Jeff Ames
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ComingSoon recently spoke with actor Drew Waters about his career and his work on HBO Max’s Love & Death from David E. Kelley. Drew Waters’ career is interesting, as he spent eight years in the U.S. Navy before making the leap into entertainment, leading to gigs in shows like Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, and HBO’s True Detective.
ComingSoon: Looking through your bio, you served eight years in the US Navy, then decided to jump into the entertainment industry — what prompted that decision?
Drew Waters: As I neared the end of my military career, I was discovered by a modeling scout. After winning a national modeling contest, I was signed by a top agency and began a successful career in fashion, appearing in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Prada, Structure, Versace, Hugo Boss, Chaps, Guess, and Abercrombie and Fitch. Over the course of eight years, I walked the globe’s top runways and graced the pages of GQ, Vogue, Men’s Fitness, and Men’s Journal, among others.
On this journey, I found myself in Tokyo, where I was asked to do my first commercial. I instantly fell in love but didn’t have the confidence to pursue it. I returned to the states and opened up a contraction company to help pay the bills. However, I couldn’t quit thinking about the commercial in Japan. So on my 30th birthday, I decided to take a chance on myself, stop chasing money, and start chasing passion.
I’ve been in the entertainment industry ever since.
What was your first major gig?
It was on an NBC show called Surface, which was praised as a “Spielberg-esque” sci-fi drama that featured appealing characters and heart-pounding emotion and adventure. I must have read for it five times before being cast in the recurring role of Tom Mimer.
You appeared on the hit show Friday Night Lights — one of my favorite movies and TV shows, by the way — what did that experience teach you in terms of acting?
Thanks! It was a great show to be a part of and an incredible experience. Friday Night Lights taught me to listen and trust my instincts. We had the freedom to ad-lib. You had to be sharp and prepared for anything (in a good way) when working with actors like Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, and Jesse Plemons, as well as directors like Peter Berg, Jeffrey Reiner, and David Boyd.
You also appeared in shows like Breaking Bad, Bones, and True Detective — is there one acting gig that inspired you creatively throughout your career?
The beautiful thing about my job is that I always get to meet and work with incredibly talented people that 9 out of 10 times will elevate my performance. This allows me to approach each and every new character differently, and grow as an actor.
Now you’re teaming up with David E. Kelley for HBO Max’s Love & Death — how did this role come about?
I actually read for two different roles for the series. Funny story… When I got out of the military, I built a house in Sachse, Texas. I’d always hear stories about a housewife one town over that murdered her husband. Twenty-three years later, I’m playing a character based on that true story.
The series stars Elizabeth Olsen — did you share screen time with her? If yes, what was your collaboration like?
Unfortunately, I didn’t have much screen time with Elizabeth at all, but her energy on set was contagious. I absolutely love her approach.
What was it like working with director Lesli Linka Glatter?
Lesli is someone else with whom I loved working. She’s such a giving director that not only knows what she wants and needs, but also knows how to create a calm environment in which to work. I’d love the opportunity to work with her again.
How has your work as a director/producer/writer influenced your acting?
Working behind the camera has made me respect acting even more. It’s made me understand that I’m not right for every role. No one, and I mean no one gets every part for which they audition. Not Meryl Streep, not Tom Hanks, not Denzel Washington. It’s also made me appreciate the process and importance of casting. As an actor, I get to create a new character with each role, and collaborate with show runners, directors, producers. As a director, I get to collaborate with everyone. I love them both.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can discuss?
I have a few things. In addition to the upcoming release of Love & Death, my production company, Argentum Entertainment, is in post-production on a beautiful Christmas rom-com called Festival of Trees. I also produced another film earlier this year with Judd Nelson and Jeff Fahey. Most recently, I joined the cast of Peacock’s coming-of-age thriller Hysteria!, starring Modern Family alum and Emmy Award-winning actress Julie Bowen. We just recently started filming down in Alabama.
Note: Thanks to Drew Waters for our Love & Death interview.