Oct 7, 2021

Country Artist and Actor Carson Boatman Discusses His Latest Movie, "Runt"

The LA-based actor and recording artists opens up about his role in the film RUNT and on his biggest inspirations.

Carson Boatman from RUNT with Cameron Boyce. Carson also portrays Johnny DiMera on the hit NBC soap DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Carson first catapulted into the spotlight at the ripe age of 19 as part of the boy band CITIZEN FOUR (signed by Island Records). Two years later he opted for a solo career in country music. — Photography by Ben Duggan | Styling by Anna Schilling

What made you to become an actor & musician?

From a young age, I’ve always had a real passion and love for TV shows and movies. They made me feel like I could do anything as a kid. I love the places they can take you and the way they make you feel. The same goes for music. A song can take you back to a place from the past, as well as somewhere you’ve never been before.

Your give life to Hank in the movie RUNT, take us through the process of getting into character for this role. What made you audition for this project?

Hank was an interesting role to prepare for. It was fun for me because he’s so different than I am in real life (thankfully), and he has a real intensity to him. He has a chip on his shoulder. He’s extremely insecure with a desperate need to prove himself, which makes him vicious. I was drawn to him because I wanted to explore how I would portray those attributes. I think at his core, he’s a little animalistic as far as instincts go, and I think we all have a little bit of that in us.

What is your favorite part of being an actor? What is your least favorite?

My favorite part of acting is signing on to a project, giving all of yourself to it, and watching it come together and become a living, breathing piece of art. My least favorite part might have to be all the waiting around in between takes. Sometimes you’re on ice for hours waiting to get onto set and start acting. It can be challenging to maintain the right head space for long periods of time. Especially if it’s an emotional scene.

How does being on the TV series "Days of Our Lives" differ from your other past roles?

Days of Our Lives differs from other roles I’ve done because it’s so consistent and long term. It’s really fun because it allows you to stay in a character for months and years at a time. You can find things along the way that maybe you wouldn’t have on a 5 week shoot.

Who is your role model & how do they inspire you?

I don’t know that I have one single role model. I’ve been blessed to have so many amazing figures in my life. My parents, my friends, and several mentor figures that I’ve been able to meet along my journey. Nobody is perfect, but if you can surround yourself with a multitude of inspiring people, they all have different strengths and weaknesses. There are always lessons to be learned.

What is something you wish an artist/actor told you when you were first discovering you love for this industry?

One thing I wish someone would’ve told me when I was starting out is that it’s going to happen for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen how you think it will, or when you think it will. You can’t tie yourself to expectations because, although you do have to work your ass off, at the end of the day this is a profession of luck and timing.

Watch Carson Boatman on Runt and make sure to follow him on Instagram to stay up to date with his latest projects.