Chance Hurstfield – A Million Little Things

By starrymag | March 15, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us what is new this final season of “A Million Little Things.”

 

A) The final season of “A Million Little” Things is truly a special one. Our show-runner DJ Nash said from the beginning that he had an ending in mind for the show, and always wanted to know when our last season would be so he can end the show properly. In Season 5, we were lucky enough to have this come true. I can’t detail this seasons storylines, but I can tell you that they beautifully wrap up each individual character’s story and leave you with a sense of fulfillment and joy.

 

Q) Where do we pick up with Danny and the Dixon family?

 

A) 501 was really one of my favorite episodes I’ve gotten to film. Working with James Roday Rodriguez who plays Gary is always a great time. James is like a mentor to me, and I look up to him. Not only did I get to be behind the wheel this episode, but I got to have Gary in my passenger seat which made it a million times better for Danny. We embarked on a hilarious journey and made memories that will last a lifetime. Again, do not want to spoil anything just in case some viewers have not watched 501, but it was a great time for Danny and myself.

 

Q) It was such a poignant scene watching Danny seek sex advice from Gary, Rome and Eddie. Talk about filming that moment.

 

A) Oh man, that scene was one of my favorites I’ve ever filmed. I love working with Romany [Malco], David [Giuntoli] and James so much. When I get to work with all of them together, I know it’s gonna be a fun day. This was such a big scene for Danny as not only is he following in his father’s footsteps by carrying on his game night tradition spot in his jersey, but he has to simultaneously deal with the relationship stress he’s going through with Milo (Emrik Lopez). Once Gary spots that Danny is blatantly ignoring Milo’s phone calls, he goes full dad mode. I particularly enjoyed taking a step back on their coverage and really just watching these three in action as the “Band of Dads” reunited. James, Romany and David are such talented people and I have learned so much from them over the years. Throughout the duration of this scene, they were all recounting old stories from when they were young and making me laugh unbelievably hard. That is the beauty of working with these guys, it’s an acting class, but it really just feels like I’m hanging with a group of friends.

 

Q) With the guys looking to end their Bruins game tradition, does this end of an era mean to Danny?

 

A) No doubt it means a ton to Danny. In the last five seasons of the show, so much has happened in Danny’s life. I believe that him and Sophie (Lizzy Greene) both have little traditions they did with their dad that they carry on in honor of his memory. One of these big traditions that they don’t particularly engage in, but they acknowledge and appreciate is the continuation of the dedicated Bruins games that Rome, Eddie and Gary go to. I’d imagine that Danny witnessing this tradition end probably feels like the group is losing a piece of his dad’s memory considering Jon is the one who got them to go all in on season tickets.

 

Q) What have been some of your personal favorite moments from filming over the seasons?

 

A) This question is always such a difficult one for me to answer. It has been six years since we’ve done the pilot and from my first day up until now I have more memories than I can remember from filming. From the hilarious improv lines James does that have me belly laughing and in tears on the floor, to the real sibling relationship I have with Lizzy. Truthfully, there is a new memory I take home every day from filming. I love hearing Romany’s crazy stories, David’s obscure thoughts that he blurts out to make you laugh and Stephanie’s [Szostak] motherly advice she always gives me. More recently, one of my favorite memories I have gained from the show is our last day. It was a bittersweet moment where I realized it was our last day filming this show which has been such a part of my life, but I felt a sense of pride and gratitude that I was fortunate enough to be a part of something so special. It’s hard to describe in words how I was feeling but it was almost as if it wasn’t real. I was in disbelief that it was six years ago when we shot the pilot and I first met everyone. In that moment, I learned what “time flies” truly felt like.

 

Q) As we head into the series finale, are you happy where Danny leaves off?

 

A) In all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier with where Danny leaves off. I had a lot of mixed emotions when I read the finale for the first time and, of course, knowing this was our last episode, I couldn’t help but tear up. Though when I read Danny’s final scenes, I was overcome with many emotions. Above all, I was giddy. I got so excited over how Danny’s story ended. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. The writing for our finale is genius and it furthered my appreciation for DJ and our writers.

 

Q) What has it meant to you to be a part of such a moving and memorable show that has meant so much to those who have lost a parent of loved one?

 

A) It means the world to me that I got to be a part of something so special. The beautiful part is not only is it so special to me, but it’s special to people around the world. “A Million Little Things” helped my growth as an actor and as a human being. I learned acting techniques from my co-stars daily, without them realizing they were teaching me. “A Million Little Things” opened so many doors for my career as well. I always feel the proudest when I open messages from fans telling me about their experiences and how “A Million Little Things” has helped them work through whatever hardships they have faced, and how they relate to storylines. It’s always so crazy to me that somehow the scenes we film are able to help people on another level through the craziest situations. I always feel so grateful that I’m a member of this talented team of writers, directors, actors and crew who are able to make people feel seen with words and actions when I open those messages.

 

Q) I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask what you took as mementos from your time working on the show?  

 

A) “A Million Little Things” and ABC network spoils us. Somehow there’s always a gift in the trailer when we least expect it. We’re fortunate enough to get gifts that vary from computers, to airpods, to candles, etc. Though besides these gratuitous items that ABC gives us, I took home the “Dixon” Bruins jersey as a personal keepsake. I felt that this item meant the most to my character and I’d love to frame it in my bedroom. I say this because I’m from Vancouver and if you know anything about Vancouver hockey, you’d know I’d be shunned if I were to wear a Bruins jersey out in public, so better to frame it.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) Throughout filming “A Million Little Things,” I’ve been lucky enough to do other projects on the side. DJ Nash has always been so good to me in allowing me to grow my resume as an actor all while still getting to tell Danny’s story. The years I’ve been on “AMLT” have been the most important years for my development as an actor so far. My most recent project was a limited series called “Are You Afraid of The Dark?” I got to spend two months in the Dominican Republic with such a great group of people filming Season 3 titled “Ghost Island.” Funnily enough, I was fortunate enough to attend the 2023 Kids Choice Awards day before yesterday because our show was nominated.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you’ve done? 

 

A) I really just want to thank everyone. It’s because of you guys that we get to write our ending in Season 5. We’re so lucky to have the fan base we have. The Millionaires always show my cast mates and I tons of love and support. Truly it’s because of all of you and your dedication that we’ve been fortunate enough to make it to Season 5. You’ve all done so much for us from all the fan edits to the messages on how you relate to our show. I’m very proud to be the Danny to you Millionaires and I want you all to know how appreciative I am of you.