Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Class Act’s Jake Hunter

Jake Hunter is a firm believer that if you want something to happen in life, you need to put it out into the universe…then, there are other times when you need to take matters into your own hands. That’s how Jake became one of Hollywood’s most exciting quadruple threats and how Class Act came to fruition. Pop Culturalist caught up with Jake ahead of the release of the show, which you can now binge-watch on Amazon.

PC: You’re the creative mastermind behind Class Act. Tell us about the show and what inspired it.
Jake: Class Act is set in a bizarre out-of-the-box acting class in Los Angeles and follows all the different types of “actors” trying to make it in Hollywood. The show was based loosely around my experience when I arrived in L.A. It shows the comedic elements of being an aspiring actor, but also how extremely tough it is as well.

PC: In your career, you’ve been known to wear multiple hats, and Class Act is no different. Which of your previous projects helped prepare you the most for Class Act?
Jake: What helped me prepare for Class Act was less about a specific project and more about the fact that I had acted in and produced a show, and produced and written a few shorts beforehand. So, I had built up experience with doing all those different jobs and learned a lot from the mistakes I had previously made as well.

PC: What’s been the biggest takeaway from this experience?
Jake: The biggest takeaway from creating Class Act is that anyone can make their project a reality. I wouldn’t have thought three and half years ago when I got here that I would have my own show, but I took the right steps, was proactive, and made it happen. It’s also a very fulfilling feeling because that product that we spent so much time and effort on is up for people to watch on Amazon.

PC: Tell us about Stephano’s journey throughout the first season.
Jake: Stephano’s journey starts when he shows up in town. He has nowhere to stay and doesn’t know anyone. As the season goes on, he starts to work as an actor, but gets wrapped in some drama with his personal relationships that won’t get resolved until next season. His teacher (played by Eric Roberts), plays a sort of father figure to him and tries to guide him as the season progresses.

PC: The series follows different characters and their struggle of making it in Hollywood. What has your journey been like in the industry? What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Jake: My journey has been a fun one. I started out like my character, cruising around in my truck, and a few years later I’m working on my own show. I have a long way to go with what I want to do in my career, but I’ve learned that things really can happen when you put them into the universe.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting, writing, producing, and directing?
Jake: It all started when I got to the end of the road in my baseball journey. I had nothing else going on and a friend recommended an acting class. I jumped into one and discovered I had a real passion for acting. Since I was already 24 when I started and had no credits or experience, I knew I had to learn to produce, write, and do everything to make things happen for myself. That’s how I came about creating projects.

PC: When you look back at your career, is there a particular moment that sticks out to you?
Jake: The moment that stands out to me most as of now was getting to work on the Robert De Niro film, The Comeback Trail, this summer. We had a scene together where some guy passes out on the bar and we look at each other confused. There was a little improv, but it was cool having that moment with a legend like De Niro. He then came up to me after that take and shook my hand. It was definitely a highlight for me.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jake: The Office

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jake: Rocky

PC: Favorite book?
Jake: Jonathan Livingston Seagull

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jake: Hamilton

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jake: Ritchie Valens

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Jake: Mindhunter on Netflix

PC: Hidden talent?
Jake: I can play guitar.

To keep up with Jake, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and watch Class Act on Amazon Prime today.

Photo Credit: Brian James