The Rakish Gent Paper 5 - Logan Macrae
Best known for Jodie in the film adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing (2022), A Mouthful of Air (2021) and Devotion (2022) actor Logan Macrae has also modelled for brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
For those that have not read the book and do not know the story, how would you describe Where The Crawdads Sing?
I believe Where The Crawdads Sing is so popular because it’s such a special, cross-genre story. First off, you have the narrative of Kya's resilience through all of these difficult life experiences. Then there’s a love story thrown into the mix. And finally, the murder mystery and court case that surrounds it all. It just keeps you on your toes throughout.
What attracted you to the part of Jodie?
Jodie's grit and strength were the two things that stood out to me the most when I first read the script. He and I are very similar on that front and approach obstacles in very similar ways. I’d like to think it was the perfect role for me because I myself am a lot like Jodie.
Did you have to do anything in particular to prepare for the role?
With there being a book as source material, a lot of the backstory was already there for me to use, which was really helpful. Then I just tried to bring parts of myself and my own experiences to my scenes. One of the biggest things I drew upon was the protectiveness I feel in my own life as the eldest brother of three. It came somewhat naturally to look at Daisy (Kya) as my younger sister, and protect her like she was family.
How have you balanced the time commitments to Where The Crawdads Sing/ Black Bird/ The Burial?
On paper it could seem like there was major crossover, but I was really lucky that the timing of shooting all these projects never overlapped. But when those situations do arise, you just have to be really regimented with your time and abide by a strict schedule.
Were you at all intimidated by the calibre of the actors like Daisy-Edgar Jones, Taron Egerton, Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx that you have been working with?
I don't think I would ever use the word ‘intimidated,’ except maybe when I was around Tommy Lee Jones, only because he is an extremely serious, no nonsense actors actor. I was extremely lucky that all of these brilliant actors were also very, very kind people at the end of the day, when you get to know them. I was definitely nervous a few times, but mostly out of respect for what they’ve all accomplished and the pressure I put on myself to make sure my performances would live up to their standards.
How did you make the transition from model to actor?
Over a very long period of time! I studied acting very unconventionally for about eight years, all while I was modelling. It was a lot of juggling, missing classes, all while trying to work and pay bills… that was part of the reason I never joined an actual acting school – I just couldn’t fit it into my schedule while I pursued a career. But I was always consistently in at least some sort of acting class before I even started auditioning.
Are there any actors or roles that you have been particularly inspired by?
I’m really inspired by Christian Bale – he has such a broad resume. I think you could watch his entire catalog and never get bored.
Having now experienced both, do you have any insight into either industry and the differences/ similarities between them?
There are a lot of overlaps between both industries. There are techniques I learned while modelling that have made the physicality of acting a lot easier for me. But my biggest takeaway from modelling has probably been developing resilience. You are going to hear 'no' a lot in both of these industries and I really believe that if I hadn't learned how to deal with rejection at an early age, we definitely wouldn't be talking right now!
Have you always been interested in a career in a creative industry?
Actually, no! I studied economics and political science in college. Acting and modelling weren’t even on my radar. If it hadn't been for the modelling, which took me all over the world, I do not believe I would be pursuing acting now. Experiencing different cultures and meeting people around the world really opened me up to so much, things I never knew I was missing. Now, I can't imagine ever having a typical office job.
What are you working on now and next?
Right now I’m taking it one step at a time. I feel so lucky to be where I am in my career, and with that, I don't want to take on my next project in haste. So I'm really weighing my opinions, and looking for something that I not only connect to out of interest, but that I’m also challenged by.
Black Bird is on Apple TV+ now.
A full version of this feature can be found in The Rakish Gent Paper Issue 5.