VISUAL TALES: Hi Ashby. Let’s start this interview with your name, which is like a character’s name in a book or film. Did your parents tell you the origins of how your name was chosen?
ASHBY GENTRY: I am named directly after my great grandfather on my father’s side. As for where he got his name—I have absolutely no clue. I believe Ashby is a British name, but could be completely wrong about that. In any case, it’s certainly unique enough to have warranted me some mild teasing in elementary school and some envious compliments now that I am an actor. People tell me all the time “wow you have a great name for an actor” to which my response is usually “Thanks! I deserve zero credit for choosing it!”

VT: You are from Arizona. What was it like growing up there? What led you into the performing arts? Who were some actors that you looked up to? 
AG: Growing up in Phoenix was really interesting. Phoenix is a really unique environment. Obviously the climate is super harsh, but the culture also reflects this type of direct intensity. The funny thing about Phoenix is that it moves at a very similar pace to New York. I feel a greater similarity between Phoenix and New York than several of the surrounding east-coast cities I’ve visited. I started acting in High School and later continued at University. I’ve always been attracted to very transformative actors such as Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett. These days I take inspiration from the actors working in the theatre that I surround myself with in New York. I’m really grateful to them for re-inspiring me in such bleak times.

VT: You attended Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Theater. What are some of your favorite memories while studying there? Was there any advice given to you by drama teachers that you take to heart and utilize in acting today?
AG: The majority of college is a blur for me. Although my four years at BU were some of the most frustrating of my life, I do have many fond memories of solidarity with the loved ones that I met along the way there. I use little tidbits from all of my acting teachers throughout the years. I think a key takeaway for me at BU was that before you’re a celebrity you’re an actor, and before you’re an actor you’re an artist and before you’re an artist you’re a human being. If you don’t have a solid enough foundation on that level it will be very difficult to build towards all the rest.

VT: Share with us what your audition process looked like for My Life with the Walter Boys? From your perspective, can you define who Alex is? Is he similar to you or different?
AG: Auditioning for Walter Boys was very 'matter of fact’. There was never a point where I really thought one way or the other about whether or not I was going to get the part. That’s not to say I didn’t want it…I did.  It just always felt normal for me to be playing that character I suppose.  Alex is a very intentional person.  He eats, sleeps, breathes, works, plays, rodeos, and loves intentionally. In that way I think we’re similar. I admire him in a lot of ways actually. I think he’s like a better, more efficacious version of myself. I think playing him encourages me to be more on top of my bullshit.

VT: Alex is a rodeo competitor. How did you prepare yourself for the role technically? 
AG: I spent a lot of time on horseback—virtually whenever I wasn’t shooting. I also learned certain skills like roping and saddling. I was fortunate enough to attend the Calgary Stampede and watch the Rodeo there. That was awesome. I would love to be able to do that again.

VT: As we know by now, there is a tug of war, relationship wise between Alex, Jackie (portrayed by Nikki Rodriguez) and Cole (portrayed by Noah LaLonde). Since it's known that the cast is very much a family unit in front and behind the camera, was it difficult to have to follow the script and project that sense of one winning over the other emotionally? 
AG: Honestly one of the most difficult parts of the show is having to temper my genuine amiability with my castmates. Fortunately with Nikki we are able to share scenes in which we aren’t at each other’s throats 24/7. With Noah it’s a bit more challenging. I’m too aware of Lacanian takes on fantasy to ever let my vigilance slip and have the show draw a true line between us. He’s a difficult man to pretend to hate that’s for sure.