Josh LaCount is an actor, director, singer, songwriter and all around fanboy! He is an upcoming geek that you should absolutely keep your eye on! Best known for his roles in Trickster (2018), Vinyl (2016) and Gotham (2014). Constantly on the road and making things happen, he took a step back today to talk to us about how fandom influences his work and his life, as well what he hopes to accomplish!
For our readers who are not yet familiar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! Well I’m just a guy who loves everything music, film and TV related. I started out when I was young, playing music, writing and performing my songs all over until that eventually helped open the door for me to get into another one of my passions – acting and film making.
How did your adventure towards working in the world of acting and singing begin?
Long story short, I started playing guitar around age 15. In the back of my head I always knew that one day I would get into acting and creating films, I just didn’t know when that time would be. I was really focused on music. My parents were always musical and always loved movies, I guess you could say that I got it from them. After living and performing in Nashville, TN for a while, I finally took the leap to NYC. I remember answering an ad online for featured extras in Men In Black 3. I didn’t think about it too much after I submitted and I ended up getting the call. I spent some time on that set and was in a few scenes with Will Smith, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement and Bill Hader. It rocked my world. I watched those guys act and it ignited something inside of me that said, “That is what I want to do with the rest of my life.” Ever since then it has been a non stop passion that I’ve been obsessed with. I love it. Over the years I started learning more about the industry, I started auditioning, started acting and eventually started writing screenplays as well. One thing led to another and I soon found myself directing films and creating roles for myself to play.
You are a fan of superheroes TV shows and films. On Fox’s TV Series, Gotham, you played a member of Penguin’s gang. What is that like for you being able to play an actual character from the DC universe?
I LOVE anything superhero. Heck, I love anything that just gives you the opportunity to escape and imagine a world like the ones we read about in the comics or see on the big screen. Gotham was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. It started as an extra role and I remember getting called back onto set that day to sit across from Penguin and continue acting opposite him so that they could get his close ups. Later they asked me to come back for another episode, when I went to get my outfit from wardrobe that I had worn previously, on the front of my changing room it read, “Clash Gang Leader.” I asked, “Is that who I am?” they told me “Yep!” I couldn’t stop smiling that whole day. I’ve always been a HUGE batman fan and a fan of comic book characters in general, so that was an experience that changed my life not only because of my love for DC but also getting to meet and work with everyone there. They were honestly the kindest people and they changed my life in more ways than they will ever know.
Do you ever find it challenging to be both a fan and a professional in fandom?
I will always be a fan no matter where my career takes me.
You are a big fan of Doctor Who. You even have a Doctor Who tattoo. What is it about Doctor who that you love so much?
Oh my, I could talk for hours on this one. Let’s see. I love The Doctor for many, many reasons. Of course I love the fun Sci-Fi element of the show, but it’s really about the heart of it. I see The Doctor as someone who loves people. The Doctor is someone who makes mistakes, yet always ends up doing the right thing. He has empathy for others and also isn’t afraid to be himself. I feel like He needs his companions just as much as they need Him. There is so much to relate to, not just in The Doctor but also in the companions. So my main reason for loving Doctor Who is the heart. The heart behind the show, the meaning and His love for others. When I look at the tattoo on my arm, it reminds me of all of those things and I think those are all good things to be reminded about.
You cosplay the 11th Doctor and you are a convention enthusiast, what is it that attracts you to cosplay and conventions?
The 11th Doctor was my very first cosplay and I had so much fun doing that. We all have “Our Doctor” and though I love them all, there was just something about 11 that gets me every time. Even now when I think about it I get a bit emotional. I know, I know, I’m a sap. I can’t help it. Matt Smith inspired me as an actor, 11 inspired me to step out in the face of fear, and my friends who I met because of Doctor Who inspired me to try cosplay. The people, the atmosphere, it’s unlike any other. I don’t think I had ever been to a convention like that before then, I was wide-eyed in wonder. The people, the time they put towards their craft, the dedication, the passion, the fun! It’s just something I hope I get to experience more of.
The casting announcement for Burden! You are acting and directing. Can you tell us what to expect.
“Burden” is a project that I am head over heels excited about! It’s a Mystery, Drama, Thriller set in a science fiction world. Although I have written and directed films that I’ve acted in before, this one will be kicking it up a notch. I’ve been lucky enough to assemble an amazing cast, crew and team and I am so thankful for that. I don’t want to give too much away, but It’s about a man trying to save himself and his wife after they have been captured by an unknown kidnapper. But there is more to the situation and their kidnapper than meets the eye. For now, I’ll just leave it at that. It’s going to push me as an actor and a director to places that I’ve never been before and I am beyond excited to get started. We are about to start principal photography soon and my goal is for this to be cinematic visually and to tell a story that leaves the viewer thinking long after it’s over.
What inspired you to want to direct?
When I see guys like Sly Stallone, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Taika Waititi etc. – they really inspire me. They write, direct, act, produce and so on. It has always been such an inspiration to see them and to see the movies they’ve made. There is something about being able to see a character, a place, and a story in your head, putting it down on paper and then making it come alive on the screen that just captivates me. I love it.
Of all the characters that you have portrayed, are there any that you are most proud of?
There are actually roles that I’ve played that I was only able to play for the audition because I never got the part in the actual film. But honestly, it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had acting. I hope to be able to bring characters and performances like that to the screen whether in other projects or my own.
You not only act but you are also a singer! You even opened up for the band Blue’s Traveler. Tell us a bit about your music and your experiences in that industry.
Music is what has gotten me to where I am today. It has opened so many doors and introduced me to so many new experiences. When I first started singing and writing songs I was heavily influenced by bands like Pearl Jam and other 90’s, early 2000’s rock bands and artists. My voice changed a lot over the years and so did my songs. I was able to make about 6 records and work with so many amazing musicians and producers. Eventually I was able to open for artists such as Andy Grammar, Jason Reeves and Blues Traveler. I will never forget those experiences because they really shaped me and brought me to where I am today.
What kind off challenges do you face when going out there and trying to follow your dreams?
I think nowadays with social media and the ability to see everyone else’s journey so easily through that, it can sometimes force a comparison of our life and someone else’s – and in the industry or really anything in life for that matter, the journey is different for everyone. I try to learn from the mistakes and from the experiences I have. I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is different and that it takes time to build and to create something. Challenges make us stronger and it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who encourage us and make us stronger. I think it’s good to always be learning, always be growing and to find what works for you. I believe in following your passion and I believe that if you do something every day to move forward, even if it looks like small steps, it will pay off. Those small steps add up, and as long as you keep moving forward and treat others kindly, that is what matters.
I have also been writing and working on other projects, including a TV show that I’m pitching now, and a feature film. My goal is to create a body of work to help open the door to the larger projects that I want to make as well.
You can find out our more about Josh and keep up with his latest projects by following him on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshlacount/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshlacount
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshlacount/
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