Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with About Us’ Ross McCall

Ross McCall is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. With over thirty years of experience under his belt, he’s starred in projects including Band of Brothers, White Colllar, Lucifer, Fear the Walking Dead, The Polar Express, and dozens more.

This summer, he released his breathtaking feature film About Us, which he starred, wrote, and produced.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Ross about his multifaceted career, About Us, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Ross: I was a rascal of a kid. I like to say that I was a rascal with a heart; I was a sweet kid who wouldn’t keep quiet. I rooted for the underdog, always. I was very vocal about it. So, I was put into drama class and the school choir as a form of punishment, but I enjoyed it.

I’d write short stories instead of focusing on the geography class that I was supposed to be enthralled by. Maybe I should have listened a little more, then I’d never have made the mistake in adult life of mistaking a sea for an ocean, although I’m all good now. My stories were usually about the underdog, something I started to see when my love of film came into fruition. My protagonists came from the same fabric as me: working-class backgrounds who fought against the odds and the system. I loved the make-believe that became possible, and that passion continued through my love of cinema.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ross: There are so many people. Also, faith and belief. I’ve always admired how Tom Hanks navigated his life—I’ve told him that, too. I remember sitting at a ball game with him, and he asked me how I dealt with paparazzi (at the time, my relationship was heavily publicized). I asked him incredulously why he’d ask because I assumed he’d been through that particular gauntlet himself, but he told me honestly that his life was so private that the press didn’t really have much excitement for his day-to-day activities.

That really sat with me—arguably the biggest film star on the planet, but his life itself was so calm and private. He held onto the notion that work is work but life is life. I loved that. It also helps that his work ethic is astounding. I’ve taken both of those facts and try daily to replicate them. At work, I am there fully, trying my best to make everyone comfortable and having fun, but I respect the crew and their time, so I’m prepared and ready as soon as I’m called. Then my home-life is my life, and that’s just as important to me.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout the years. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Ross: Band of Brothers was the obvious turning point; it’s what allowed me to realize my dreams and come to America. But, in truth, I’ve been so fortunate to and blessed to be involved with such great productions for a myriad of reasons. White Collar gave me my first taste of shooting in NYC. Crash allowed me to live in New Mexico for a couple of years. About Us and Ire have allowed me to bring my creative side to the forefront. Having the films I’ve written be in theaters is a dream come true. I’m very grateful.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a writer, producer, and director. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Ross: I’ve been a producer on a few films that I’ve starred in over the years—but in truth, they were vanity producer cards, meaning I really only had a say in script development and cast. Producing About Us and directing Ire really allowed me to see more of how a production works. In terms of how it affected me as an actor, the biggest eye-opener was how it is truly a collaborative effort. It’s also time-consuming. It limited me to get what I needed in only a few takes. The editing room is a wonderful helping hand in shaping the story and performances as needed. It basically lightened me up a little.

PC: Tell us about About Us and the inspiration behind the story.
Ross: I always wanted to do a road trip film. I also wanted to use only three characters, that way we could truly focus on these characters’ journeys and get to know them on a deeper level. But I also knew I needed the twist, otherwise, we’d just be watching two people talk to one another for 90 minutes. Once that came from a higher source than me, I knew I had something special.

The words flowed out effortlessly, truly coming from a somewhat spiritual place. Then, I gave it to my director, Stefan Schwartz, who fell as deeply in love with it as I did. Everyone who has managed to watch the film has such an emotional reaction to it. It’s truly heartbreaking. It opens us up to love and takes us on a really familiar journey that we can all recognize. I am beyond proud of it. If it doesn’t make you tear up, I’ll buy you dinner.

PC: You wrote, produced, and starred in the film. How challenging was it to wear multiple hats?
Ross: Making films is an amazing experience. It also takes a village. I needed a team who would support and navigate, but also believe in the film. We had producers come on who only saw it as a gig to start with. Once they saw the daily footage, I think they realized that we were making something special. I was incredibly lucky to have Stef there with me. We were true partners; same vision, same goal. I could lean on him and let him sail the ship.

A week before we started shooting, I gave the producer reins to the others so that I could focus on my acting. Even though I wrote it, I still needed to learn my lines, as it had been a year since I finished it. The crew and cast were exceptional. We had to accomplish so much in such a short time frame. Everyone came completely prepared, which was imperative. Because of that, we got magic.

PC: There are so many incredible themes within the film. What do you hope audiences take away after they see this film?
Ross: I hope they find the ability to let go. It is truly about healing. Whether that’s your heart, your relationship, or your life in general. But it’s also carrying the message of hope, forgiveness, and the notion that love is real. Take your partner to this film. It will change you both.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Ross: Below deck. I was recommended it in Capri by a luxury boat owner. He and his girl were addicted to it. I thought it sounded ridiculous…I was wrong.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Ross: I have a revolving top five: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Papillon, Goodfellas, Seven, and City of God. But I’ll throw on The Holiday at Christmas, and I’m proud of it.

PC: Favorite book?
Ross: The Alchemist.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Ross: Les Misérables.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ross: Pink.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Ross: Jimmy Stewart or Mark Wahlberg.

To keep up with Ross, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch About Us today.

Photo Credit: Randall Slavin