Why 4x Emmy Nominee Max Ehrich Wants To Be Like Jared Leto

Photo Credit: Michael Kushner

Max Ehrich is a star on the verge. After being nominated for four consecutive Daytime Emmys for his work on “The Young and The Restless,” the 27-year-old actor has turned to Netflix for his most current project, “Walk.Ride.Rodeo.” and even co-wrote a beautiful song for the film with co-star Spencer Locke. Ehrich will also star in “Orange is the New Black” creator Jenji Kohan’s upcoming series, “American Princess.” The show, about a socialite who runs off to join a Renaissance Faire after her wedding goes awry, will premiere on Lifetime June 2. We chatted with Ehrich, whose additional credits include Hulu’s “The Path,” CBS’ “Under the Dome” and MTV’s “Sweet Vicious” about his latest projects, how soap operas prepared him for Hollywood and which famous star’s career he’d most like to emulate.

Photo Credit: Michael Kushner

Tell us a bit about your character in “Walk.Ride.Rodeo.”

Tate Watkins is from Montana and is active with the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and rodeos. He sits third in the standings for his circuit for Saddle Bronc Riding. He is a bit relentless in asking Amberley to be a key speaker at an FFA event and instantly falls for her. I don’t want to give away too much, but he’s got a good heart and wants to inspire Amberley.

You’ve been in a plethora of TV projects, but you actually wrote a song for the film. Is that your grand passion? Is songwriting something you’d like to become a major focus in the future?

It is a huge passion of mine and has been since as long as I can remember. I grew up playing the piano and find music and songwriting to be very grounding since I get to express myself and take off the masks I constantly wear in various acting roles. I definitely plan on releasing more songs I’ve written.

Photo Credit: Michael Kushner

You have another TV project debuting later this year, Jenji Kohan’s “American Princess.” Though the topic is completely different, does Jenji bring any of her “OITNB” social consciousness to “American Princess?”

It is a completely different kind of series, but just like “OITNB“; it has incredible writing, bold characters, and a strong heart.

Which of the projects resonates with you the most and why?

Honestly, I play a lawyer in one and a cowboy in the other. They are both a bit of a stretch from my interests, but I find a way to connect with both characters. Hard to choose which one resonates more, but I truly enjoyed playing both. I was filming them at the same time so it definitely pushed me in my acting craft jumping from one to the other.

Photo Credit: Netflix

You were nominated for four consecutive Daytime Emmys during your time as a soap actor. How did “The Young and the Restless” prepare you for Hollywood?

On “Y&R” you film an episode in one day and a scene in one take. Sometimes filming 40 pages in a day and multiple episodes. It helped me get in the zone really quickly and having an intense character arc helped me explore different parts of myself through the character. It was definitely an acting boot camp in the sense of how much material you learn and how fast you have to access those emotions. Very grateful for the experience.

How would you describe yourself in a phrase or five words?

Creating is the driving force to my human experience.

Whose career path would you like to emulate and why?

Jared Leto. He chooses such interesting projects to dive into while simultaneously being a rockstar touring with his band while not filming. Both art forms, music and acting, fill my soul and help inspire each other. I, too, would love to balance both.

Photo Credit: Netflix