Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with 68 Whiskey’s Jeremy Tardy

Jeremy Tardy is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors with past credits that include Ballers, The Mindy Project, Castle, and Dear White People. Next, he’ll star in not one but two of the most anticipated new series of the year: 68 Whiskey and Marvel’s New Warriors. We spoke with Jeremy about both projects.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Jeremy: I was five years old when I learned what actors are. After being so fascinated by the television, I asked my mom how the people got inside it. She explained to me that they were actors, and from that moment, I wanted to get inside the television too. I was enrolled in an arts elementary school, where I discovered my passion to seriously pursue this as a career.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jeremy: Simply going to school in New York and being immersed in so much high-quality art has influenced my career. I was able to see many Broadway and off-Broadway shows, which deeply inspired me and helped refine my sense of quality.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Jeremy: Booking my first TV role on The Mindy Project was a big highlight in my life. I had been wanting it so long, when it finally happened, I was extremely grateful.

68 Whiskey

PC: Tell us about 68 Whiskey and your character.
Jeremy: “68 whiskey” is the military code name for the occupational specialty of a combat medic. The show does a great job of portraying the everyday life of these medics who save the lives of other soldiers, sometimes risking their own. Mekhi Davis is a staff sergeant with a lot of experience who struggles with his own personal mission to help his family while facing the everyday challenges of being a soldier in Afghanistan.

PC: How similar or different are you to your character? What can you tease about his arc in the first season?
Jeremy: Mekhi is very different from me in that he is putting his life on the line in service of his country. That’s a very admirable trait that I simply do not possess, and I have so much respect for the men and women who have served. One similarity is that Mekhi is a natural-born hustler, always looking for ways of making money to survive. That we have in common.

PC: Which of Mekhi’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why?
Jeremy: Mekhi’s relationship with Cooper Roback has been one of the most interesting explorations because they are very close friends, but their friendship becomes complicated as the challenges intensify throughout the season.

PC: Besides 68 Whiskey, it’s been announced that you’ve been cast in New Warriors. Is there anything you can tease about that project? What is it like being a part of the Marvel family?
Jeremy: Having the opportunity to play Night Thrasher in New Warriors is a blessing. I have been training a lot in martial arts in preparation for the role. I will be ready to do it when Marvel is ready to move forward.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jeremy: Married at First Sight

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jeremy: Moulin Rouge

PC: Favorite book?
Jeremy: Another Country

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jeremy: The Piano Lesson

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jeremy: Ray Barretto

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Jeremy: Ask me again in 40 years

To keep up with Jeremy, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch 68 Whiskey on January 15 on the Paramount Network.