BY IRVIN RIVERA

In the sprawling universe of television and film, it's the stories that resonate with us on a personal level that leave the most lasting impressions. Jake Lacy, known for his diverse roles and deep emotional reach, sits down to discuss his latest project, "Apples Never Fall," amidst the hustle of everyday life that could easily mirror any one of our own. Between press days and the everyday joys and challenges of parenting two young children, Jake finds solace in the simple pleasures of reading, writing, and welcoming the thaw of the Northeast with open arms. It's this grounded, relatable presence that Jake brings to his work, offering audiences a glimpse into the complexity of human emotions and relationships through the lens of his characters.

"Apples Never Fall" promises to be a riveting exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the search for individual identity within the collective story of a family. Jake's portrayal of Troy Delaney dives deep into the heart of these themes, bringing to life the nuanced layers of pain, shame, and hope that bind and drive the narrative. With a keen eye for the emotional undercurrents of his character and a dedication to authenticity, Jake discusses the preparation for his role and the collaborative process of bringing the story from page to screen. As we peel back the layers of "Apples Never Fall," Jake invites viewers into a world of complexity, reflection, and perhaps, a touch of self-discovery, making it a must-watch for those who cherish the art of storytelling.

Hi Jake! How are you? Aside from your press days for “Apples Never Fall,” What’s keeping you busy nowadays?

Hey! I’m good! What’s keeping me busy? I’m reading and writing.  The weather is starting to thaw in the Northeast so I’m getting out and running.  And I have a 4 yr old and a 6 yr old.  So they keep me pretty busy.

Jake, "Apples Never Fall" has a unique storyline centered around family dynamics and secrets. How did you first react to the script and your character's journey within this complex narrative?

Initially I responded to the world that Melanie had built.  I liked the tennis, the glory and the kind of pseudo-glamour of this suburban family.  But that under that presentation of togetherness was a group of people, each unique in their own way, quietly dealing with pain, and shame, and hurt, but also hope. 

Your character Troy Delaney in "Apples Never Fall" is part of a deeply intricate family story. How did you prepare for this role, especially in portraying the character’s emotional depth and complexities?

I just want to try and relate to this pain or this wanting or what’s missing.  Like, what is Troy intrinsically trying to overcome? And how is he trying to fill that hole? And is it working? But a lot of that is in the writing.  Melanie is such a gifted writer.  There’s so much to dig into.  

The adaptation process can often lead to changes from the source material. Were there any aspects of your character or the storyline that were particularly challenging or exciting to bring to the screen?

I read Liane’s book and it is wonderful.  But I definitely treated Melanie’s scripts as the world we were living in.  I wasn’t stressed about any small changes to the characters or story because I knew they were made with the right intentions and that Liane was reading the scripts and approved of the adaptation.   I liked playing someone who is not living up to expectations.  He is wildly successful in so many ways and yet isn’t really the person he imagines himself to be.  In both directions! He’s not as shitty as he thinks he is. But he’s also not as blameless as he’d like to be.  And that perspective on himself changes depending on who he’s interacting with.

The series explores the impact of unresolved issues within a family. What do you hope viewers take away about communication and reconciliation from watching "Apples Never Fall”?

Hahaha! I have no hopes or expectations as to what people will take away! That’s their experience!

"Apples Never Fall" has a specific tone that balances between dark themes and moments of levity. How did you and the cast work to maintain this balance throughout the series?

We got really lucky.  This cast is fantastic.  Just a group of people who really care about their job and doing it well but don’t take themselves seriously.  Again, it really starts with Melanie’s writing.  And then there’s Chris, and Dawn, our directors.  Sometimes we’d finish a scene and I'd feel like I’d played it with some kind of honestly and Chris would come over and be like, “Really good.  SO funny!” I think you just have to commit to what’s there and what you’re trying to accomplish and depending on how it’s shot and edited it can go either way.

The series received a straight-to-series order from Peacock, highlighting the platform's confidence in the project. How do you feel about the evolving landscape of television and streaming services impacting series like yours?

Man, I just go where they’ll have me.  I was thrilled to get to do this project.  I guess the changing landscape means there aren’t as many barriers or perceived barriers stopping film stars from working in television and limited series.  Because the material is really rich.  And good actors just want to work on good material. Which means people like Sam and Annette are willing to sign on to do a limited series. 

