USA Network Colony Star Jacob Buster Interview

USA Network Colony Star Jacob Buster takes some time out of his busy schedule to talk about the show and his career.

Colony star Jacob Buster stars alongside Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies on the Sci-Fi Drama series. Buster portrays fan-favorite Charlie Sullivan, an abused child who was separated from his family for over a year in this dystopian version of Los Angeles.

Buster also recently starred in the holiday film The Christmas Project, which is available on Amazon and Netflix. His other television credits include a recurring role as “Young Mike Ross” (played by Patrick J. Adams) on Suits and a guest role on The Thundermans.

BSCKids: Tell us a bit about your role as Charlie Bowman on Colony and how your audition for the role went?

Jacob Buster: I have a unique story for how I booked the role of Charlie. Because I spend most of my time in Utah, I recorded the audition for Charlie in my basement assuming that if they liked my read they would have me come to LA to meet in person. With a role that could eventually turn into a series regular, you usually have multiple auditions and at least one in person read. But, they cast me off my one taped audition. I felt so fortunate to get the opportunity to work with such a talented team.

BSCKids: Any funny behind the scenes of any show or movie you can tell us about?

Jacob Buster: Josh always makes things light and fun, as much as he can anyway. Just like his character onLost, he always gives people nicknames but I didn’t have one yet. I was talking to Carolyn (Devon) about her eyebrows being on fleek between setups one day. Josh asked what fleek meant. I said, “It means, perfect. On point.” He said, “I’m going to call you Fleek. But, wait, you need a last name.” He thought and came up with Skieber. I was like, “What? Why?” He said, “You know, like Justin Bieber. Fleek Skieber.” So now, he calls me Fleek Skieber. When I leave the set I point at him and say “Fleek Skieber, out!” He gives me one of those nods you’ve seen him do in a hundred episodes. It is super cool to have a nickname from Sawyer!

BSCKids: Do you share any similarities with your character? How do you get in character?

Jacob Buster: Thankfully, I do not have a life like Charlie at all. But, Charlie comes from a loving family just like me. He also loves sports like I do. His family, though, is going through an extremely difficult time. Charlie has been through a lot trying to survive on the other side of the wall and I think all of us go through difficult times in our lives and love is one of the greatest forces we have to help us through them. Honestly, I know Charlie pretty well now. I just get quiet and focus on Charlie and what he has been through and I slip into character.

BSCKids: How has working with Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callie’s been? Who do you think has taught you the most while working on this show?

Jacob Buster: Unbelievable! They are so present, so specific, so layered and real. I can just be and react. It’s fun to play and see what comes. They are also really nice and humble which is a major bonus. I am so grateful for them! For example, Josh has taught me that being a good person should always come first. He is very real, no ego at all. So kind, so funny, so real. And he is a hard worker and very good at what he does and stays humble about it at the same time. I really aspire to be like him.

BSCKids: What was your favorite scene from the first two seasons of the show?

Jacob Buster: I loved laying out under the stars with Josh after he rescued me in Santa Monica. I also love the one-on-one scenes where I can find connections and emotions. My favorite line in the scene was, “Why didn’t you pick me up?”

BSCKids: Do you have any exciting fan moments?

Jacob Buster: I do not have a lot, but I had one a few months ago. Someone recognized me at Magic Mountain. We took pictures together and she was shaking. It was a new experience for me and I am always so excited to meet a fan. I am grateful that someone cares.

BSCKids: What do you never leave home without?

Jacob Buster: I know it’s typical, but my phone. I always have to be connected.

BSCKids: Tell us a bit about your hobbies.

Jacob Buster: I love soccer, I have played competitively since I was four. I have a passion for music. My whole family loves to stay current with the music scene. I also love going to the skate park, being outside, fishing and hiking.

BSCKids: What has been your hardest role to date?

Jacob Buster: Probably Young Mike on Suits. It was very emotional. I had to start the scene with my Grandma in a light mood and hear my parents had been killed the night before. I did not really get to work into the tears, it had to come quickly. I actually love those kinds of scenes.

BSCKids: Who would you love to work with in the future?

Jacob Buster: I would love to work with Steven Spielberg, James Cameron or Matt Damon.

BSCKids: What is currently playing on your iPhone music wise right now?

Jacob Buster:
“I like me Better” by Lauv
“American Teen” by Khalid
“Stay” by Alessia Cara
“Something just like this” by Chainsmokers
“Down in Flames” by Ella Vos

BSCKids: If you could guest star on any television show which would it be and why?

Jacob Buster: Stranger Things for sure. I love the cast and the writing. I also love getting to work with other kids.

BSCKids: What advice would you give to other kids that want to get into acting?

Jacob Buster: I would say start where you are and always try your best. Participate in your school play, community theater or local indie films. It takes practice and persistence. Great work gets noticed, so be great where you are.

BSCKids: Where can we find you on social media?

Jacob Buster:
Insta/twitter: jacob_buster
snapchat: jacob_buster1