Merrick McCartha will soon be seen on screen as recurring character District Attorney Grayson Valwell in the new Amazon Prime crime drama series Countdown, which premieres on 25th June. Countdown is created by Derek Haas, and Merrick worked closely with Eric Dane (as Nathan Blythe), with Jensen Ackles starring as Mark Meachum. Further roles for Merrick include a guest role last year in the ABC series High Potential as Detective Lavolie, a guest role in Series 10 of Grey’s Anatomy as Karl, recurring character Frederick in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, and in the Netflix comedy series Unstable, Merrick played the recurring role of Ted, with Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe leading the show. Chatting with Merrick, he spoke to us about the new Amazon Prime crime drama series Countdown (which premieres on 25th June), playing District Attorney Grayson Valwell and his recurring roles of Frederick in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Ted in Netflix comedy series Unstable.
You will be playing the recurring character District Attorney Grayson Valwell in the new Amazon Prime crime drama series Countdown, premiering on 25th June, can you tell us about the show?
Countdown is an action crime thriller about a secret task force of law enforcement officers including Jensen Ackles, Jonathan Togo, Jessica Camacho, Elliot Knight, Violet Beane, and Ulu Latukefu all led by Eric Dane that have uncovered a plot to cause mass casualties in Los Angeles. It’s high-octane with a bit of humour and endearing characters.
Was there anything that drew you to the series, which is created by Derek Haas, and how was it reading the scripts for the first time?
Crime thrillers are right in my wheelhouse, so when I saw this was created and written by Derek Haas of One Chicago fame, I was an easy YES. After getting all the scripts, all I could say was “Wow”, over and over. The crew would even pull me aside and tell me the same! Lots of surprises in this show.
What was it like on the set of Countdown and how was it taking on the role of District Attorney Grayson Valwell?
On set everyone was so kind yet top-notch professionals. We were all on our game, so to speak. What was really lovely is that we all genuinely enjoyed being with each other, cast and crew! Everything seemed to run so smoothly, it was a wonderful experience every day I was there.
How was it meeting and filming with the rest of the cast, which includes Jensen Ackles as Mark Meachum?
Most of my scenes are with Eric Dane but I did get to meet and chat with Jensen on set and he couldn’t have been more gracious. I’d heard great things about him. As for the rest of the main cast, we also had an absolute blast. I didn’t have scenes with Uli but he cracked us all up on set. Jonathan Togo was also the life of the party whenever he was around, an authentic good dude. Elliot, Violet and I had some great bonding time as well. I didn’t meet Jessica until the wrap party but she came right up to me and we just hit it off.
Why would you recommend watching Countdown and who do you think the series will appeal to?
I’d say Countdown will appeal to a wide audience for sure. It’s got the action and the thrills, but it also has plenty of heart. The relationships with the team quickly draw you in. Derek has, again, crafted a dynamic and layered story with this series. It will keep you on the edge of your seat each week.
In the ABC series High Potential, you had a guest role last year as Detective Lavolie, how was it working on the One of Us episode?
High Potential was a surprise hit even to me! When I got the audition, I of course wanted to watch an episode just to get a better sense of the show. Oh boy was I hooked on the first episode. It is now one of my favourites! My episode was directed by James Roday Rodriguez, and that was a treat in and of itself. He was on the ball! Although I didn’t get any scenes with Kaitlin (Olson), the rest of the cast was a fun and tight-knit group. They care deeply for each other and were warm and welcoming to all of us guest actors. I hope to be on it again!
What was it like filming as guest character Karl in Series 10 of Grey’s Anatomy?
It was actually a bit emotional for me. I got to be directed by the great Debbie Allen. While the cameras and lights were being set, we had a fun chat about the first time I ever saw Denzel Washington in person. My scene was with Ellen Pompeo and Caterina Scorsone, and they were so fun to play with. I’m looking forward to working with Debbie Allen again!
Can you tell us about playing the recurring role of Frederick in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and how would you describe your character?
House of Payne is a long-running sitcom and I was happy to get the part of Laura’s somewhat stodgy father. I care deeply for my daughter and insist on making sure she’s leading a happy life. As fans of the show know, Laura and Calvin are engaged and are in an up and down relationship. Will they get married? We’ll see! I’m actually returning this summer for multiple episodes.
You could also be seen in the Netflix series Unstable as recurring character Ted alongside Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe; what did you enjoy most about filming for the comedy series?
Unstable was an ensemble cast of brilliant comedic actors. Johnny created this show after some funny viral social media posts about his relationship with his dad, Rob. Another treat of working on the show was getting some time to fan-out on Fred Armisen! I’m such a HUGE fan of his and didn’t realise I’d be working with him.
Where does your love of acting come from and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?
I discovered at a young age that I had a talent for performing. This was when a grade school teacher decided to have fun and let each student do what I later knew to be an improv scene. I was normally very shy, but when my turn came, something came alive. It has been with me ever since. Although I didn’t pursue it as a career till much later in life, I know this is what gives me the greatest joy as a vocation.
Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?
I watch anything from slapstick comedy, to intense murder mysteries, so long as it’s a great story with great acting. Currently I’d say my favourite show is the political thriller, The Diplomat. Everything about it is superb!
What do you find most rewarding about working in the acting industry?
As an actor, my joy in this comes when I discover new things about myself. Discovery is at the core of great acting. This industry itself has its challenges lately, but I remain undeterred.
What are you hoping 2025 brings for you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can share?
My hope for 2025, as far as my acting career, is that I land a series regular role on a great show that allows me to do great work. It’s about time. Haha!
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