that when you’re not acting, you spend your time on “other artistic endeavors including writing, drawing, sculpting, photography and music.” where does this artistic passion come from? GD: I was exposed to it a lot as a child. Both of my parents are artists and I suppose it stuck with me.
DA: whether you’re working, writing, playing music or capturing photos, what usually inspires you? GD: Not just any one thing. Sometimes good food. A painting. A song. Friends and family.
“I THINK WORKING ON MYSELF WILL BRING ABOUT WHATEVER I NEED IN THE FUTURE. I DON’T MAP THINGS OUT TOO MUCH. I LIKE THE RIDE, NOT TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THE DESTINATION”