Jesse Moss Talks Syfy’s ‘Ghost Wars’ [Exclusive Interview]

Among television’s many incredible new shows this season is Syfy’s Ghost Wars, a horror series set in a remote Alaskan town, Port Moore, that has been overrun by paranormal forces.

Jesse Moss plays Deputy Norm Waters, a cop who likes working in a small town that doesn’t see much excitement. When things take a turn in his small Alaskan town start to change, he’s forced to take on new responsibilities and step outside his comfort zone.

We had a few questions for Moss about his role on Ghost Wars and how he got his start as an actor.

Tell-Tale TV: When did you realize you wanted to be an actor, and what led to that decision?

Moss: I started acting professionally when I was ten years old. I used to make videos, little skits or magic shows, on my own when I was a kid, so my parents asked if I wanted to take acting classes.

Through those classes we learned about The Mickey Mouse Club coming to town to look for new kids. We all went out and auditioned for the show. It was a cattle call of kids. Hundreds of us in a conference room of this hotel.

They would take us in groups and then some would be asked to stay and some to leave. I kept getting asked to stay and was lucky enough to make it down to the last three kids. I didn’t end up getting the job but the Disney casting director gave me the name of an agent and I never looked back.

Tell-Tale TV: What drew you to want to be a part of Ghost Wars?

Moss: The script was just so cool, and I saw the potential of where it could go. I loved the idea of working with Simon Barry and Dennis Heaton again. They’re such powerhouses with amazing creative talent.

I knew with this subject matter they could knock it out if the park. I learned about the other cast members after I booked the job and couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be a part of that team.

Tell-Tale TV: Do you share any similarities with your character?

Moss: There have been times in my life where I’ve shied away from responsibility, not wanting to put myself on the line. But like Norm, I’ve learned the more you put into life the more you get out of it.

Tell-Tale TV: Was there anything in particular you did to prepare for the role?

Moss: I made sure I knew the script front to back. I wanted to understand the world Norm lived in so I could let my imagination and instincts kick in. You have to be well prepared in order to let it all go. That’s the key to it all.

Tell-Tale TV: For anyone who hasn’t watched Ghost Wars yet, why should they start watching?  

Audiences should be excited about this show because there’s not a weak link in the production. From script, to camera, to cast, it’s firing on all cylinders.

For SYFY fans it will check all the boxes. It will deliver the scares you expect from a show called Ghost Wars while making you question why and how these events are taking place. It’s a real rollercoaster ride from beginning to end and will take you to places you never expected.

Tell-Tale TV: How would you say this is different from other projects you’ve worked on in the past?

Moss: This was one of the most amazing casts I’ve ever worked with. The talent speaks for itself, but there was also a camaraderie that is rare in television.

With all of the heavy hitters we had like Vincent D’onofrio, Meatloaf, and Kim Coates, you would expect a lot of ego on set, but there was none of that. Everyone just came together and tried to make the best show we could. I think there was a trickle down effect from the top because Simon Barry is so calm and collected that he created an environment where that could happen.

Tell-Tale TV: In your acting career, who have you learned the most from and why?

Moss: Over the years, there have been so many people that I have respected and learned from. Each project enables you to meet new people who teach you and let you grow as an actor.

But if I boil it down to one person, that would have to be my Mom. She was the one who would run lines with me for hours as a kid and bring me to my auditions and be there with me on set. They were such formative years and the lessons she taught me are still with me today.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s been the most memorable experience in your acting career?

Moss: I would have to say shooting a film called Partition in India. We shot in a small town a few hours outside of New Delhi. It’s a place I don’t think many tourists get to see. We were there for about a month, so we really got to know the place and the people.

The sights, sounds, tastes, and smells I experienced there are something I’ll never forget. It really hits you on all levels, and it’s a place I never would have been had it not been for work. That’s the best thing about this industry, it provides these incredible opportunities you never would have experienced otherwise.

Tell-Tale TV: And finally, what’s your biggest fear?

Moss: Spiders. I do not like spiders.

Be sure to catch Jesse Moss on Ghost Wars, airing Thursdays at 10/9c on Syfy.

*Additional reporting by Marc Regen.

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