Ross Kurt Le Talks Freeform’s ‘Stitchers’ [Exclusive Interview]

Ross Kurt Le didn’t always have plans of becoming an actor. Before landing the role as Alex on Freeform’s Stitchers, he studied Chemical Engineering at Sydney University and began a career in accounting.

In 2009, he decided to make a change and head to Los Angeles. In addition to playing Alex on Stitchers, Le has also made appearances on shows such as Castle, Transparent, and Run DMZ.

I recently spoke with Le about his role on Stitchers and what prompted him change careers and become an actor.

Tell-Tale TV: You moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to pursue acting. What led you to that decision?

Ross Kurt Le: Growing up, I’d always been advised what to do. From going to school, to high school, to university, to getting a full-time job, etc. Every step seemed to be planned out for me in advance. It was always easier to take advice of those around me (family and friends) than look at my life and take responsibility for what I wanted.

But suddenly, I woke up and realized I was 24 and had never done anything I wanted. I was working full-time as an account manager for Coca Cola, and looking down the line, I could see my life for the next forty years. And I realized there would never be a good time to just pick up, sell everything, and pursue an acting career. I had to make the time, and it had to be immediately. So I dropped everything, quit my job, sold my possessions, and left for LA.

Tell-Tale TV: What was that transition like for you?

Le: Exhilarating, scary, powerful… For the first time, I was venturing off my path — or on to my true one, however you’d like to look at it — and I was alone. There was something empowering in knowing that for the first time in my life, I was responsible for my life. I think the enormity of my decision made everything I did, that much more urgent and important. There was no turning back… I’m a long way from home!

Tell-Tale TV: What was it that drew you to want to be a part of Stitchers, initially?

Le: Prior to Stitchers, I’d only ever done single episodes here and there for TV shows and web series. This was an opportunity to get a real break in the industry and get some experience that went beyond just auditioning, and reading, etc. So to have an audition for a show like Stitchers, which was new, youthful, and fun was just a huge break in my new career.

Tell-Tale TV: You also auditioned at first for a different character, is that correct?

That’s correct; I actually auditioned for the role of Linus! Michael Testa (the casting director) was kind enough to call me back for the role of Alex after liking my Linus audition.

Tell-Tale TV: What have you learned from working on Stitchers that you think you can carry with you into future roles?

Le: Wow, where to start with that one… As an actor, when you first get started, you spend a lot of time in class, on set for small budget productions, etc. No matter how great your training is, nothing prepares you for everything you experience on set. It’s all on the job training, and the hope is that when you DO get on set, the training you’ve received will sharpen your judgment to the point where you can make an educated guess about what’s going on. At least that’s how it was with me! I still don’t know what I’m doing! [laughs]

For me, though, Stitchers helped me learn about myself as an actor. How do I best learn my lines? What distracts me from my job? Set etiquette, who does what job, what’s expected of me as a regular on a show, etc. it’s all stuff that wasn’t taught in class but probably should be.

Tell-Tale TV: What would you say is the biggest challenge in playing your role as Alex on the show?

Le: I think with some of the long days on set, it can sometimes be challenge staying focused on the days where I may only have a line or two. It’s so important to be sharp and ready the entire day. You may not be needed for 9 out of the 10 hours you’re on set, but when they need you to be ready, you better have your A game on.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything that you would say you have in common with your character?

Le: I have come from a school of acting where I’ve always been encouraged to find as much of myself in the character as possible. That being the case, Alex and I are going to have a lot of similarities! We both take our jobs very seriously… Perhaps too seriously! I feel like Alex is a strong and silent type that only speaks when he has something of real importance to share, and that is probably true for me too. I will say Alex is a slightly fancier dresser than I am.

Tell-Tale TV: Tell us a little about what it’s like behind the scenes on Stitchers.

Le: It’s a great time. The best time I’ve had professionally in Hollywood so far in my career, actually. Everyone from the producers, writers, actors, and crew have all worked together brilliantly over the two seasons. Ask any actor; everyone’s been a part of a production where everyone had a drive for the same vision, and it just clicked, and its magic. I had no idea that productions of this scale still worked that way.

Tell-Tale TV: When you have the opportunity, what kinds of things do you like to watch on television? Do you have a current favorite show?

Le: I’m terrible, I find it difficult to sit down and binge watch hours and hours of television. I really should watch more content, even if only as an acting student. I did love Breaking Bad, though; it has to be one of my favorite shows of all time. I might be showing my age, but Futurama was also a favorite of mine.

Stitchers is currently airing Tuesday evenings in Australia. You can also watch online any time at http://freeform.go.com/shows/stitchers.

Official Links:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4415773/
https://twitter.com/rossle83
https://www.facebook.com/rosskurtle/
https://www.instagram.com/rosskurtle/

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