By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) Please tell us where we pick up with the series “Ballard.”
A) “Ballard” picks up where “Bosch” and “Bosch: Legacy” left off, following the launch of a new LAPD cold case unit investigating decades-old unsolved homicides. You could call it a spin-off, but it feels more like a continuation—and a bold expansion—of the Bosch universe.
Q) How was your character Jake Pearlman originally described to you?
A) When I first auditioned for the role, I had only read the pilot, so my understanding of the character was pretty limited—just the basics: a city council member, shrewd but well-meaning, with a sister who’d been murdered years ago. The callback was on Zoom with the producers and the director (the incredible Jet Wilkinson) — before I even read, they said, “Okay, here’s the deal with Jake, and here’s what’s going to happen to him over the season…” That conversation completely opened things up for me. It gave me a much deeper understanding of the character – and a lot of complicated, layered material to play with. Thankfully, I got the part.
Q) Was there something about the character or even the world of “Bosch” that drew you to be a part of this series?
A) I hadn’t actually watched “Bosch” before being cast in this series – but once I got the gig, I dove in and got hooked. I was already familiar with Michael Connelly through his novels and other series, so I knew “Ballard” would be something incredibly well-crafted and full of surprises. The pilot episode was so sharply written, it was impossible not to get pulled in.
Q) Obviously, you knew costars Maggie Q, but were you familiar with any of your other costars before sharing the screen with them on this series?
A) I was very familiar with our star—and indomitable leader—Maggie Q. We spent four years together in Toronto filming “Nikita,” so we already had a close friendship and a great working relationship before I ever stepped on set. Being reunited on “Ballard” was a real gift. Maggie is a force of nature. As the series lead, she carries an incredible load, and she shows up every day with talent, dedication, creativity and pure joy. Most people know her from dramas and action roles, but Maggie is also hilarious—always laughing, always having fun when she’s not kicking ass.
I also knew Michael Mosley from our early days in New York City and it was a pleasure to reconnect and finally work together. He’s a tremendous talent and an all-around great guy.
Q) There is incredible drama to every episode. How did you shake off a long day of shooting?
A) One of the best parts about working on “Ballard” was that it was filmed in Los Angeles, which meant I got to come home to my family every night instead of heading back to a hotel. My wife and I have two young daughters, so the moment I took off my wardrobe, I was right back to being Dad.
Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming or episodes you think fans should keep an eye out for?
A) Anyone who knows Los Angeles will appreciate that this series is not only set here—but actually filmed here. (A lot of shows set in L.A. end up shooting elsewhere.) The producers did an incredible job choosing iconic locations that give the series a truly authentic look and feel.
Q) What do you think it is about “Ballard” that will captivate viewers and make this a bingeable series?
A) Reading the scripts for “Ballard” had me on the edge of my seat – the writers wove in so much heart and drama alongside the twists and turns. If the episodes are anything like the scripts, I imagine they’ll be even more gripping on screen.
Q) You’re no stranger to dramatic shows. What is it about this genre that continues to draw you to it?
A) I wish I could say doing so much drama was a deliberate choice – but it’s really just how I’ve been cast. Of course, I go after projects that excite me or involve people I want to work with, but so much of this business is simply about getting the call and showing up.
Q) You started out in theater. Are there any plans for a future return to the stage? If so, what is a play/performance you’d love to tackle?
A) I actually just finished a four-month run of a new play by Larissa Fasthorse called Fake It Until You Make It. We premiered at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and then took it to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. It was a wild, modern-day door-slamming farce about racial identity set in the nonprofit world. Working on new plays is always a thrilling challenge — and something I truly love. I love everything about the theater.
Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on lately?
A) I recently directed a short film titled What It’s Like To Be Okay, written by my good friend and longtime collaborator Dennis Staroselsky. It’s a father-daughter story we shot in Boston about a year ago. We’ve been taking it to festivals and it’s been screening really well. Next up is the Waco Film Festival, followed by the Gig Harbor Film Festival in September, with more to follow.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the wonderful work you continue to do on our screens?
A) Working in the arts—and being an actor—has profoundly shaped my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my time and make a living doing what I love. Of course, none of it would be possible without an audience. So, I’m deeply grateful to anyone who’s supported my work over the years. Your interest and enthusiasm are what make it all possible. Thank you!