Beyond the Screen: Josh Plasse’s Journey in Acting, Philanthropy, and More
Josh Plasse is a multi-talented American actor, writer, and producer, distinguished not only by his impressive lineage as the son of a US Navy Seal but also by his extensive contributions to the entertainment industry. With a diverse portfolio that spans over 50 episodes of network television and significant roles in feature films and documentaries, Plasse has firmly established himself as a formidable presence in Hollywood.
Most recently acclaimed for his performances in The Resurrection of Charles Mansion and Wildflower, a film featuring stars like Kiernan Shipka, Jean Smart, and Alexandra Daddario, Plasse has adeptly demonstrated his versatility across genres. Currently, he captivates audiences as Luke Baxter in the Amazon Prime series The Baxters, adapted from Karen Kingsbury’s best-selling novels about the trials and triumphs of the Baxter family.
Plasse’s innovative “Operation 22” campaign, which raises awareness and money to prevent military suicide, serves as an example of his profound commitment to philanthropy beyond his screen achievements. A resident of Nashville, TN, with his wife, Plasse’s life off-screen is as dynamic as his on-screen personas, with interests ranging from sports to whiskey tasting.
Follow Josh @joshplasse
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined. Loving. Self-Aware.
How did you get started in acting?
I was studying homeland security and criminal justice in college when I found myself being way too serious in my life. I had a great friend who was very nonchalant and kind. I asked him why he was so darn happy all the time, and he told me, “The theater!” I took one class and never looked back.
How has this changed your life?
Oh wow. Acting has changed my life in every way, really. I never thought I’d be an artist, even though I loved art and storytelling since I was a young boy. Working in a career that demands openness and vulnerability has changed me as a man and as a human… It’s allowed me more empathy and driven me towards relationships I never would’ve made had I not endeavored upon this career. It’s taken me to countries and locations I never dreamed I’d get the chance to see… It’s quite simply made me who I am!
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part for me is the work itself… the act of discovering parts of yourself that are perhaps lost or not yet found… bringing out bits of you that fit this character and the psychology that accompanies that journey… The worst part is the waiting around, so you have to make sure you’re staying productive!
How do you prepare for a role?
It depends on the role, but I generally write about the character and their upbringing — their hopes, dreams, wants, and goals. I always make sure to connect the character to myself first and foremost. I find this is the way to “live” in a character and not “act” a character. One creates elite and eased work, and the other generally feels forced. I like to make playlists for the music that my character might listen to, and I always define their “vibe” with a word or two, so I know something to store in the back of my mind as I’m “living.”
Tell us about your work as Luke Baxter in the Amazon Prime series, “The Baxters.”
I’m extremely proud of Luke. I had a lot of similarities with Luke in that certain aspects of my life came really easy to me, such as sports and friendships. I ended up going through some tough moments early on in my childhood that led me to find God. That piece of Luke, who goes through a similar journey, really drew me to the character. Because I got to portray the character for three seasons, I really had time to dive into the backstory and get deep/authentic with myself. I was forced to reconcile with old pieces of me that I perhaps did not wish to live in yet again, but that was extremely exciting and worthwhile. Lastly, because the series has so many books already out and released, it was easy to draw from!
How was working alongside such a talented cast like Kiernan Shipka, Jean Smart, Alexandra Daddario, Charlie Plummer and Brad Garrett to name a few?
It was so amazing. Everyone on this project exuded fun and really helped cultivate a creative and happy set. I can’t speak highly enough to everyone above. Given my character, I spent the most time with Kiernan, and she could not have been a better scene partner or more professional actor. 10/10 for Wildflower!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play, and why?
I’d love to play in more serious dramas… my all-time favorite character is Rustin Cohle in True Detective. I find deeply pained and deeply authentic humans to be so much more interesting than flashy golden boys or poster children on cheesy sports dramas, hah! (Not that there is anything wrong with these). I’d also really like another chance to work on something in the “action” realm, as I was just able to film my first show using serious fight choreography, and I simply loved it.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The work itself… Days on set are hard, yes, but they are truly magical when the project is worthwhile.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
I would say to plan on a marathon and not a sprint. No matter who you are or how good you may be, this career simply takes immense amounts of time. Even if something does click fast, it could end up having worse results if you aren’t ready for the fruits of your labor or if your performance doesn’t propel your career forward. So I’d say you just have to dig in and create the strongest foundation you can for the long haul… because it’s simply going to take time. There’s no getting around it. Secondly, I would say to make sure your “why” is authentic and undeniable. Because this industry is just too hard if it isn’t. If you’re out here to be famous or get rich, you’ll end up quitting eventually. Chase your art and dreams with a real love for the process of creating the art itself…
How do you manage your busy schedule with your personal life?
Great question. I find myself a bit lost if I don’t stay very organized. I have a series of whiteboards reflecting my yearly, monthly, and weekly goals… I also have a planner (I’m a bit of a nerd), and I find that if I can categorize everything, I can stay in each “lane” when I’m working on different things. I can also separate my personal life from my work life by identifying the time for each.
Which place that you have visited do you think changed you in a particular way, maybe for motivation or to see a different reality, etc.?
I just returned home from Seoul, South Korea. I was filming what I’d consider to be one of my favorite projects I’ve been on in quite some time, and I ended up meeting some people who really changed my life… The trip itself was so unbelievable, and the areas I explored were equally breathtaking… but it was the relationships and moments themselves that were so magical. Seeing a city as expansive and beautiful as Seoul was also just something you can’t forget… the nights, the food, the people. Life changing.
Tell us your top 3 countries to travel to.
So far… Italy, South Korea, and anywhere in the Caribbean! hah!
And which countries or cities are still on your bucket list?
Oh my… too many to name. I’m a HUGE fan of travel, so my list would be far too extensive. But If I had to name a few I will be doing in the next few years…. Japan. Ireland. Puerto Rico. Belize. I could just keep going….Spain, France, Bali, Australia, so I’ll stop there!
How would your best friend describe you?
Probably “Insane.” “Loyal.” “Driven.” “Loving.” “Too energetic”. But his name is Brev and his email is [email protected] so feel free to blow him up and ask him!
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why? “Do it.”
And probably because I’m a huge fan of “doing.” Simply taking the step toward whatever it is you wish to achieve in this life… We’re often so afraid of failure, but once you identify that failure is a mandatory step toward greater success, the lessons that accompany failure will ultimately strengthen you… we start to lose our fear of it entirely, and quickly enjoy the process of “doing.”
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Extreme Ownership. – Jocko Willink
What’s next for Josh Plasse in 2024?
I’ve got some great shows coming out, but I guess I technically can’t say which yet… (annoying I know), and I’m going to be producing my company’s next film, so I’m greatly excited about that… Also, my debut fiction novel will be released in December! It will be titled “Dust” so please be on the lookout.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being content with what you have and what you “don’t need.” Being authentically at peace with where you are and where you “don’t need to be.”
Best advice ever given?
“Enjoy the journey.”
Do you support any charities?
“Stop Solider Suicide” — Please look into them. They are beyond worthwhile.
Favorite song? Why?
Too many… but I’ve really been enjoying Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink” lately because, boy oh boy does life go by FAST… those lyrics hit hard. Don’t blink!
What do you think of social media?
I have a love/hate relationship with social media… I used to despise it, but I’ve started to see how it can be a tool for good in some ways. I’ll give a different answer when AI gets involved, hah!
Where can we follow you?
My IG handle is simply my name — @Joshplasse. I appreciate anyone who follows more than they know!