Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Home Before Dark’s Dean Petriw

Dean Petriw is leading the next wave of up-and-coming young actors ready to make their mark on the industry. This April, he stars in his biggest role yet as young Matt in Apple TV+’s Home Before Dark. The gripping mystery-drama follows the events of a real nine-year-old journalist whose pursuit of the truth leads to the unearthing of a long-buried cold case. Already receiving praise from the New York Times and the Hollywood Reporter, Home Before Dark is the must-see new show this spring, and Dean Petriw is a scene-stealer. Pop Culturalist caught up with Dean to chat about Home Before Dark, what it was like sharing a character with Jim Sturgess, and why this is his favorite role yet.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Dean: When I started acting, I really just wanted to have some fun. Like most kids, I liked to play and pretend. That’s what acting is, really. Eventually, it grew on me and is now a career choice!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Dean: I’d have to say it’s a mix of my family and really just my desire to entertain others. My family has always helped me get to the auditions and onto sets, and that gave me a world that I can play in and have fun with. Way early on, my late grandmother used to take me to reading groups and sports for young kids. I think that really helped me get comfortable working with adults who aren’t my parents, which is what happens on set.

PC: You’ve had tons of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Dean: I would say the filming of Kindergarten Cop 2. It was my first “big thing” and the first time I worked on something for over a month. That took stamina for a seven-year-old. It was filmed over summer break, so instead of sleeping in like most of my friends, I was up at 5 a.m. and getting ready for work! [laughs]

Home Before Dark

PC: You’re starring in the new Apple TV+ drama Home Before Dark. Tell us about the series, your character, and what attracted you to this project.
Dean: Home Before Dark is the story of a young reporter—and I mean young—and her journey to crack a cold case while proving that she should not be underestimated. I play a young version of her father, Matt. This project appealed to me since it would be my first opportunity to play a role in a story based on real people. I explored playing a few different characters, but this one suited me best, and I’m grateful that Apple offered it to me.

PC: What similarities/differences do you share with Matt?
Dean: Well, we both like to wear ’80s-style clothes, but Matt had no choice. [laughs] I do wear a lot of sports jerseys, and I am a huge sports fan. Matt has other interests, as you’ll learn. Similarly, we both hang out a lot with a small group of friends. Also, Matt is American, while I’m Canadian, although I was born on the Fourth of July, so woot, ‘Merica!

PC: You’re one of two actors portraying one character. What is that like—sharing a character with another person? What was the process like collaborating with Jim?
Dean: It’s not that different from any other regular roles I’ve done. Sure, I do have to portray some similarities, but since people change over time, I think of young Matt being slightly different than the current-time Matt. Collaborating with Jim was actually a really good experience, since A: I had never really worked with someone from outside the continent, so it was good to see how acting is viewed in other areas, and B: he is a wonderful actor! The emotions that he can get to really astonished me!

PC: You’ve stated that this is your favorite role to date. Why is that?
Dean: Well for most of that answer you will have to watch the show! I love to read, and the scripts arrived just when I was looking for something new for my night table. The writing is incredible! Ah! I wish I could say more other than I’m sure you’ll love it too! The plot is very intriguing. I felt that each script could have ended with “dun dun DUN!”

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Dean: The Office. The US version.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Dean: There are too many! Maybe Charlie Brown Christmas or something.

PC: Favorite book?
Dean: Do the Home Before Dark scripts count? If not, I would say Big Nate or the Hockey News.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Dean: Well, my school is doing a theatrical performance of Tut, Tut! and I can’t wait to perform in it!

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

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Dean: By the time I have lived a story, Robert Downey Jr. would probably be too wrinkly, so whoever else looks like me in fifty years would probably play me. Or a puppet. I think I’d puppet well.

To keep up with Dean, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch Home Before Dark on Apple TV+ today.

Photo Credit: Noah Asanias