Tre Hale, the breakout star, is showcasing his versatility as an actor through his latest role as Andy on the newest comedic series, Platonic, on Apple TV. He serves as a shining example to demonstrate that by taking one’s business seriously, gaining a deep knowledge of it, and persistently cultivating one’s craft, there are no boundaries to the level of success that can be achieved. He possesses a clear vision and is determined to pursue his acting career with unwavering focus, refusing to compromise on his goals. Tre’s story demonstrates that the industry may have a certain perception of the roles that suit you early on, but you can prove them wrong by seizing the right opportunities and pushing yourself beyond your limits.

Cox: Tre, I want to start off by saying congratulations on everything with your recent projects. I just saw the episode of All American, where you were introduced to us as a single father hoping to get the opportunity to play football again. 
Hale: You know what’s funny? That scene actually hits really close to home for me as an ex-football player. When I was a sophomore at UCLA, I received a football scholarship from my coach. I remember that moment because I felt like my hard work was really paying off. So to be able to bring that real-world experience into a character and scene was awesome. 

Cox: Speaking of football and UCLA, you are an actor now, but was professional football something in your sights at first? 
Hale: It’s funny because I always considered myself one of the lucky ones. I learned quickly that football would be a means for me to get to college and pay for it, but it wouldn’t be a professional goal. I was good in high school, but even at the college level, it’s different. After the first couple of practices, I knew this wouldn’t be something I would do professionally. I enjoyed it but didn’t have the same determination and drive I saw the other players have. Like they really love this and want this. But I leveraged my time at UCLA while getting my degree. 

Cox: Did acting come into play at any point during your time at UCLA? 
Hale: I actually took it on as a minor after taking a couple classes. I was really impressed with the people in the acting classes. I was like, “These thespians are pretty tight.” So even then, I surrounded myself with other actors and those who took this craft seriously. 

Cox: Was that acting bug always there, and you just didn’t notice until you got to college? 
Hale: You know, I will say I was always a performer growing up. My family can tell you I would always do something to make them laugh, like little skits and things. Funny enough, I was obsessed with Austin Powers growing up. I remember doing this British guy character, which was hilarious. 

Cox: So, after college, did you immediately want to take acting classes? 
Hale: After I graduated, I got a job working at a talent agency through an alumnus from UCLA. During that time, I learned a lot about the business aspects of the entertainment business, such as handling contracts and the terminology used. I was saying I wanted to be an actor, and my roommate would always ask me, “Well, what are you doing to really be an actor?” He urged me to figure that out because I was just working at this agency and not loving it.  

After two years, I quit. I was just so sick and tired of it. It was honestly one of the hardest jobs of my life, but I was just thankful for all the foundational business knowledge I learned from it. It was time for me to take that, leverage it, and go on auditions. 

I knew I needed to start making my own connections. 

Cox: I love that you speak about learning early on the business aspects of it all. What’s something you learned from that that you think new and emerging artists should know? 
Hale: The importance of having a proper agent and the right team around you. I had been in rooms and around high-level celebrities, actors, writers, and directors. That doesn’t apply here, but it taught me how important having the right team supporting you is. But I learned that it’s not just having the right people but also knowing what you want and telling your team that. I remember when I got my first agent. I walked him through everything that I wanted. I ensured we communicated clearly because I wouldn’t allow him or anyone else to get over me. During my time at the agency, I learned that you have to be clear and specific about what you want, how you want to work, and what they should and shouldn’t submit you for. 

This will make navigating this industry a little easier. Oh, and they need to make sure they learn the names of everyone, such as casting directors, directors, writers, and so forth. 

Cox: As a new actor on the scene with great success on series such as ‘All American’ and your latest ‘Platonic.’ What would you say is an attribute of your success? 
Hale: I understood my strengths as an actor and utilized them in the characters I wanted to play. At first, I was afraid of being typecast for roles, but I learned I could use that to my benefit, like my recent role on All American. I took that and leveraged it to do more and build my career. But then I have to give credit to my manager because he pushed me outside my comfort zone and told me I could do comedy. At first, I wasn’t doing any comedy, but he said he thought I should try it out because he could see me doing it. He said I could leverage this in my auditions as well. This ultimately led to me landing the role in the romantic comedy Platonic and working with Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. 

Cox: Speaking of Platonic, how was it landing that role? 
Hale: Like every actor, I auditioned for it a few times, and that led to a chemistry session with Seth directly. That’s when it felt surreal. I heard his laugh and realized, “Oh, that’s really him, and we are about to do this scene together. It was an absolute trip, man. This was just amazing because this is my first recurring role in my career. And this is what most actors work towards getting. We enjoy roles like this because, as an actor, you get to work on a character that expands throughout the series. 

It’s really a dream come true and still doesn’t feel real, to be honest. 

Cox: What was it about this series, besides the obvious, that drew you in? You knew this was the one you needed to land. 
Hale: Honestly, I love that the character Andy is just a normal guy. In my career, this is a time when I get to play someone who is just normal. In the past, I’ve always been cast to play those tough guys. And with Andy, I get to play this regular dude who lives in Downtown LA and owns a bar with some of his homeboys. 

What’s funny about Andy is that he drinks six days out of the week and is looking for love in all the wrong places. I think what really drew me to Andy was that, when it comes down to it, we are both just normal guys. This is my first time really getting to play myself, which is exciting. I’m more excited for my friends to see it and be like, “You are exactly like that in real life. 

Cox: What do you love about this show, and why do you think we will love it as viewers? 
Hale: I love it because it’s just funny. I don’t think there are too many things out there right now that are just true comedies. It’s not too heavy or deep, and we do have a couple meaningful moments. This is one of those shows that makes you laugh, and the characters are just ridiculous. The show has something I call grounded comedy. This is where the funny jokes are based: on situations in life. You know, the wacky things that happen in real life that make us laugh? 

Cox: I’m looking forward to checking it out after speaking with you about it. Before we end, I want to talk a little bit about All-American because you are in a winning season right now. 
Hale: Landing that show was a huge blessing. After I booked Platonic, I kept telling my girlfriend I wanted to book something else. I said, “If I can get another substantial role and project, that will be a blessing.” And All-American kind of fell into my lap. I remember when they called me the first day to film. They said, “We need to get a stunt double for you for this scene. I was like, “No, you don’t need one.” They weren’t about to have other football actors look at me crazy (he laughs). And it’s actually quite cool to be playing this role as a father because I’m excited to say we are expecting our first kid this year.