Merrick McCartha

You’ve had incredible roles on hit series like All American, Unstable, and now Countdown. What has been the most transformative role for you so far, and why?

As of about a year ago, I would have said my role in Ryan Murphy’s hit series, 9-1-1.  In early 2021, a relatively small sized selftape audition for the show, turned into a ‘top of show’ guest star.  This means the role will be prominent in the episode, and not at all small.  I attributed it to my building a strong relationship with the casting office, UDK, and was more than grateful.  Then, I find out my first scenes will be with Angela Bassett and Dawnn Lewis!  I was excited and terrified at the same time.  These two iconic actors are goddesses in the black community, and it only hit me hardest when I was standing in front of them both to start shooting our scene.  I was in awe of them.  I’m certain I wasn’t at my best creatively, but it certainly transformed me.  Much like boxer Jerry Quarry, I could definitely say I stood toe to toe with the greatest….haha!  In any case, I knew from that experience what I really needed to work on to be at my best.  I am forever grateful to them.  Subsequently, last year I booked the role on Countdown as D.A. Grayson Valwell.  This experience was transformative in a different way.  This time, I was ready.  I gave everything I had to be at my best.  And I was.  The transformation was actually the realization that I AM ready for this.  As actors we doubt ourselves in so many ways, but finally I reached that ‘thing’ that many people call success.  The achievement of gaining something that you wanted, and know you have earned.

You’ve trained with faculty from both the Yale Drama School and the Royal Shakespeare Company. How have those classical foundations influenced your approach to modern television roles?

Oh, in every possible way!  I studied electrical engineering in college and had a great career solving complex problems using complex structures.  My first start in studying acting, I was always looking for a structure or foundation from which to build.  I learned some powerful lessons from amazing acting teachers, but it wasn’t until I started studying with Gregory Berger, faculty at Yale back then, did I finally see a solid foundation.  These were things taught to greats like Meryl Streep, Courtney Vance, Frances McDormand, Liev Scheiber, Sigourney Weaver, and yes….Angela Bassett.  With the classics like Chekov, I learned from Bruce Katzman, also former faculty (and an alum) of Yale Drama.  

For Shakespeare, I discovered the astounding Rob Clare, formerly of the RSC.  His teaching and virtual encyclopedic knowledge of Shakespeare and other classics brought me to an understanding of the work that had previously seemed like a theoretical quantum physics course from my engineering study days.  In other words, it was hard!  From all of this, I was able to tackle auditions and work with excitement.  Fear was gone.  Auditions became successes in and of themselves, not potential failures, and I stopped getting hung up on whether or not I ‘booked the job’.  I would be remiss to not also mention my acting/audition coach, Laura Gardner, accomplished NYC stage and screen actress and Uta Hagen acolyte.  She’s with me on the day to day, so to speak.  Her and her husband, legendary actor Frank Collison, are dear friends and are always rooting for me.  We root for each other!

From Curb Your Enthusiasm to Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Grey’s Anatomy, your versatility as an actor really stands out. How do you prepare differently for comedic versus dramatic roles?

Yes, comedy tends to have more levels to consider than drama.  I think this is mainly because in comedy you have to add the additional element of ‘what’s the gag?’.  The ‘gag’ or joke in a comedic situation requires you to work a bit harder to keep all the elements of the world you are in, plus your own artistry, while making sure the ‘gag’ lands for the audience.  In drama, it’s about telling a story in an artful way while still being able to connect with the audience.  It’s about truth, and story.   

Interestingly, Curb Your Enthusiasm is almost all improv.  Larry David believes firmly in NOT rehearsing scenes. There actually isn’t even a script.  He understands that many times the gold happens only once.  I never shot the same scene twice even though we did multiple takes.  I’m guessing this allowed him and the Curb team to pick through original moments, instead of rehearsed ones, and use the best gold for maximum comedic impact.  It’s a beautiful way to work, and clearly a successful one as well…in the right hands.  There should be no wonder why so many actors clamor to be on that show.

You’re part of the Road Theater Company and have won awards like the one for The Heiress Lethal, which was even screened at Cannes. What does the stage give you that the screen doesn’t?

