Parish Actor Caleb Baumann on Playing Maddox and Working With Giancarlo Esposito
AMC's newest show, Parish, began airing on March 31, and in less than two weeks, the series is already a sensation.
It helps that AMC is beloved for its addictive crime dramas, and Parish is no different—especially as it's led by legendary actor Giancarlo Esposito, perhaps best known for his roles on AMC's Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian on Disney+. The series follows the star as the titular Gray Parish, whose violent past as a criminal resurfaces when his son is killed, putting him back on the path he swore off for his family. Actor Caleb Baumann plays his son, Maddox, as he exists in the past, and though he's no longer alive, his presence is felt throughout the series. We had the pleasure of getting to chat with Caleb all about the role, his love of acting and what it's meant to him to get to work with Giancarlo Esposito. Read the interview in full below.
Sweety High:When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Caleb Baumann: Acting was never something that I was searching for—it kinda found me. I've always been fascinated with stories and where they can take you. As a kid, my mom would always take my brother and me to see theatre in Atlanta at The Alliance Theatre. My favorite was the tradition of going to A Christmas Carol every year because it always had kids in the cast. One year I asked my mom, "How do I get up there on the stage?" and she turned to me and said," No, we sit in the audience" Fast forward, I took a class at the same theater, and the director of A Christmas Carol saw me in the class and asked if I wanted to audition. So I auditioned and I ended up getting a role in the play. I really grew up in the theater and that was how I got my start in acting.
SH: Can you tell us a little bit about Parish? What's the series about, and where does your character, Maddox, fit into the equation?
CB: Family is the heartbeat of Parish. At its core, it's about what a desperate, broken man would do to preserve and repair his family. At the start of the show, the audience feels that there is intense grief and sadness over the death of Maddox, Gray's son. It's a very personal story, and Gray's relationship with Maddox plays a pivotal role in his journey. Because of his desperation over his son's death and financial worries, Gray is motivated to get back into the life of crime. This show challenges the line between good and evil when fighting for something like family, and how this line can be hazy. This story operates in the grey area of life.
(Image courtesy of Amanda Abelita, Abelita PR)
SH: Would you say you're like to Maddox in real life? In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you very different?
CB: My goal was to make a fully three dimensional character, even though Maddox really does only exist in the past. As an actor, I think the only way to do this is and really get into your character's head is to find similarities. What links me to Maddox is his relationship with his family. It is obvious that there was a special bond between Maddox and his family. But I cannot get behind his favorite food; pineapple on pizza.
(Parish via AMC)
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SH: What's been your favorite moment from the set so far?
CB: It's hard to narrow it down to just one, but I think my favorite moment on set was relatively early in the process. It was Giancarlo's and my first scene together. There were no lines, but it was an incredibly intense scene. After we finished the scene, he came up to me and he gave me this huge bear hug 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. He made me feel so seen and so wanted. It was a moment of pure human connection; that's just who Giancarlo is.
(Image courtesy of AMC)
SH: What's it been like working with Giancarlo Esposito playing your father? Were you familiar with his work before joining the show?
CB: Working with Giancarlo has been the highlight of my career. My dad introduced me to Giancarlo's work years ago and we watched everything together, including Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian and Do the Right Thing. So, when I got the call that I would be working with Giancarlo on this show, it was surreal. He is a consummate professional and every day on set with him is a master class in acting. His energy is palpable, and when you're doing a scene together, you can't help not to just give it 120%. Besides being an amazing actor, he's even more incredible when the cameras aren't rolling. He's such a devoted, passionate and giving person. His warmth is contagious and I am honored to call him a friend.
SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see as the season unfolds?
CB: Without saying too much, I can't wait for everyone to see the finale. I think it will leave you wanting more.
(Image courtesy of Amanda Abelita, Abelita PR)
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SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
CB: You can catch me on Disney Channel as Liam in Raven's Home, and you can check me out on HBO's Doom Patrol. I also have a really exciting project coming up, I can't talk about it at the moment, but i can say it will be awesome.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
CB: Working with the entire cast and crew of Parish has been an incredible opportunity. In addition to Giancarlo, I really enjoyed working with Arica Himmel as my sister and Paula Malcolmson as my mother. The entire experience is something I will cherish my whole life.
(Parish via AMC)
To hear more from our favorite young actors, click HERE to read our interview with Kale Culley and his work in The CW's Walker.