Will Harrison Masters the Art of Portraying Real People On Screen and Stage

Actor Will Harrison is building a remarkable career by stepping into the lives of real people. His roles range from a folk singer to a member of the infamous Murdaugh family. This unique niche has defined his first years in the industry.

He recently finished a celebrated Broadway run in the play Punch. There, he portrayed Jacob Dunne, a real man involved in a fatal altercation. Harrison’s approach to these roles involves deep research and a search for empathy.

The Challenges and Ethics of Playing Living People

Playing real individuals presents unique ethical questions. Harrison notes the process changes depending on the subject’s involvement. According to his interview, working on Punch was smoother because it was created with the characters’ direct blessing and input.

For his role as Buster Murdaugh in the Hulu series, contact was not an option. Harrison relied on available references and trusted the directors’ vision for the character. He explains that understanding a person’s motivations is key, even if you don’t agree with their actions.

From Broadway Physicality to Southern Power Dynamics

His Broadway role in Punch was intensely physical. Harrison had to conserve energy meticulously to perform eight shows a week. The role required him to master a Nottingham accent, a process he enjoyed due to his love for British media.

In contrast, Murdaugh: Death in the Family required understanding a specific type of Southern privilege. Harrison visited South Carolina to grasp the environment where the family held sway. He sees Buster as a tragic lens through which to view the family’s devastating story.

Harrison’s career demonstrates a profound commitment to truthful storytelling. His method for portraying real people hinges on finding the human core within the headline. This dedication makes his performances uniquely compelling and deeply human.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who did Will Harrison play in *Daisy Jones & The Six*?

He played a band member in the series, which was famously inspired by the real-life dynamics of the band Fleetwood Mac. His character was part of the dramatic musical ensemble at the show’s heart.

What is the Broadway play *Punch* about?

It is based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, who killed a man with a single punch in a bar fight. The play focuses on the subsequent restorative justice process between Dunne and the victim’s parents.

Did Will Harrison meet Buster Murdaugh?

No, Harrison did not communicate with Buster Murdaugh for the role. He relied on extensive online research and the direction provided by the show’s creators to build his performance.

How does Harrison prepare for accents?

He immersed himself in the Nottingham accent for *Punch* with help from the British creative team. His lifelong interest in British films like *Trainspotting* gave him a strong foundation for the dialect work.

What was it like working with Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke?

Harrison was starstruck and praised their professionalism. He noted that Clarke stayed so deeply in character that Harrison often felt he was interacting with his on-screen father, not the actor.