Simply put, the stage gives the actor ‘life’.  When you’re in a filmed project, you have lots of safety.  You miss a line, do another take.  You miss your mark, do another take.  The prop wasn’t there, do another take. Takes and takes and takes, until you get it just right.  It’s lovely.  You get to craft your performance and only show the seemingly pristine final product.  On stage however, whoa buddy!  Many say it’s like a runaway train and you just have to hang on. This is true for the most part.  You certainly get to rehearse many many times.  You certainly get to prepare.  However, if you ask any actor, no matter how famous, they will always tell you they get nervous right before the show starts.  Why?….because you cannot hide behind ‘takes’.  This is it.  Now add in an audience, and the raw human condition is fully at play.  You are connected with a live audience and you can feel them there with you!  It’s thrilling.  It’s exhilarating.  And for an actor, it’s ‘life’.

Let’s talk about Countdown what can audiences expect from this new Amazon Prime series, and what drew you to the project?

Created by Derek Haas, of the One Chicago world, Countdown combines a high octane crime thriller with high drama around relationships in this world of Los Angeles denizens.  Brilliant writing by Derek, and glorious directing from the likes of Eric Stoltz, Tess Malone, and Avi Youabian. Jensen Ackles leads the cast as officer Mark Meachum who joins a secret task force to investigate a suspicious murder, but uncovers a sinister plot that requires the team to unite and save millions in the city. Expect explosive action, quick wit, and a story you won’t be able to resist.  I jumped at the chance to work with Derek and Jonathan Brown, veteran hit show producer, because this is Derek’s first project with Amazon and I knew it would be amazing.

Outside of acting, you’re passionate about social issues like homelessness and financial literacy. How do these causes shape who you are as an artist?

I’ve seen so many struggles with both of these, and since I have some education, experience, and resources to help in both areas, I don’t hesitate to step up where I can.  If we collectively make a commitment to do even the simplest things, it would dramatically shift our society.

Touring with the Hinges Improv Troupe must’ve been wild! What’s one unforgettable improv moment that taught you something valuable?

Oh I’ve shared the improv stage with some great people during my time with the Hinges, including comedic superstar Jimmy O’Yang before the superstar part became official!  The many times on stage doing improv, what I always loved is the magic of ‘just say it’.  As actors, and people in general, we’re always filtering.  We tread carefully to not offend.  We search for the right words to make a point.  But in improv, what always impacts and connects with the audience most, is that first thing off the top of your head.  So you gotta just say it!  I firmly believe that people in a room are all connected with an invisible energy that flows through everyone there, like a sort of mind meld.  So I’ve experienced many times where I could walk up and just say a word….off the top of my head….and the audience cheers.  Because they KNEW.  We were connected with that energy.  It’s a valuable lesson I take into acting, and it really improves my work.  See what I did there? 

How do you stay grounded between filming, auditioning, and giving back to your community? What keeps you centered?

My amazing wife Peggy and our kids keep me centered.  I sometimes drift into a mindset of ‘success is a must!’.  The truth is, love is a must.  Empathy is a must.  Human connection with the real world is a must.  I meditate with my wife every day, and we are grateful for all the joys in our lives.  When things seem to pull me towards a mindset of lack…or excess…I lean into the mindset of gratitude, and it always gets me to the right place.

You also practice Kung Fu, play pool and chess. How do these hobbies complement your creative process or mindset?

I’ve been a fan of kung fu since I was a kid in Detroit watching Bruce Lee and Shaw Brothers movies with my cousins.  Later in life I actually started studying it and learned it’s not just about flying side-kicks and ‘eagle claw style’.  It’s a philosophy and way of life to reach fulfillment.  The art of fighting is part of it.  Playing pool and chess are more recreational because they allow me to just enjoy challenging others strategically and not have it mean anything beyond that game.  Keeping my mind, body and spirit sharp are priorities.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to build a career with depth, meaning, and longevity like yours?

Make sure you truly, deeply, love this before getting into the business.  Start training sure!  Do plays and student films sure!  These will help you determine the love part.  Equally important, learn about this business BEFORE getting into this business.   I have so many stories of actors that got into this business and eventually started doing something else because they figured out they didn’t really love acting. I also have many stories of actors that got into the business with wildly incorrect expectations and became deeply bitter, miserable people…..or just packed it in and moved back to the midwest.  The more you learn about this business, the longer you will last, and the more gratifying the journey will be.  Also, strive to keep learning as an actor.  There is no point where you can definitively ‘master’ acting.  To be at your best, you should always be growing as an actor.  You can master technical skills sure, but acting is way more than just technical skills.  Your amassed personal human experience will be key.  So, embrace all that is your life.  Get out there and live!