Pop Culturalist Chats with Calum Worthy

Calum Worthy is one of the hardest working actors in the business. He’s a triple threat that writes, acts, and produces. And he’s part of the next generation of leading men in Hollywood. Fans know and love him for his role as Dez on Disney Channel’s hit series, Austin & Ally. He’s currently starring on the go90 show, Lost Generation. And it’s a role unlike any he’s previously done. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with him about playing Phil in Lost Generation, his upcoming projects, and sat him through our speed round.

Lost Generation Questions

PC: Tell us a bit about the series and your character.
Calum: Lost Generation follows a group of Americans living in Berlin. They are at a time in their lives when they want to try new things and discover who they are. I play Phil, an extremely creative and deep artist with a free spirit.

PC: What brings Phil to Berlin?
Calum: The love of the unknown brings Phil to Berlin. He is also in love with another American expat named Russell.

PC: How does the setting affect your character and the story?
Calum: Berlin allows Phil to express himself freely. However, the city quickly turns dark as Phil is faced with the reality of his missing boyfriend.

PC: It’s a very different role from what fans have previously seen you in, was the preparation different? And what was the biggest challenge you faced when shaping Phil?
Calum: I find the preparation different on every project. The first few days, especially, on any new show feels like the first days of high school. Kind of like you’re starting from scratch. The biggest challenge when shaping Phil was to make sure that I didn’t make him a stereotypical “gay” character. The writing really helped with that. I wanted to make sure the audience saw the layers that our writer Kyle gave him.

Photo Credit: go90

PC: What similarities/differences do you share with Phil?
Calum: One of my best friends is a girl and I have spent my entire life on the emotional roller coaster of helping her through various relationships. I could definitely relate to Phil on that level. Phil is more outgoing than I am. I wish I could be as comfortable in myself as he is.

PC: Lost Generation is a musical series. Although your character is a painter, is there any chance we’ll see you singing in the show?
Calum: I’m the only character who doesn’t sing in the show. When I read for the part, I thought I did have to sing so I prepared a whole song but then the director told me Phil doesn’t sing—not sure if my audition had anything to do with that…

PC: What can fans expect this season?
Calum: Fans can expect to see a group of young characters experiencing life in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. This season is an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible. Each episode is very grounded and doesn’t always have a happy ending. You’ll just have to watch to find out what I mean :).

PC: Besides Lost Generation, what other projects do you have in the works?
Calum: I have a rap movie called Bodied coming out this year directed by Joseph Kahn. I’m starring in a new series called Cassandra French’s Finishing School premiering on The Audience Network on February 17th. Right now, I’m on set for a new Netflix series—but I can’t talk about it yet!

Career Questions

PC: When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
Calum: My mom created this incredible theater program in her school district called PACE. I grew up performing in them and that’s really where I discovered my love for the arts. I booked my first role when I was nine. It was a Fox series called Night Visions. I played a cannibal. [laughs]

PC: What is your dream role?
Calum: I want to create and star in my own series. That’s what I’m working towards right now.

PC: Who is an actor/actress you would love to work with in the future?
Calum: This is everybody’s answer to this but it’s because he’s one of the best: Tom Hanks. I love his work and think he is a master of the craft.

PC: You have a lot of young fans, what advice would you give them?
Calum: My advice to my young fans is to focus on something they really love and work hard to become the best at it. Whether that is becoming a teacher, a doctor, a librarian, a secretary, an actor, or a chef—always be the hardest working person in the room. I promise you, the feeling of doing your best is 100 times better than fame or fortune or social media likes or followers.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Calum: Newsroom. I wish I was working with those characters on news stories.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Calum: Notting Hill. It’s not my favorite but definitely my guilty pleasure—especially with my girlfriend.

PC: Favorite book?
Calum: It isn’t my favorite but I just finished reading it: Unstoppable: Harnessing Science to Change the World by Bill Nye. It’s wonderful.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Calum: It’s a tough call. I just saw Othello in New York with Daniel Craig and David Oyelowo. It was unbelievable. Best acting I have seen in many years. I’m dying to see Hamilton.

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Calum: I love Twitter because it’s so interactive. I learn a lot from my fans. It’s nice to get to know them over many years. It’s also a great place to help me make choices in my career. I would never leave it up to what is said on social media to make career decisions but it definitely plays into it.

PC: A band or artist people would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Calum: Blink-182. They’re lit!

PC: Hidden talent?
Calum: For the movie, Bodied, I had to learn how to rap. I can’t wait for you to see it!

Make sure to follow Calum on Instagram and Twitter. And catch new episodes of Lost Generation every Friday on go90.