Pop-Culturalist.com

Chase Pollock is an up-and-coming leading man who has taken the industry by storm. He’s starred in projects including Clique Wars, Santa Stole Our Dog: A Merry Doggone Christmas, and Mount Liptak. This summer, he’s stealing scenes as Young Scott in the must-see crime-thriller, 90 Feet from Home. Based on a true story, the film follows a rising baseball star who suffers both mental and physical abuse at the hands of a loved one. It’s a challenging role that finds Chase showcasing the many different layers of his talent. Pop Culturalist sat down with Chase to chat about 90 Feet from Home, what attracted him to this project, and the message he hopes audiences walk away with.

90 Feet from Home Questions

PC: Tell us about 90 Feet from Home, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Chase: This is a dramatic feature about an up-and-coming baseball star who is being physically and mentally abused at home by his stepfather. I was drawn to the role because it was based on a true story. I knew the role would be challenging but also very rewarding. It was an opportunity to show my strengths and versatility as an actor.

PC: With this being based on a true story, did your preparation change?
Chase: Absolutely! I actually had the chance to meet the character in person. I would like to say what an amazing man he is! He was incredibly generous with his time, and I was so grateful to have him on set. He was also extremely insightful in regard to how he had been feeling in each one of the scenes and also how he would react. My family and I still stay in touch with him.

PC: Scott has an abusive father. How did you approach that dynamic? Were there any nerves when it came to portraying that relationship on screen?
Chase: I approached the dynamic by having several conversations with my father, who was physically abused as a child. I have obviously been aware of his background for many years, and he was able to provide incredible emotional insight that helped guide me through the process. Obviously, I was nervous because I had not played a character dealing with such a difficult subject matter. However, it was fulfilling in many ways to bring that story to the screen.

PC: You’re one of two actors portraying one character. What is it like sharing a character with another person? What’s the process like?
Chase: Fortunately, I played the younger version of the character, which allowed me to somewhat set the tone, characteristics, and mannerisms of the character. Adam Hampton (older Scott) is a phenomenal actor and person, and we were able to collaborate in person about the role itself, as he was on set during some of my shoot dates.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after seeing 90 Feet from Home?
Chase: You can’t control your past, but you can control your future. It is a story of hope, moving forward, and new beginnings!

PC: Besides 90 Feet from Home, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Chase: I’m currently collaborating with one of my previous directors on a feature film for next year. The script is unbelievably exciting, and I can’t wait to begin filming. Beyond that, I am auditioning continuously because every day there is a new opportunity in this industry.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Chase: For as long as I can remember, I have always loved creating different characters. My acting began with school plays, thanks to my elementary school music teacher, Kimberly Sealey. It has evolved over the years from there with some great opportunities and a great management team.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Chase: I’d have to say the incredible directors that I’ve worked with as well as Bryan Michael Stoller, who cast me in Santa Stole Our Dog and gave me my first lead role. Also, Ryan Allsop with Mount Liptak and Brett Bentman from 90 Feet from Home have had a huge impact on me. All of them taught me so much.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Chase: Lucifer

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Chase: I can’t choose just one! The Wolf of Wall Street and Ready Player One.

PC: Favorite book?
Chase: The Iliad

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Chase: Book of Mormon or The Lion King

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Chase: Earth, Wind & Fire

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Chase: That ’70s Show

PC: Hidden talent?
Chase: The ability to sleep until 2 PM no matter what time I went to bed!

To keep up with Chase, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch 90 Feet from Home in select theaters now.

Photo Credit: Lesley Bryce