Kale Culley on Being Part of the Walker Family and His Journey as August So Far
At long last, the CW's Walker returns tonight, April 3, and we cannot wait to see what the titular Texas Ranger and his crew will get up to next.
The new season promises more drama, action and plenty of twists and turns, and we're particularly curious to see how the story of Walker's son, August, unfolds. He's played by 18-year-old Kale Culley, and ahead of the exciting new season, we got the opportunity to chat with Kale all about his history as an actor, what it's meant to him to be part of the Walker family and so much more. Read our full interview with him 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?
Kale Culley: I discovered my passion for acting when I was 4 years old! I've always been the kid who loved to be the center of attention because of jokes I told or character bits that I made up. One random day, I was watching television on a school break, and suddenly, everything just clicked to me that I could portray different characters and make the world laugh/cry/scream and experience all sorts of emotions as long as I had a story to tell!
(Photo credit: Arthur Bryan Marroquin, ABM Photography)
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SH: Were you a fan of Walker, Texas Ranger before you auditioned for Walker? What has it meant to you to join the beloved franchise?
KC: I still, 'til this day, have never seen a single episode of the original Walker, lol! I was going to watch the show before the audition, but they told us not to, with the goal of keeping it new and original (don't tell Chuck Norris). Joining this show has meant a lot to me! It was a little scary joining because of the fact that when you join a project that already has a big following, people can be… harsh accepting old characters coming back for a new story. Luckily when the first season came out, fans old and new loved the stories we shared.
SH: Tell us about your character, August. What journey has he been on in the first three seasons, and where is he at the start of Season 4?
KC: August Walker is an ever-evolving teenager. Some changes he makes for himself are good, and some of them are not smiled upon, lol. His journey so far has been a long, wild rollercoaster of emotions, to say the least.
Season 1 August was incredibly insecure and anti-social but still somehow the peacekeeper of the family (not intentionally, but the rest of the family kept it peaceful so August didn't snap). Season 1 August's emotions were directly affected by the death of his mother, Emily.
Season 2 August started coming out of his shell and accepting everything going on around him. He was a little nervous to fully be himself, but he was definitely more social.
Season 3 August was a huge jump from Season 2, lol. He seemed to get his spark back along with angst and drama. It seems as if August wanted to start drama and gossip without really even trying. He was definitely quick and on his feet both emotionally and physically—stealing cars, punching grown adult thieves in the face and running from trouble seemed to call August's name!
Season 4 August calmed down a bit on the drama side and really starts to show his true colors when it comes to helping others. I can't say much about this season yet, but you'll see what I mean.
(Photo credit: Keegan Allen)
SH: Would you say you're like August in real life? In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you very different?
KC: I was nothing like August in the first couple of seasons, lol. I am very naturally energetic and extroverted, whereas August was the complete opposite. Season 3 and 4 August are kind of similar to me, but there are still some major differences, which is good because it allows people to see August instead of Kale! August and I differ in the fact that August is kind of old school. Don't get me wrong, I have an old soul, but August lives his day-to-day life far more traditionally than I do. We like similar things, like old music and exploring, but he and I do different kinds of exploring, I'd say, lol. I don't think August would want to live my life. In the same way, I would rather live in my own shoes, you know?
(Photo credit: Arthur Bryan Marroquin, ABM Photography)
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SH: What's been your favorite moment from the set this season?
KC: I can't pinpoint an exact moment on set that I hold above every other moment. However, I will say that I have the most fun on set when everyone is there! There's such good kinetic energy that never slows down when you have 13 hilarious and kind people in the same room all day!
(Image courtesy of Kale Culley)
SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see in the new season?
KC: Not that I can go into specific detail, lol (I really wish I could), but there is a new side of August that we haven't seen yet. Also, the story this year involves everyone. This season uses everyone's pros and cons to their absolute fullest and I can't wait for the world to see! You are going to see some new emotions out of August that you haven't seen before!
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
KC: I can't think of anything else to add, besides thank you! I always enjoy talking about the show and people who want to know more about it! I hope you enjoy watching this wild season!
For more insights from our favorite actors, click HERE to read our interview with Brooke Carter on her movie, Damsel, with Millie Bobby Brown.