Jason McKinnon Talks ‘Firefly Lane’ and Sean’s Biggest Life Choices [Interview]

Netflix’s new drama Firefly Lane focuses on the friendship between Tully Hart (Katherine Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke).

But the street forged more than one bond and is the site of multiple heartbreaks. Kate’s brother Sean Mularkey has to navigate many of his personal highs and lows by himself as a gay man growing up in the mid-’70s who is not out to his family. 

Jason McKinnon, who plays adult Sean on the series, took some time to answer a few questions about Sean’s relationships with Tully and Kate, some of Sean’s biggest life choices, and what it was like working with Heigl and Chalke.

Tell-Tale TV: What drew you to the role of Sean? Do you have any specific memories from the audition process to share?

Jason McKinnon: When I first read the script, it was this character that was trying to find his place in the world — what did he want to do with his life versus what others may have wanted for him.

I think a lot of people struggle with this right out of high school. As for the audition process itself, it was cool to work with the director and writer [and talk] about the relationship between Sean and Tully, which [were] the scenes used for the audition.

Tell-Tale TV: What did you do to prepare for the role? Did you talk to Quinn Lord (who plays Sean in the ’70s) about what you thought Sean’s life was like?

McKinnon: It was more about exploring the relationship between Sean and his sister Kate versus his closer relationship with Tully since he had confided in her at a young age.

I worked with the directors and writers on finding those specific moments in the script. Those dynamics seemed to inform each scene for Sean’s character — and then let the awesome writing and stellar performances of the other cast do the rest.

Tell-Tale TV: Sean and Tully obviously have a bond because she knows he’s gay and no one in his family does. But what else do you think bonds them together?

McKinnon: That’s a great question! Perhaps it’s the parallels in each of their family dynamics — in terms of Sean having the sense that his parents see no wrong in Kate — and Tully having to be the adult in her own family at such a young age. Like they can be each other’s proverbial shoulder to cry on.

I also clicked a lot with Katie (Katherine Heigl) and felt very comfortable going to those more emotional places, because she’s very much there and present during each scene — that made every day on set a good one.

Tell-Tale TV: Sean doesn’t come out to Kate until 2003. What do you think holds him back from doing that emotionally?

McKinnon: There’s a great scene between Kate and Sean at the News Station in the ’80s where he finally builds up the courage to tell her — but becomes guarded over the course of their conversation. Fans could look to that moment as a reason for his hesitation.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s your favorite memory from filming with Sarah Chalke and Katherine Heigl?

McKinnon: It was cool actually because Sarah Chalke and I, as well as Brendan Taylor (who plays Mutt), all attended French immersion school growing up here in Vancouver. So it was nice to share stories and have that similar childhood experience.

Sarah’s hilarious too which also helps. And Katie and I just got along really well — which is easy because she’s very sweet and generous and has such a great laugh. It was also really nice to see two incredible actors who have both had so much success in their own right, come together in this show.

Tell-Tale TV: Sean had a boyfriend named Richard who we never see on-screen, but it’s mentioned that they lived together. What do you think their life together was like?

McKinnon: In terms of [the] story, the loss definitely propelled him into marrying and being with Julia. But since the end of Season 1 ends leaving fans with questions about Firefly Lane, I will leave that question in the hands of the very talented writers.

Tell-Tale TV: In what ways do you think Sean’s relationship with Kate will change now that he’s out to her? 

McKinnon: For me, the fact that he comes to her towards the end of the show and asks to stay with her after Julia kicks him out of the house, shows a closer relationship.

Tell-Tale TV: Do you think there is a specific reason Sean comes out to Kate after Tully’s wedding? 

McKinnon: I would say for Sean seeing Kate vulnerable with him and telling him about the divorce, breaks down some internal barriers for him. And also the fact that she admits being jealous of [his] and Julia’s marriage and what they have helped push him to tell her the truth of the situation.

Tell-Tale TV: What are your hopes for Sean’s future if there is a Season 2?

McKinnon: That’s the biggest thing for all [of] us if there is a Season 2. I think I speak for all those involved we would all be ecstatic for that to happen — and being a part of telling more of this story created by Kristin Hannah and Maggie Friedman — would be exciting in and of itself.

Tell-Tale TV: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?

McKinnon: I do… sadly none that can be talked about publicly! But I did have a commercial that aired during the Super Bowl for TurboTax. It was seen all over the U.S., and I received lots of messages from friends and family in the States during the big game and even ended up having an article written about it. Many people recognized “Sean” from Firefly Lane. That was pretty cool.

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*This interview has been edited for clarity. 

You can stream Firefly Lane now on Netflix. 

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