Jason McKinnon is a veteran actor who’s known for the dynamic characters he’s brought to life on the screen. Past credits include projects like The Flash, Supernatural, A Million Little Things, Loudermilk, The Man in the High Castle, and dozens more. Currently, he can be seen starring opposite Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke in the binge-worthy Firefly Lane. We caught up with Jason to chat about the series and his versatile career.
PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Jason: We had this old-school camcorder in our family. Growing up, I always found myself being a total weirdo and going ham in front of the camera to get a laugh. In elementary and middle school, I used the classroom as a comedy club to try new material—my poor teachers. [laughs] I got hooked on creating that effect on my classmates, friends, and family. That led to doing plays and musicals in school and eventually into improv. We had a team in high school. and we competed nationally. Being seventeen on a trip to Montreal with my brother’s passport—sorry, Mom—and my improv team, I thought, “This is not a bad gig. I wonder where this performing thing could take me.”
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jason: That’s a good question. I haven’t had time to give it too much thought. I’ve always had a heads-down, keep-going mentality. But I will say my first acting teacher at a school here in Vancouver in a famous part of the city called Gastown was a great catalyst. I remember after the full-time program finished, I became a great couch potato. I was just killing time. My acting teacher, Simon Longmore, an established talented actor in his own right, called me and gave me a kick in the ass. He even helped me audition and eventually helped me get my first agent, Murray Gibson at the Characters Talent Agency, whom I’m very grateful to for giving me the opportunity. From there, I started to take things seriously and made a go of it.
PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout the years. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Jason: The craziest job I ever booked was a commercial for Mattel. It got me a check for ninety thousand dollars for four days of work and some voice-over time in the booth. Granted, it was supposed to be a five-year contract that would take me all over the States to do in-person appearances. But my character tested so poorly with kids, so they canned the whole thing. [laughs] He was this very frantic high-energy character and the kids were not having it. [laughs] It was bananas. To this day that has not been repeated. People that I’ve grown up auditioning with have maintained that this is a complete one-off. If people are reading this thinking acting is a surefire way to get an instant ninety thousand–dollar check, I assure you it’s not the case. [laughs] I mean, never say never, but that was certainly random.
PC: You’ve got a new series out now. Tell us about Firefly Lane, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Jason: Firefly Lane is based off of the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name written by Kristin Hannah. It follows the story of two women, Tully and Kate, played by Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke respectively. It deals with life’s firsts, lasts, heartaches, celebrations, and how they maintain this bond throughout.
I play Sean, Kate’s brother, and Tully’s close friend. It follows the characters in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’00s, so the wardrobe, hair, and music are epic, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
PC: Sean has a lot of interesting dynamics in his life. Which of his relationships was your favorite to explore and why?
Jason: It’s a tie between Sean’s relationships with Tully and Kate. They both have their own intricacies and layers. That lends itself to being able to peel back more and more layers, take after take and scene after scene.
PC: Firefly Lane has been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Jason: The connections, for sure. Social distancing, masks, Zoom calls—here’s definitely an element of connection that’s severely lacking these days, so that’s what I would say is resonating the most. I’ve also always said that the key to any project is the heart. A project has to have heart and you have to care about the characters in order to be invested. Otherwise, what’s the point? The writing and the amazing cast deliver that in spades.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jason: Property Brothers. And yes, I’m up for a reno and remodeling of my house.
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jason: Wet Hot American Summer! It’s so good. Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks—I mean, come on.
PC: Favorite book?
Jason: I drive so much that I usually listen to podcasts. I really love SmartLess right now—Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jason: I haven’t had a chance to see it, but after working with Ben Platt, I listened to the cast recording for Dear Evan Hansen, and I’ve had it on repeat for a while.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jason: I’m really into “If the World Was Ending” by JP Saxe and Julia Michaels lately. Then it’s “Redbone” by Childish Gambino.
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Jason: Paul Rudd. He’s the man.
To keep up with Jason, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Season 1 of Firefly Lane today.
Photo Credit: Paper Crane Creative
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