Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Tell Me a Story’s Luke Guldan

Luke Guldan is flexing his acting muscles and his career is, without question, in a good place. That’s because he has not one, not two, but three exciting projects on the horizon. The first is the highly anticipated psychological thriller, Tell Me a Story, airing exclusively on CBS All Access. It’s a modern re-telling of our favorite fairy tales with a dark twist, and it premieres today. On top of that, he has two films making their way around the festival circuit with expected release dates in 2019.

PC: Tell us about Tell Me a Story and your character.
Luke: Tell Me a Story is a modern day re-telling of your traditional fairy tales, specifically Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel.


I play the role of Billy, who’s woven in the Hansel and Gretel storyline. I’m the roommate of Gabe (Davi Santos). They’re young guys living their best lives in New York and they’re trying to figure out the day-to-day of the city.


PC: What attracted you to this project?
Luke: When I found out that I even had the opportunity to audition for it, a few Deadline releases had come out. It had the people who were involved, the creator, and the new platform/network. Everyone who was attached or involved was highly respected. It was also so exciting to do a project with Kevin Williamson and the cast. So, pretty much everything was exciting about it!

PC: We read that you had a pretty quick turnaround from landing the role to your first day on set. What challenge/benefits does that provide you as an actor?
Luke: Good question! It’s like any project that you’re going into, whether that be a quick turnaround or starting up something new, it’s like jumping into a pool. It’s a little shocking at first, but you get used to it the longer you stick with it.

PC: Tell Me a Story is airing exclusively on CBS All Access. What freedom does a platform like this provide you as an actor and the creative team?
Luke: It provides easy accessibility to different demographics! I think a lot of people are watching things on their tablet, phone, or computer. That’s how I consume content these days. It brings everything straight to the audience. A lot of networks release things to streaming platforms after it’s been aired on traditional networks, which is great, too. It creates reach and access. It’s something that The Good Place has done as well, but I think going straight to the audience is really exciting and, hopefully, it’ll get more people to see our work.

PC: You’re well-known for your role on The Good Place. Did you take any lessons you learned from that set over to Tell Me a Story?
Luke: With each project that you work on, you’re hopefully growing, learning, and working with great new people. I don’t think I consciously brought anything over, but definitely subconsciously because I had the opportunity to work with really great people on that one. I will say with television, things move fast. There are only a certain amount of hours in a day when you’re on set and everyone is trying to do next level work within that time frame. You have to know it’s going to be fast and be prepared for that. You have to bring high-level performances right away because that’s what the project and character deserve. That’s what I brought over.



PC: We know you can’t give out any spoilers, but what can you tease about Billy’s arc? What are you most excited for your fans to see?
Luke: Without giving away too much, and because I know it’s been in the trailer, there’s a component of dancing involved. I loved that element. I don’t think I’ve been seen in that light before and I’m really excited about it. [laughs]


PC: The first season, like you said, focuses on three classic fairy tales. If you could pitch a fairy tale for season two, what would it be and why?
Luke: Oh, wow! That’s a good question. This season is so grounded in reality and truth. I feel like they were the perfect three to do. I think Rumpelstiltskin would be awesome. There’s a heavy, dark element to that story, so that’s my answer.


PC: Tell us your story! How did you discover your passion for acting?
Luke: My story is a long one. Growing up watching theatre and film, I was interested in it, but I also had quite a bit of stage fright. I did a play version of The Nutcracker when I was very young. It was really exciting, but also really nerve-wrecking. It was the only play that my school did, so I got more interested in sports. Sports had a strong effect on my life. I did a lot of sports growing up: wrestling, basketball, skating. Then, I got into bodybuilding, which I was hoping would break me into the acting world. Fortunately, I was able to win a few competitions and gained a little bit of notoriety. There were agents in the audience and I met my first agent after winning the Mr. Fitness competition. I actually won it two years in a row! Then, I kept doing the fitness element because that’s all I knew as far as the way that actors like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger got in. As I continued to move on and go on to college, I learned other sides of the training, studying, and craft of acting. It’s what keeps me going today.

PC: Fairy tales are known for the lessons that they teach. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Luke: What stands out to me, at this point in my journey in life, would be to have the realization that life goes by quickly, even when you’re working towards something. You have to appreciate the relationships and the people who you care about in your life. Focus on the things that are important, like friends and family.

PC: Besides Tell Me a Story, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Luke: Yeah! I’m going to AFM (American Film Market) tomorrow with a film called Final Frequency, which I shot last year. It’s a sci-fi adventure film that’s loosely based on the true story of the missing Nikola Tesla papers. I play a veteran who’s struggling with PTSD. It’s an exciting, fun project. A few people in that are Richard Burgi, Charles Shaughnessy, Lou Ferrigno Jr., and Nikki SooHoo. There’s also an indie film that I was working on called Fluidity. It has to do with dating, relationships, and the era of the apps that have burst onto the scene in the last few years. I play a cop who’s deep in the dating app game. It was put together and directed by Linda Yellen and has Nico Tortorella and Tommy Dorfman. It’s gearing towards an early 2019 release date.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Luke: I really liked Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch. I’m sad they’re not doing more. I’m defining guilty pleasure as a show that you binge unabashedly. I really loved that series. Cumberbatch is phenomenal in it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Luke: Point Break

PC: Favorite book?
Luke: I have a lot of favorite books. As far as a novel maybe East of Eden.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Luke: My favorite play is All My Sons.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Luke: [laughs] Oh my goodness. That’s a good question. I think people would be surprised to find Barbra Streisand.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Luke: The Good Place

PC: Hidden talent?
Luke: I can lift a surprising amount of weight over my head.

Make sure to follow Luke on Twitter and Instagram, and stream Tell Me a Story on CBS All Access today.

Photo Credit: Richard Gerst