Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Plot Against America’s Azhy Robertson

Azhy Robertson is one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars. Best known for his role in the Oscar-nominated film Marriage Story, Azhy is currently blowing audiences away as Phillip Levin in HBO’s The Plot Against America. Based on Philip Roth novel of the same name, The Plot Against America is a re-imagining of history and centers around a working-class Jewish family as they watch the political rise of xenophobic populist Charlies Lindbergh. Pop Culturalist caught up with Azhy to chat about his breakout TV role.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Azhy: I was three or four. I would regularly visit this local theater, and I really liked it. When I heard they were offering up classes, I asked my mom if I could join. I did, and I really loved it. I wanted to do more! I thought it was just for fun, but then bam, here I am! I gradually my way from short films to feature films. Here I am now. I’m really happy that I joined that class.

PC: What has that been like going from the stage to the screen?
Azhy: They’re very different. When you’re on stage, you can’t ask to cut or to do it again. You have to nail the exact lines. That’s pretty difficult. Film is also really challenging, but I’m glad to do both.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment or project that stands out?
Azhy: Every project has helped mold me as an actor. The Plot Against America is very important to me because Phillip is one of the deepest characters I’ve ever played. The bonds that I made on that project will last forever.

PC: Is it a challenge to balance your career and life as a kid?
Azhy: It actually isn’t! I still have plenty of time to do stuff that kids do. I call my friends all the time and we play video games together. I like to read. I still go to school when I can. If I can’t go to school, then I have on-set tutoring, so it’s not too difficult to balance. But it definitely isn’t the easiest thing!

The Plot Against America

PC: Tell us about The Plot Against America and your character.
Azhy: The show follows the Levin family and the people of Summit Avenue. Charles Lindbergh, who was a famous aviator, isolationist, and fascist, becomes president. There’s chaos erupting for all the Jews on Summit Avenue because we have a fascist president and there are all these people committing fascist acts. It’s about the world crumbling around them, and I play Phillip Levin.

PC: How similar or different are you to your character?
Azhy: I would have reacted the same way he does if I was in that crisis. But we’re from two very different time periods. A lot of the stuff he’s interested in, I’m not. I’m interested in books; he’s interested in collecting stamps. I’m interested in video games; he’s into baseball. Being in 2020 is very different from being a kid in the 1940s.

PC: There are a lot of emotional scenes in this show. How did you prepare for those?
Azhy: Usually I try to isolate myself and I think of upsetting things. That really helps and translates on my face—at least I hope.

PC: It does!

PC: This is a breakout TV role for you. What’s been the biggest takeaway? What will you remember the most?
Azhy: I learned two main things. Like you said before, this is an emotional project. I learned how I could channel those emotions and make it look authentic. And again, I built bonds that will last a lifetime. That’s what I love about acting: it’s making these bonds with people.

PC: As you look ahead in your career, what’s a dream role you’d like to play?
Azhy: I watch a lot of action films and comedies. I’d love to be in an action-comedy.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Azhy: I watch a lot of anime, and I love Family Guy.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Azhy: Mad Max: Fury Road

PC: Favorite book?
Azhy: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Persepolis

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Azhy: Hamilton or Ain’t Too Proud

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Azhy: Gorillaz

PC: Hidden talent?
Azhy: I like to think I’m good at video games.

To keep up with Azhy, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch The Plot Against America on HBO.

Photo Credit: HBO