HASSIE HARRISON [TACOMA FD]
Acting has always been a part of actress Hassie Harrison’s life. As a thespian, she spends majority of her life on stage. It is no surprise that the charming and bubbly lady from Texas is drawn to comedy. She radiates a light, happy energy that infects her environment.
This beauty stars as Lucy O'Malley, the only female character in a male dominated cast on the upcoming series Tacoma FD. Tacoma FD takes place "in a firehouse in the wettest city in America.”
Harrison was in Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savages’ CW hit series, Hart of Dixie. She then appeared on Savage’s The Astronaut Wives Club followed by her first series regular role on the ABC pilot Chunk & Bean, playing Anna Gunn and Andy Daly’s daughter. In independent film, Harrison starred in Dementia, opposite Gene Jones, Southbound and Fat Camp. Next up, she plays Mazie Wells in The Iron Orchard, based on the legendary novel, which tells the story of a wildcatter in the West Texas oil fields of 1939. She also just wrapped the lead female role in science-fiction adventure comedy Max Reload and the Nether Blasters opposite Kevin Smith.
Acting is only one of Hassie’s passions. She is also an avid traveler, adventurist, and music enthusiast. She has jumped out of airplanes and been scuba-diving all over the world. She lives a full philanthropic life with her involvement with the Dallas Children’s Theatre, Operation Smile, The ASPCA and Saving Innocence.
In this exclusive interview, Hassie opens up about the journey and the perks of being an actress, her love for comedy, and playing Lucy among the boys club in Tacoma FD.
PHOTOGRAPHY: AUSTIN SALINAS
Hat - GLADYS TAMEZ, Jacket - COACH, Earrings - 8 OTHER REASONS, Ring - WENYUAN, Bracelet - ALEXANDRA MAGNAT
What’s your story? Who is Hassie Harrison?
I grew up in Texas and my mom was very active in the Dallas Children’s Theatre, a nonprofit organization that gave a creative outlet and opportunities to a wide community.
I grew up around an appreciation of the arts and I always had that core feeling that this was something I would pursue later on in life. I graduated from high school when I was fifteen and then went to college at sixteen where I continued studying acting and film (in addition to other things). After graduating I headed out to LA, enrolled in the Strasberg School and have been on the grind ever since. It’s been a fun ride so far!
STYLING: BIN NGUYEN, MAKEUP: ERIN GUTH, HAIR: GEORGINA MENDIOLA
Hat - GLADYS TAMEZ, Jacket - LTH JKT, Dress- COACH Earrings - 8 OTHER REASONS, Ring - WENYUAN, Bracelet - ALEXANDRA MAGNAT
What’s your most memorable audition story?
I'd have to go with any and all auditions where casting directors have been eating or on their phones--cause that TOTALLY makes me feel like I'm killing it.
What types of roles do you feel like you’re most drawn to?
I’m drawn to comedy because I think it’s the most challenging and precision-oriented of all. I think if you can do comedy, you can do anything. But I would never limit myself to one genre and I mean, I’m a girl, so crying is pretty easy! I have aspirations to play characters from so many different genres: action, western, fantasy, historical fiction, romance...I love it all!
LEFT: Sweater- ALL SAINTS, Pants- VITOR ZERBINATO, Earrings- 8 OTHER REASONS
RIGHT: Dress - FABIANA MILAZZO, Jacket- COS, Earrings- 8 OTHER REASONS
What do you like the most about being an actor?
Swag bags, free food and upgraded airline seats.
All jokes aside, it is a privilege to pursue this career and I feel profoundly grateful and lucky to be able to follow my heart into this world.
Dream role/project?
Oooh! I’d love to be in a Coen brothers film…or the Duplass brothers…or the Farrelly brothers! I guess anything directed by brothers. Haha.
LEFT: Dress - FABIANA MILAZZO, Jacket- COS, Earrings- 8 OTHER REASONS
RIGHT: Dress- COACH, Jacket- COACH, Hat - GLADYS TAMEZ, Heels- STEVE MADDEN
Who are your acting idols (dead or alive)?
Benicio Del Toro. I think he’s alive. Hahaha. Rachel Weisz. Cate Blanchett. Kathryn Hahn. Viggo Mortensen. Katherine Hepburn. I really enjoy watching their work.
Out of all the roles that you’ve played, do you have a specific favorite?
Right here. Right now, baby.
How was it working in Tacoma FD as Lucy? Tell us more about your character.
I just adore being Lucy, she’s a total powerhouse. She works hard and plays harder. She is super amused by her co-workers and holds her own against the boys. She's always razzing them.
What’s it like to be the only female in a male dominant cast?
DOOOOPE!!! It’s so fun!! I grew up with three sisters. So having 5 new brothers is like a dream come true. They are the sweetest, funniest guys around. They make me laugh all day and are always looking out for me.
Dress - FABIANA MILAZZO, Jacket- COS, Earrings- 8 OTHER REASONS
If you’re not acting, what else keeps you busy?
I’m a big music enthusiast and try to see as many live shows as possible. And I treasure any chance I get to travel and spend time with friends and family. You know, the stuff that actually matters.
What inspires you?
I think anything that keeps you engaged in the world around you and anything that genuinely touches your soul. Incorporating your real life is important to keep the work grounded--and not so actory. But otherwise, I attract inspiration from movies, of course; my preparation, relationships, dreams, beautiful writing, long walks, love, my dog…
LEFT: Sweater- ALL SAINTS, Pants- VITOR ZERBINATO, Earrings- 8 OTHER REASONS, Heels- STEVE MADDEN
RIGHT: Dress- COACH, Earrings - 8 OTHER REASONS, Ring - WENYUAN, Bracelet - ALEXANDRA MAGNAT
What’s the last book that you’ve read?
I just finished Nora Ephron’s I Feel Bad about My Neck this morning. She’s so honest and witty. She can take the most mundane subjects and turn them into pure comedy.
Last 3 songs in your playlist.
Bonus song for good measure: Looking for Knives—DYAN
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
Don Quixote. The OG comedy. Those windmills get me every time.
If you could help any charity or organization, which one would it be and why?
I’m a big fan of Best Buddies. They’re a marvelous organization that helps people with developmental disabilities secure jobs, form life-long friendships and live more independently.
See Hassie as Lucy in Tacoma FD on TRUTV
Tacoma FD | Premieres Thursday 10:30/9:30c | Only On truTV
