Photo by: Jaden Robinson
We caught up with actor Caleb Baumann who can be seeing playing Maddox Parish in the new AMC crime drama series, Parish, which premiered on March 31st. The six-episode series stars and is executive produced by Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul). Esposito stars as Gracian “Gray” Parish, a family man who’s son (Caleb Baumann) is violently murdered. After his business collapses, an encounter with an old friend from his days as a wheelman resurfaces old habits, sending Gray on a high-stakes collision course with a violent criminal.
Shot on-location in New Orleans, the cast of Parish also includes Zackary Momoh (The Nevers, Harriet), Paula Malcomson (Watchmen, The Hunger Gamen), Skeet Ulrich (Scream, Riverdale), Bonnie Mbuli (Invictus, Wallander), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing, Get Out), Ivan Mbakop (Hawkeye, Red Notice), Arica Himmel (Mixed-ish, Black-ish), Dax Rey (The Good Fight, Chicago Fire), and Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale, Orphan Black).
Caleb tells us about his character in the series, what viewers can expect, working alongside Esposito, and more. Check out our conversation below.
What can you tell us about Parish? How would you describe the series?
Caleb Baumann (CB): The heartbeat of Parish is family. The show revolves around a desperate, broken man and what he would do to preserve and repair the relationship with his family. He wants desperately to solve his son’s murder, and it really encompasses his whole life. This story really starts to operate in the “grey” area of life, blurring what is right and wrong, and as the show goes on sometimes it is not clear which side to be on. Because of Gray’s desperation over his son’s death(me) and financial worries, Gray is motivated to get back into the life of crime. What he thinks is going to be a one-time job gets him in deeper and deeper, but closer to finding closure over his son’s murder. The show is super intense and does a really good job of questioning the line between good and evil and bringing the audience into who how the line can be hazy.
Tell us about your character and what viewers can expect.
CB: I play Maddox Parish – Gray’s deceased son. Maddox was murdered 8 months before the show’s timeline starts. Throughout the season, you see more about Maddox through the memories that Grey has of his son. It is obvious that Grey loved Maddox fiercely and that the family really had a special bond. But as with all families, Maddox was going through some growing pains that start to culminate closer to his murder. Grey’s relationship with Maddox plays a pivotal role in his journey and viewers can expect an exciting and emotional ride. The sadness that Grey carries with him is really beyond words.
What’s been your favorite moment from the set so far?
CB: Every day that I was fortunate enough to be on set was amazing. The entire cast and crew of Parish are the best. My favorite moment would have to be my first day shooting with Giancarlo. It was our first scene together. There were no lines, but it was an incredibly demanding scene. After we finished the scene, he came up to me, put his hand on my shoulder, and told me how much I meant to him. He told me he had my picture in his wallet, and he had been living with the show and Maddox for so long. At some point, we both just started to cry. It was a moment of pure human connection; that’s just who Giancarlo is. He made me feel so seen and so wanted. He makes everyone on set feel this way, and I am just so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from such a master.
What’s the best advice someone has ever given you about acting?
CB: Life in general is a great teacher. I try to learn from every experience, both on set and off, and have been fortunate enough to work with some of the best actors. But some great advice that I have been thinking about a lot recently was given to me by Michael Mando. He is a fantastic actor and someone I have always wanted to meet, and hopefully work with one day. We met at an after party and I told him how much his work meant to me. He was gracious enough to offer me some advice about being “successful” in this industry. He said there are two things that make someone successful, hard work and relationships.
Outside of acting, what are some of your hobbies?
CB: I have a lot of hobbies outside of acting! I spend a lot of time in my apartment just playing my guitar. Playing guitar really recharges me. I also love to skateboard and watch movies. I have a very long list of movies that I still need to see, so I like to work through the list when I can. It is incredible how many good movies and TV shows there are! I am also casual gamer, recently I have been working my way through Elden Ring. I think my favorite thing though is hanging out with my dogs. I have four rescue dogs, Chance, Dakota, Bluey, and Itty Bitty that are the best!
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Parish is streaming on AMC+
Follow Caleb Baumann: Instagram