For our latest feature, we catch up with actor Jesse Camacho who reprises his role as Homer in the hit workplace comedy series, The Trades for Season 2 on Crave. Camacho stars alongside Robb Wells (The Trailer Park Boys) and Anastasia Phillips (Moonshine) which chronicles the lives of the employees working at a refinery who must balance the conflicting personalities of a small town with the antics of a stressful workplace.
In our digital magazine feature, Camacho talks about returning to the series for Season 2, diving into his character Homer, and working with Wells which was a reunion from their previous feature film, Vandits. Camacho also talks about the exciting news of him and the The Trades cast being nominated for “Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series” at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards.
Photos for this exclusive feature by Evoke Photo Studios
The Trades is now back on Crave for Season 2; take us back to your first day back on set for the new season.
Jesse Camacho (JC) : It was actually the perfect first day back. I got pied, then stripped down to my underwear with Brandon Oakes for our scene in episode 2 when Steffy (Sue Kent) looks at us through Danny’s (Pat Roach) VR goggles. Just a note on that—I didn’t get approval on my CGI… member. Hahaha. They really did Homer dirty! I’m obviously kidding, though; I think the scene is hilarious and I’m absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. But yeah, the focus that day was mostly on episode 2. It felt great to dive back in with a classic Homer investigation. This cast and crew are like family, so it was all smiles and laughs on my first day back. Warren Sonoda, our amazing director, gave everyone a special shoutout when we arrived on set. It truly felt like coming home.
The focus that day was mostly on episode 2. It felt great to dive back in with a classic Homer investigation. This cast and crew are like family, so it was all smiles and laughs on my first day back. Warren Sonoda, our amazing director, gave everyone a special shoutout when we arrived on set. It truly felt like coming home.
It’s been two seasons now of diving into the character of Homer. Do you think you understand this character after coming to back to play him for a new season, or are you still learning about him?
JC: I think you’re always learning when you get to play a character for an extended period of time, especially since they evolve. When our amazing showrunner/creator Ryan Lindsay first wrote these characters, he had no idea who would play them. One of the most fun aspects of our first season was how everyone was adapting—whether it was the writers adjusting to us actors or vice versa. I definitely discovered new layers to Homer in season 2, and I think our writers have done a phenomenal job of exploring every single one of these characters. What definitely stands out for Homer this season though, is that he has quite the temper and is very competitive. So I got to channel a little of my inner Chris Farley which is always a blast.
What can you tell us about Season 2 of The Trades? Anything about your character Homer that we maybe did not see in Season 1?
JC: We get a little more insight into his life outside the refinery. He’s got a wife and two kids. We met his son Dylan in season 1, played by Vox Smith, who’s just wonderful, and we get to see more of him this season as well. I also really enjoyed working with Molly Dunsworth and Ellie Cluett, who played my wife and daughter. Homer’s got game because Molly is WAY out of my league and incredibly talented. I hope that’s a dynamic we can revisit if the show gets to continue (fingers crossed!).
I always love it when Homer gets to put on his conspiracy theory hat and do some investigating—it’s just too much fun, so I was happy we got to see more of that. But, honestly, the thing I loved the most about this season was there were so many set pieces where the whole cast got to be together and that’s when I feel like the show is at it’s best. Season 2 really capitalized on that dynamic with our group.
Tell us about working with Robb Wells; you worked with Robb on a film called Vandits prior to The Trades as well.
JC: Robb Wells is the main reason I’m here talking to you about The Trades today, full stop. Something about the character of Homer really struck a chord with him, and he thought of me, asked me to read, and I’ll forever be grateful to Robb for that. Our experience working on Vandits was a blast, and I remember being so impressed with him as an actor. He’s been making the world howl with laughter as Ricky for so long that it’s easy to forget just how talented and versatile he is. He’s an extremely hard worker, unbelievably kind, generous, and an incredible leader for the cast. He’s always prepared and has absolutely no ego. But above all that, he’s just an awesome guy. It’s been one of the great joys of my life and career to collaborate with him and call him a friend.
What have you learned about the workplace comedy format by working on The Trades from an acting perspective?
JC: Mostly, it’s that it’s a team sport, and I love that. We have one of the best ensemble casts around, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise. But I believe the real reason it works is because we all love and trust each other. That goes beyond the cast too; it obviously starts with Ryan, extends to Warren, and includes the rest of our crew. There’s a contagious feeling of freedom and fun on our set that I’ve never quite experienced, and I truly believe it stems from the workplace comedy template. When you think of shows that have done that on a premium level, you think of The Office, Parks and Rec, or Cheers, and the reason they work so well is because everyone is working in harmony with each other. So, I’ve learned that I’m at my best when I’m serving the bigger picture, not just myself as an actor or as Homer.
Take us through when you found out that Season 2 would be announced during the broadcast of the 2025 Superbowl.
JC: I mean… It was the coolest. It’s the second time we’ve had a promo in the Superbowl and it’s an honor. It’s the biggest stage you can ask for and I’m grateful Bell Crave made it work. Now, hopefully we can get a 3rd season and a US Network to pick us up so our American neighbours can enjoy it too. Times have been a little turbulent and I think a fun show like this can bring people together.
The cast was recently nominated for “Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series” at the Canadian Screen Awards; what was your reaction to that?
JC: I was obviously super flattered and humbled by it. It’s always scary putting work out there in the world, so to be recognized with this group is a real treat. I’m also so happy for Anastasia, Raoul and Patrick for their individual nominations which are very well deserved. I was also thrilled for our Music and Special Effects team that got some love. Let’s all party!
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