INTERVIEW BY IRVIN RIVERA | EDITOR: CLARA SEELY-KATZ

Jake Austin Walker is an artist who is always seeking the next great adventure. At twenty-five and with already over twenty credits under his belt, Walker’s latest project is the new National Treasure television series, “National Treasure: Edge of History” now streaming on Disney+. He plays Liam, the struggling artist and reluctant hero of the show. Although he admits he shares a few qualities with his character, unlike Liam, Walker has a taste for the unknown and pushing his own creative and personal limits.

Read on to learn more about Walker’s beginnings, how he got into acting, what his roles have taught him about life and himself, and all of the valuable lessons he has learned on his journey.  

Hi Jake, how are you? What’s keeping you busy nowadays?

I'm pretty good! Thank you for asking! Life has been unexpected in the best ways lately. I've been catching up on lost time with friends and family. These last few years I've realized just how much I cherish those conversations.

Tell us about your character Liam in National Treasure: Edge of History. How would you characterize his character evolution in the show?

When we first meet Liam in the show he's pretty set in his ways, struggling on the path to becoming a musician, and trying to separate himself from his family's esoteric lineage. I always loved Liam's arc because I'm a sucker for reluctant heroes. Watching Liam slowly get swept up into the adventure, romance, and camaraderie of the hunt and questioning, his once firm-held opinions, on his grandfather and his obsessions, was such an exciting growth to be able to play with.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the film?

One of the most memorable moments for me happens in the series finale. It was such an unbelievable childhood dream come to life. I never thought I'd ever be able to be a part of such an imaginative, elaborate, moment. We go out with a bang, and I think fans will be just as excited and mesmerized as I was!

What important message do you hope audiences can take away from watching this show?

When the adventure comes to an end. I just wish for the audience to feel like they witnessed a true heart-racing journey. When the smoke settles and our characters come full arc, I want the audience eager to dive back in and search for all the clues of what could be next for their new favorite treasure-hunting family.

Everyone's process is different and each has a unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?

I'm not sure If I have a direct process that applies to every role or project. Every character, I'm lucky to play, requires a different approach. I felt as if I knew Liam from the first audition. So with that said, he was a much easier character to bring to life. A very exciting aspect of Liam's character, which I've never been able to implicate in any other character I've played, is his budding music career. To play and sing in character was a different type of pressure I've never felt. How he performs compared to how I would, what he listens to compared to me, those are all things I had to take into account when starting the show. I'm very thankful for all the performances I was able to do while playing Liam because I think it directly affected my confidence, playing live sets moving forward, in such a positive way.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

Oh, man. Well, I know for sure, I loved making people laugh, mimicking family members at gatherings just to get someone to crack a smile. I never really thought about acting until I got older. There were a few school plays I remember having a line or two in, but ironically I was a nervous wreck on stage. It wasn't till the summer of 3rd grade that we decided to go to this talent camp event in Orlando. It was there that I found a real love for performing. It wasn't long after returning from that trip, that we were on a flight out to LA. I can't state enough how lucky I am to have parents that so selflessly gave me the opportunity to pursue something so daunting. It was and has always been such a gift to have that support.

What are your inspirations?

There are so many inspirations in my life; in music, films, art, just about everything. Growing up my acting inspirations were mostly comedians: Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, etc. What I also think is so special about comedians is how well they can perform dramatic roles. Typically I've noticed a great comedian can do a fantastic dramatic character, but that's not always transferable in the other direction. As I've gotten older I've become drawn to actors who choose such eccentric roles: Robert Pattison, Joaquin Phoenix, Johnathan Majors, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy... The list goes on and on. I spend most of my days reading, watching, and consuming as much as I can. I truly believe anything can inspire you if you respect and engross yourself in it.

What’s the biggest discovery that you’ve made about yourself in the last few years?

The pandemic forced a lot of us to sit in our own isolation and take reconnaissance of our thoughts and place in the world and within our lives. That was a very transformative time for me. I realized how much fulfillment and joy I get from social interaction, from meaningful conversation. There’s nothing quite like hearing someone speak so passionately about what interests them. I'm learning to try and be as present as possible. People are such fascinating vessels of knowledge and inspiration, you just have to listen. I’m just really trying to master the art of listening, to others, and myself.

What’s your dream project?

I would love to do a character study piece. Something in the vein of Ryan Gosling’s character ‘The Driver’ in “Drive” or De Niro’s ‘Travis Bickle' from “Taxi Driver.” Also, to play a Jedi or a Sith is a never-ending childhood dream. I'm looking at you, Disney.

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

As of now, Liam Sadusky has to be the character I’ve related with the most in my career. I’ve been so lucky to play such flawed and intriguing characters. Though, many of those characters required a very dark approach that is very different from who I am in my day to day. I felt, with Liam, I could pull more from who I am. Which was a nice departure from the type of characters I’ve typically played in the past.

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

Music is my second passion that constantly requires me to change things up and rediscover myself time and time again. Typically I have to set time aside for acting and music. This year I was spoiled because even while filming I was still able to work on my music through the influences of Liam. At the moment I’m working on my first album. I plan on releasing some new singles in 2023 that will be on the new album. It’s hard to pinpoint my sound because I feel that it’s always evolving. If there’s one thing I always try to maintain in my music, it’s a sense of truth. As long as audiences feel that in my songs, then I’m happy!

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

The best lesson I ever learned: If you fail today, you can always try again tomorrow.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (Open question. Could be a title/a genre/a made-up book/your own book, etc.)

I became truly obsessed with reading at 18. I know I'm late to the party, but I haven't stopped since. My jumping-off book, and to this day I go back to, is “The Alchemist.” Like Santiago, I'm always on a journey to discover who I am, letting the world guide me, and allowing myself grace on the adventure.