Words by Carol Wright |Photographer: Erica MacClean |Groomer: Toni Martinez
We got to chat with actor Jack Messina about Manifest, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and his hobbies outside of acting.
When did you get bit by the acting bug?
I started taking acting classes about four years ago, just for fun. I really liked it and then I started going on auditions. Once I started working, I was hooked.
What were your initial thoughts when you got the script for Manifest?
I thought Manifest was a great script. I was really excited to audition for it. There aren’t many roles for kids in a major network drama. I knew this was special.
Can you relate to your character Cal?
I could totally relate to my character Cal. We are the same age and we do some of the same things, like shoot hoops and play video games. It was a little tougher to relate to him being ill with cancer, but the show focuses on him getting better and now it’s all about his callings, which is so much fun to do.
Has Manifest allowed you to stretch yourself while acting?
Acting in Manifest has totally stretched my acting skills. I had to do scenes where I am in the hospital having a seizure and calling out in Bulgarian! I worked with a coach and translator to prepare for it. I also get the experience of working with different directors on each episode. I learn a lot from each of them.
What was it like being a part of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?
Being a part of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was so much fun. I played the son in an Italian immigrant family and I got to speak and sing in Italian. I also got to work with the amazing Alex Borstein. It was an awesome experience.
Do you hope to do more work on comedies in the future?
I would love to do more work in comedy. I did a lot of comedic workshops in my acting classes. It’s fun to be silly, especially as a kid. My acting teacher totally encouraged me.
When you’re not acting what do you enjoy doing?
When I’m not acting, I love to ski. I go just about every weekend in the winter. I am working on learning tricks like rails and grinds.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
I would tell young actors not to get discouraged if you don’t get a job right away. I went on tons of auditions and you never know when you’re going to get the job. You have to just keep trying. Also, just be yourself. Let your personality show.