Khobe Clarke. Photo by: Elijah Silva
Part 2 of the final season of Netflix’s drama series, Firefly Lane, starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke dropped yesterday, April 27 with the final seven episodes. Based on Kristin Hannah’s novel, Firefly Lane follows best friends Tully (Heigl) and Kate (Chalke) who’s 30 year friendship goes through many ups and downs.
Told through flashbacks, the cast also includes Ali Skovbye as Young Tully, Roan Curtis as Young Kate, Ben Lawson, Beau Garrett, Yael Yurman, India de Beaufort, Greg Germann, Jolene Purdy, and Ignacio Serricchio. Season 2 introduced viewers to new recurring characters including Coop, who we meet in the 1970s flashbacks when Tully and Kate are in high school, and begins a secret romance with Kate.
We caught up with actor Khobe Clarke who portrays Coop in Firefly Lane, and asked him all about his character, his audition process, some learning experiences, and more.
Check out our conversation below.
What was your audition process like for Firefly Lane?
Khobe Clarke (KC): I remember going to my coach Bob’s studio to film the self-tape for Coop and the first line in the sides was from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks.” In the first take I messed up that Shakespeare line and there was a moment where I break character and try not to laugh because I knew the take wasn’t usable.
After we watched a few of the takes, Bob looked at the first one and simply said “that is the one you’re sending in.” There was something about the energy that matched what was needed for the character and as hard as I fought against sending in that take, Bob and my reader insisted on it which led to a call back and then the job!
What can viewers expect from this final season?
KC: Heartbreak, triumph, happiness, and growth!
How would you describe your character, Coop?
KC: Coop is the classic jock, football team captain and popular guy in high school. I would say he is confident in his abilities and in himself, but maybe struggles with identifying a deeper understanding of what he wants in his life.
What was it like preparing to play someone from the 1970s?
KC: Honestly, the wardrobe does almost enough to make you feel very involved in the time period. The leather jackets, tight jeans, and middle parted hair made me feel very 1970s. I also liked to make Coop playlists of music I think a football orientated teenager from the 70s might listen to. On my way to work in the morning I would listen to as much Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac as I could.
As an actor, were there any particular learning experiences you gained from your time on Firefly Lane?
KC: I think the biggest learning experience I had on Firefly Lane was realizing how important scene partner chemistry is. I came into that job very green and had never done an extended scene on camera with anybody before. Roan Curtis, who so wonderfully plays [Young] Kate, was a friend of mine right from the jump. She was so kind and inviting to the new kid on the block which created a sort of camaraderie and comfort which allowed us to explore so many fun and fresh options in our work. Acting is one of those professions in my opinion where the culture and your relationships with your co-workers affects the work so greatly.
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Season 2 of Firefly Lane is streaming on Netflix.
Follow Khobe: Instagram
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