Working alongside industry legends like Annette Bening and Sam Neill must have been an enriching experience. Could you share a memorable moment or lesson learned from them during the production?

My impression of Annette is that she is very dialed-in.  She has thoughts on the scene and what she wants to explore.  But, and this is true for the best I’ve worked with, when the moment arrives she’s fully present.  And all of that other work is bubbling in the back but she’s really present and really responding to the moment in a very unselfconscious way.  And that’s always where I’m trying to get to.  So it was a really joy to get to play in that pool with her.

The adaptation of Liane Moriarty's novel for television involved a high-profile team, including David Heyman. What was it like working with such an acclaimed production team, and how did it shape the series?

David is THE BEST.  His track record speaks for itself.  But he’s also humble, and curious, and thoughtful, and smart.  And those are the things, I think, that separate the good from the great.  And he is one of the greats. 

The series combines elements of drama, mystery, and perhaps thriller. How did you navigate these genres to create a cohesive performance?

This is where filmmaking or limited-series-making, I guess, is really a team sport.  I can bring my ideas and my work to the table but then I’m being guided by Chris and Dawn and ultimately the editor and producers decide how things play and which takes to use.  So, I’d like to take credit for threading the needle of multiple genres but really I’m most successful when I stay in my lane which is: act like it’s all really happening.  And be willing to hear other ideas along the way.

From your early days on "The Office" to your latest role in "Apples Never Fall," how do you think you've evolved as an actor in terms of selecting roles and approaching your craft?

I think I work more efficiently.  I think, I HOPE, I have higher hopes and lower expectations than I used to.  When I was on The Office I was mostly focused on not fucking up their incredible show.  I loved that show so much and the last thing I wanted to do was sink it.  But that’s not a very creative box to play in.  And now I kind of lean into fucking it up- because hopefully, there’s something honest and organic and alive happening then.  And even if it’s not perfect that the best foundation.  But it’s always changing.  And I rarely know what the change was until 5 years later looking back. 

You've had the opportunity to work with a wide array of directors and actors. Can you share an invaluable piece of advice or a lesson you've learned from one of your collaborators?

The cast of The Caine Mutiny Court-Marital all went to William Friedkin’s beautiful home in Bel Air.  It was pre-production and we were all there for a table read.  We all brought scripts and pens like good little actors.  We sat and he told us we weren’t going to read the script or rehearse at all.  And everybody kind of laughed because this script has scenes that are 17, 18, 19 pages of straight dialogue.  And he said that in 6 decades of making movies the one thing he found to be most important was spontaneity.  That there is no repeating the first time.  The first time you hear something.  The first time you see someone.  The first time you say something.  You can never have it back.  He was a badass.

Balancing personal life with the demands of filming, especially on location, can be challenging. How do you maintain this balance, and what keeps you grounded?

Oh, I don’t have the answer.  I wish I did. It’s tough.  My wife is incredible.  I always try to work close to home or not be gone for too long but I don’t really call those shots.  It just means when I’m home I try to be as present and involved as possible. 

Can you talk about a particularly challenging role or project you've worked on throughout your career and how it pushed you out of your comfort zone?

There’s a scene in this film Diane where my character has just gotten out of rehab.  He didn’t tell anyone he was going and now he’s seeing his mother, played by the wonderful Mary Kay Place, for the first time.  She asks how he’s doing and he says he’s good but he feels really raw.  It’s the first time, and maybe only time, in the film that he’s vulnerable and open with her.  He’s like a little boy again. Kent Jones wrote and directed that movie and that scene broke my heart.   

You've had the opportunity to portray a wide range of characters throughout your career. Is there a type of role or a specific character you haven't played yet but aspire to?

Hahaha ummm...I’d like to play a spy.  I love that show Slow Horses.  But really it’s about working with good people on good material.  Playing people that are flawed. People that have blindspots. People that have hopes.    

Looking to the future, how do you hope to continue growing as an actor, and are there any specific goals or types of projects you're eager to tackle?

I’d love to do something with stunts.  The blend of precision and physicality is incredible.  Plus getting a nod of respect from the stunt guys on set is always  the highest compliment.

Finally, If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

Oh that’s a great question! I’d be Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger.  It’s 9 short stories so maybe that’s a cheat.  Maybe I’m just telling you that that’s my favorite book instead of answering your question.  But the train has left the station and I’m committing to my answer. If you haven’t read it I can’t recommend it enough.