For Ezra Richardson’s first professional acting role, he can be seen playing Young Joe Kennedy (Joey) in the new feature film Average Joe, which was released in the USA on 11th October. Ezra is directed by Harold Cronk, and the film is based on the true story of Joe Kennedy through the years as a child and a high school football coach, which led to a court case after he was fired. We recently caught up with Ezra, who chatted to us about the new feature film Average Joe, having Young Joe Kennedy (Joey) as his first professional acting role and what his experience was like on set of the film.

Can you tell us about the new feature film Average Joe, which was released in the USA on 11th October?

Average Joe is the story of Coach Joe Kennedy’s life leading up to his seven-year fight for freedom of speech and freedom of religion all the way to the Supreme Court. From his unlikely beginning as a scrappy kid to the US Marines to his final gig as a high school football coach who was fired for silently kneeling in prayer on the 50-yard line after each game, we are shown how even an average guy, or an Average Joe, can make a difference when they take a stand for what they believe in.

In the film, you play the role of Joey, how would you describe the character and how did you prepare for filming?

Joey was rambunctious and a little rough, but he was also caring and thoughtful. We are able to see that kindness through the letters he writes to Denise when they are younger. My life experiences are very different than Joey’s, but I enjoyed the challenge of putting myself in his shoes and getting into his headspace to accurately portray what he was going through.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the project for your first professional acting role and was there anything that drew you to the character?

My mom got the call while I was at school. When she picked me up, she asked me what would make this the greatest day and I responded off-the-cuff “being in a movie”. She just looked at me and nodded. I was blown away.

When we read about the character for the audition, I could absolutely see myself playing Joey. One audition scene was serious and the other humorous. I felt like there would be a lot of depth to work with in Joe’s story.

How did you find the experience on set of Average Joe and how was it being directed by Harold Cronk?

Since it was my first time on set, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was ready to find out. It was a dream. The crew was so friendly and encouraging every step of the way. I credit Harold with setting the atmosphere from the start. He is a guy who likes to have fun at work, but he absolutely knows how to get the job done. I am super thankful for the positive experience.

What was Young Joe Kennedy like to play and how was it filming alongside the rest of the cast?

It was great playing Joey. His character allowed me to play a variety of scenes from comedic to dramatic. The fight scenes were super fun. All of the cast were amazing and friendly. Obviously, I didn’t film any scenes with the older versions of myself (Eric Close and Austin Woods), but I was able to speak with them and get to know them a bit. They are both class acts, all the way. It was a great learning experience. Anabelle Holloway (Young Denise) and I had a lot of fun on set portraying Joe and Denise in the early years.

What do you feel you’ve learned from working on your first feature film?

I learned to trust myself and commit to everything I do. Some advice that I was given by Eric Close was to pave my own path.

Was there anything you were looking forward to most for the release of Average Joe?

I am really excited to see the film with friends and family and to see how they react to it. I also can’t wait to see how it is received by audiences.

Who do you think Average Joe will appeal to and why would you recommend watching it?

Average Joe will appeal to anyone who likes stories about hope or anyone who wants to be inspired. This story has something for everyone with positive messages throughout. It is presented in such a way that allows people to connect to the story easily.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

As a kid, I was always interested in movies and acting. When I was about nine years old, I decided I wanted to act, so I enrolled in a local class at Acting Out! Academy. Their team does a great job of developing talent and helping people launch their careers. That is where I started and where I continue to develop and challenge my skills as an actor.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I enjoy all genres of film and TV when I can become invested in the characters and I can attach meaning to the work. Some films I have enjoyed are Greater, Good Will Hunting, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Favourite TV shows of mine include Psych, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Better Call Saul, and The Walking Dead.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend my free time hanging out with friends, skateboarding around town, and playing basketball. For the most part, you can find me exploring and being active in my free time.

What do you enjoy most about being an actor and working on screen?

Movies were such an amazing part of my childhood. They would transport me to other worlds and immerse me deep into stories. So being able to connect with audiences, total strangers, by bringing a character to life through the screen is probably the most fun.

Have you been given any advice over your time in the acting industry so far that has stuck with you?

If you really love acting, you just have to stick with it. Keep training, keep challenging yourself, and surround yourself with great people.

Apart from Average Joe, do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping the next year brings for your career?

For the immediate future, I am excited about the release of Average Joe and to see how audiences react to it. I will continue to hone my craft over this next year, and I am excited to see what comes next.

Follow Ezra on:

Instagram