Pop Culturalist Chats with Orange Is the New Black’s Branden Wellington

Branden Wellington is a man of many talents and a fresh face joining the latest season of Netflix’s critically acclaimed series, Orange Is the New Black. He’s no stranger to the small screen, though, having appeared on hit television programs including Younger, Blue Bloods, and Gotham, and served as the in-game host for the New York Mets for the past five seasons. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Branden about joining the cast of Orange Is the New Black, what audiences should know about his character, CO Jared Young, and how he finds balance in his career.

PC: We read in a previous interview you’ve done that the audition for Orange Is the New Black came at a time when your hosting career was taking off. Was it a difficult decision to put that on hold to pursue acting?
Branden: I’ve always found a way to simultaneously do both. Acting is my main focus, but I still host. I wrapped up my 5th season as the Mets in-game host this past year and I’ll also be returning to host NBA G-League Weekly this upcoming season.

PC: How has your experience as an entertainment host prepared you for this next chapter?
Branden: Hosting has help me be quick on my feet and learn how to work a room, or stadium, for that matter. I carry that same energy and readiness into my acting. With live experience, I learned to just keep going no matter what, so there are times where the director may not call cut and I feel completely comfortable improvising and going along with whatever happens next.

PC: What initially attracted you to Orange Is the New Black? Were there any nerves joining a cast who has a few seasons under its belt?
Branden: What I loved most about Orange is the New Black before joining the cast was the variety of well-developed characters. At every turn, you found yourself enjoying another character and their story. Plus, the writers do a great job at tackling political and social issues in a comedic way. I had a few nerves on my first day, but after that, I had to develop the mindset that I was there for reason and live in that truth.

PC: How much of Branden is in CO Jarod Young?
Branden: I’m going to say the 80/20 rule applies here, but I won’t say which is the 80 and which is the 20.

PC: What was your favorite scene to film? The most challenging?
Branden: My favorite scene to film was the Polycon video. It was a hilarious scene to watch and even funnier to be a part of. Beth Dover is one of my favorite people to work with on OITNB and Uzo Aduba nails that Kerry Washington impersonation to such a T that you can’t help but be captivated by her talent.

PC: What has this experience or your character taught you?
Branden: When I first started working on OITNB, I didn’t know how many episodes I’d be on. I thought maybe two, but then to do nine episodes last season just reminded me of the importance of staying ready, being likable, and doing your best with whatever comes your way. One of my first acting coaches, Pete Matlliano, used to say, “There’s no such thing as small parts, just small actors.”

PC: Besides Orange Is the New Black, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Branden: I’m currently working on the spoken word piece for the United Men’s National Soccer team and I’ll also be doing some in-game hosting for their game vs. Peru.

Next, I have a supporting role in an upcoming independent feature film called Inez & Doug & Kira, which is a suspenseful dark drama about the collateral damage of mental illness and suicide.

The last exciting thing I have going on right now is that I’m playing the lead on the pilot in development called Payroll, written and created by Dennis Williams from Campsite Studios & Funny or Die. The show is about the three friends in New York who quit everything to launch the largest festival that the culture has ever seen. The story is dramedy where brotherhood and entrepreneurship meet at the crossroads of film, technology, and music.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Branden: I binge-watched Revenge on ABC. It’s a show that most guys won’t admit to watching but I found it entertaining and interesting.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Branden: You’ve Got Mail

PC: Favorite book?
Branden: The Bible! It’s the one book that I feel constantly changes as I change.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Branden: Othello

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Branden: Odesza, Skrillex, Michael Whalen, and Ryuichi Sakomoto.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Branden: Lost in Space

PC: Hidden Talent?
Branden: It wouldn’t be hidden if I mentioned it! [laughs]

Make sure to follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Orange Is the New Black on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Netflix