Check out our interview with HBO’s hit series Euphoria actor Clark Furlong who can be seen as “Young Jules.”
Clark can also be seen on APPLE+ new and much anticipated Series, “LISEY’s STORY” as young Paul Landon, the older brother of Scott Landon (Clive Owen). Set to come out in early June, “Lisey’s Story” is based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King and adapted by himself. JJ Abram’s took a hold of this deeply personal thriller that follows Lisey Landon (Julianne Moore) two years after the death of her husband in a series of unsettling events which causes Lisey to face memories of her marriage that she has deliberately blocked out of her mind. Lisey, going through things in the past in order to solve a mystery, what are not in her present. Lisey has to dive deep into her husbands past, where Clark and his younger brother in the series have to face the madness that is threatening to consume their family and try to not tear them apart. Every episode of the series was personally written by King.
Clark was with other acting credits that have included FOX’s The Prodigal Son as Isaac Parker, The Rookie and High Fidelity.
Follow Clark @iamclarkfurlong
Hi Clark, please tell us a little about you?
I’m 14, I grew seven inches in the last year, I’m a self-proclaimed Dungeons & Dragons addict and my favorite class in school is TV & Media production which is funny because I had to be talked into taking it!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Nerdy, athletic & outdoorsy
How did you get started into acting?
To be completely honest I don’t remember what the initial trigger was. I remember my decision to change my focus from dancing to acting, but that was a little later. I took violin when I was really little and performing was part of the deal so it was really normal to be on stage for me and all my siblings. I think I was nine. Our band had been a stage act at the Virginia Renaissance Faire for two summers and my mom was like hey these other kids you know are auditioning for plays, are you interested? I said sure and then boom, my sister and I booked a pilot!
How has this changed your life?
Wow . . . it’s really given me something to hold onto and call my own. It’s giving me the chance to meet amazing people and see the world while doing something that i really love.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
Easy! The best part is (are?) the people! I have gotten to know such fantastic humans, from casting to make-up to FX and crew, other actors, directors, writers, it’s just a super amazing group. The worst part is the uncertainty. You spend days on an audition and you work really hard and then you never hear anything, not even no thanks.
Tell us about your work on HBO’s hit series “Euphoria?” And about your role as Young Jules?
That’s a BIG question! It was an absolute blast! I was the first shot of the first day of shooting for Season one, so that felt like a pretty big deal. I’d never been on a professional set before and everyone was so welcoming. I’d made lots of movies and the pilot, but they were all low budget or project type films. I couldn’t believe how many people were on the set! It really took my breath away. As for the role of Young Jules or the work itself, it was the most dramatic role I’d had and took all my focus. During some of the scenes in the psychiatric hospital, the director Sam Levinson had me step off set between takes so I could be alone and maintain my headspace. That was helpful.
How is working with such a talented cast?
Everyone brought their all to every shot. It’s an almost off-world kind of feeling. Like the depth of what is happening in the scene – even though tis totally contrived – is so real in that moment that it transports you. When everyone is doing that at the same time, it’s magical.
How do you prepare for a role?
This isn’t a very exciting answer but I rehearse the heck out of it with my mom. She’s been an Equity and SAG actor since she was a teenager and I rely on her to kinda point the way for me. Of course we read the script, look up everyone who we know is working on it to get their vibe, and sometimes there’s research, or reading the original book source material, stuff like that.
What other projects you have been part of?
I had guest stars on The Rookie and Prodigal Son the same year as Euphoria and then I booked Lisey’s Story and then it was Covid, so that brought everything in the industry to a big halt.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I’d really like play a hero at some point! Not necessarily a superhero, but an actual good guy. I’ve never done a hero part and I think it would be really fun. I periodically send friendly postcards to Sarah Finn who does the casting for Marvel and remind her that I would definitely be up to play Young Thor if it becomes available! The fact that she totally doesn’t know me doesn’t bother me at all!
Do you ever get nervous?
Oh all the time! Going into auditions, going in front of the camera, making sure I’m back to my trailer on time after lunch . . .
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Getting to watch the end product. That’s the big cherry on top, I think. Actually getting to see what we all made together. And I don’t just mean the creative team, I mean everybody. The AD’s, the base camp manager, the producers, the Production Assistants, catering, the transport guys that drive us, the wardrobe dressers, make up & hair, my studio teacher, everybody.
How would your best friend describe you?
Asking . . .
She says I am one of the nicest people she has ever been friends with. She says I’m super creative friendly and smart. (Aw! I would have thoughts she’d say that I’m a total nerd!)
What’s next for Clark Furlong in 2021?
I’m in a Limited Series from Apple TV written by Stephen King. It’d called Lisey’s Story and stars Julianne Moore and Clive Owen. The book/ series is about Lisey, a widow who dives deep into her husband’s past while sorting though his things after his death. I play the husband’s older brother Paul in a series of flashbacks that really take the show to another level.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Sushi! Its my favorite food, period!
And your favorite cheat food?
French fries. But real french fries, no fast food fries. Those are gross.
How would you explain your fashion style?
LOL! I’m a minimalist- I don’t keep a lot of clothes around. I basically turn to tee shirts and jeans of which I own less than a dozen of each. I can count my pairs of jeans on one hand. I do rely on my denim jacket, though. I have one sweatshirt and no dress pants.
What is your own definition of happiness?
That’s a good question! I assume you mean when I’m not on set- cuz that is my big happy place to be honest. If I’m not working, then happiness for me is probably mountains, a clear view of the Milky Way and a cool breeze. And snow.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
You mean besides Baby Yoda? I mean come on! Who doesn’t want to squeeze him! But you probably want a real person. I think Einstein so I could pick his brain.
Best advice ever given?
Uh…I’m not sure!
Do you support any charity?
I’m a big advocate for mental healthcare, and forest and wildlife preservation.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
A series regular! I would love to get up every day and go to set like it’s a normal job! I’d like to have a few features under my belt by then, too.
Favorite song? Why?
I can’t choose! There’s too many and I love them all!
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s an awesome way of connecting with people. I don’t spend a lot of time on it because I have a lot going on, but I’ve met some really sweet people from all over the world. It’s an opportunity, you know? To meet someone from Brazil or Germany or even just another city here in the US. And I like seeing what my people are up to, even it is is just a glimpse.
Where we can follow you?
Book: Tricker’s Queen by Tamora Pierce. Is it too cheesy to also say the one my mom wrote? It’s called Hidden City and it’s an awesome YA paranormal adventure. And no joke, it really is great!
Quote: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Tv Series: Sherlock from the BBC
Favorite Food: SUSHI
Travel Destination: Gimmelwald Switzerland (You have to hike in- no road vehicles!), Ireland, Scotland (family heritage) Iceland, France, Italy, Denmark, every state in the US, Australia, wherever the Steep Canyon Rangers are playing & lastly, New Zealand to see the locations from Lord of the Rings.
Sports Team: Sorry, I’m not that guy!
