In this year’s release of crime drama series Parish, Caleb Baumann plays Maddox Parish alongside his on-screen family played by Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson and Arica Himmel, with the show premiering on AMC earlier this year and developed by Danny Brocklehurst and based on his BBC One crime drama The Driver. Caleb guest-starred in an episode of Raven’s Home in 2022 as Liam, and he played Tween Blerd Spence in Series 4 of the DC show Doom Patrol. We spoke to Caleb about playing Maddox Parish in the new crime drama series Parish, guest-starring in an episode of Raven’s Home and being part of DC’s Doom Patrol in Series 4.
How would you describe your character Maddox Parish in the new crime drama series Parish and can you tell us about the show?
Maddox Parish is Gray’s deceased son and is the foundation of Gray’s motivation. Gray’s relationship with Maddox plays a pivotal role in his journey. Because of Maddox’s death, the sadness that Gray carries with him really is overwhelming. Through the story you learn more about the tragic circumstances of Maddox’s death.
Was there anything that drew you to Parish and how was it reading the scripts for the first time?
I was so excited to get the audition for Maddox. Casting made a note that this character’s dad was being played by Giancarlo Esposito, so I already knew it would be an amazing opportunity. When I got the callback, I had the chance to work with the creative team and really felt my connection to the script and Maddox click.
How did you prepare for the role and what was it like getting into character?
There are so many things that go into preparing for a role and I spent a lot of time sitting with Maddox and imagining his life. I even took private boxing lessons to prepare for boxing with Giancarlo. But, the big moment for me was when I got into wardrobe fittings, the vision for Maddox started to really come to life. Also, as I learned more about the show and the script, driving around New Orleans and just being in and around the city helped really make a three-dimensional character. I had never been in New Orleans before, and the city is such a big part of the show.
How did you find the experience working alongside Giancarlo Esposito as your on-screen father Gray Parish, and the rest of your on-screen family?
Working with Giancarlo was like a masterclass every time we were together. He is such a great, down to earth person and I really cherish the connection I made with him. It really was a dream come true for me as I have been a fan of his work for a long time. Working with Paula (Malcomson) as my mom and Arica (Himmel) as my sister was fantastic as well. I am just so grateful that I was able to be a part of this project. Being on a set like that really is like being a family for that period of time and my on-screen Parish family is just exploding with talent and passion for their craft.
What was it like attending the screening event and seeing the completed series?
Because of the strike and the timing of filming until the screening, quite a bit of time had passed. So, I was excited to get to see everyone and to share the experience of watching the first episode together. It was really exciting being in the room with all the cast and creative team, producers, and so many others. Giancarlo was so proud of what we were all able to create together and his gratitude and enthusiasm was the most memorable part for me.
How was it playing Liam in an episode of Raven’s Home in 2022 and what was your storyline like to work on?
That’s So Raven has been such an iconic staple of so many childhoods, mine included. So stepping in that world was an incredible honour. Liam was just a lot of fun to play. The character had such an earnestness to him, and really just wanted to fit in. We have all been ‘the new kid’ at some point so I think between the humour and silly scenarios that the audience could really enjoy and get into, there was also a lot to relate to. I think that is part of why Raven’s Home has had such staying power, it’s hilarious and kids can relate to and find some really valuable advice woven in.
How much did you know about the That’s So Raven and Raven’s Home franchise before auditioning and how did you feel finding out you’d booked your guest-starring role?
My mom religiously watched That’s So Raven growing up and I watched the reruns! What was really fun about booking the role of Liam was that the character was a British exchange student. So I got to really play in the world of Raven’s Home as someone totally different. I actually kept the accent while I was on set so most of the crew didn’t know I wasn’t British until we wrapped. Of course, booking anything is exciting, but booking something so iconic has extra excitement!
Can you tell us about being part of Series 4 of Doom Patrol as Tween Blerd Spence?
As a fan of all things DC and Marvel, working on Doom Patrol was surreal. The shoot was so fun and the cast and crew were so professional. It was a great experience – who wouldn’t want to play laser tag with Cyborg?!
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get started in the industry?
My love for acting comes from the theatre. I started my acting career doing regional theatre. As a kid, I had amazing opportunities to work with an amazing community of adult actors that lifted me up. I was so fortunate that I learned so much from them, not just about acting but also about being a good human. I like to go back to the theatre whenever I can. I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t grown up in theatre.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?
I have a VERY long list of incredible movies that I have seen. After watching an amazing movie, I like to write it down on my list and keep track. Honestly, if I listed all of them in this interview, it would be pages long. But the films that pretty much dominate my list is basically every movie with Leonardo DiCaprio…
Have you been given any advice over your acting career so far that has stuck with you, and what do you enjoy most about being an actor?
I have had the opportunity to work with such incredible actors, and I take something valuable from every experience I have. But there is some advice that I got recently that is really relevant to where I am in my career right now. Michael Mando was at the Parish premiere, and I was fortunate enough to be able to talk with him. He is such a fantastic actor and really a genuine person. He told me there are two things it takes to be successful, work hard and build relationships. As a young person that recently moved to LA, building relationships can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable. Imposter syndrome and being an introvert by nature can be real obstacles, but overcoming that to build relationships really is critical.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I spend most of my free time playing guitar and writing music, which I really enjoy as a hobby. I started playing guitar during the pandemic and haven’t put it down since. I also watch a lot of movies and spend time with my rescue dogs.
What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?
I hope that the industry as a whole picks up and, of course, to have the opportunity to work on great projects. I do have an exciting project coming up that I can’t talk about quite yet, but I can say that it is a video game and that it is going to be sick.
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