The phenomenal Netflix production, 13 Reasons Why, has had people talking. The drama offers viewers a web of mystery surrounding the suicide of teenager Hannah Baker, and has been both critically acclaimed and brought controversy due to its mature content. The graphic presentation of rape and suicide has ignited passionate viewpoints.
Devin Druid portrays Tyler Down in the show. Down took photos of Hannah in a sexually compromising act without her permission and made her feel violated. Down receives one of the 13 tapes Hannah sends before her suicide. Down is stalking Hannah, and he’s also the school photographer. Responsible and guilty.
Devin was 18 when he was filming the show, and the youngest of all the cast members. He and the cast members have grown to become good friends and they support each other. They realized the importance of the subject matter of the show. Even more, Devin says that he’s seen comments online about people who have become inspired to reach out for help- because they saw the show. He believes that fact alone is heartwarming and inspiring. Devin has agreed that the show has changed his life forever.
He thought that it was cool that the 13 Reasons Why casting process indicated “any ethnicity”.
Devin said the casting process was “insane’ as there were hundreds of people auditioning for roles. He was originally auditioning for Clay. He was given an email breakdown with a small paragraph about the characters of Clay and Hannah. In the breakdown, the instructions stated any ethnicity. He thought that it was amazing that the show’s cast is so diverse. He felt that it represents the world and all the amazing different walks of people that live in it.
Devin revealed that there were therapy dogs on set.
During an in-depth online interview with Zach Sang, Devin said that everyone on set was dedicated to being authentic, even though the show has many dark themes. He said he found himself taking some of those themes home, feeling scared, and even crying sometimes. There were also counselors on set. He said the producers went above and beyond to make certain that everyone felt comfortable even though the scenes were gut-wrenching and tragic. They needed to “do this horrible thing together” but still come out on the end okay.
He said that he grew up with classmates who wore hoodies and long sleeves to public school every day, and he is passionate about the show’s primary subjects of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. He believes that to avoid the subject would trivialize the people who are hurting. He said that regardless of any criticism of the show, it was important for him to do so that help could reach those that need it.
Devin doesn’t like to watch himself acting, so he hasn’t watched the show entirely.
He has difficulty watching himself because he tends to nitpick his performances and thinks about how he could do better in the future. He cannot bring himself to watch the scenes from 13 Reasons Why where his friends and cast mates are suffering. He said he cares about them so much that it’s too difficult to watch.
As a cast, they have spent a lot of time bonding together watching movies and hanging out. Because they have become best friends, they shared not only their passion for the show, but also support for their friendships. On a personal level, he mentioned that he is striving to be the best human being he can be.
Devin is a hockey fan.
He grew up a Pittsburgh Penguin fan, and still is. But he’s also branched out into being a “everything” hockey fan. He can talk hockey with the best of them.
A lady on a plane flight let Devin hold her treasured Pomeranian.
He was flying to New York for an audition. The woman seated next to him on the plane allowed Devin to pet her gorgeous Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix named Watson. Devin was allowed to hold Watson, and curl up with him. He felt that it was a special privilege. Devin’s own dog, Finny, is an adorable dark brown and black hound with sad eyes and a face accented with white. Devin has noticed that people are starting to recognize him in public. He said that he tends to be awkward in social interactions, and can become anxious. But this encounter was a favorite.
Devin has reached the public in a unique way. Fans have commented that he is an intelligent, decent and empathetic young man. He’s not new to acting, though the substantial impact 13 Reasons Why has made certainly has contributed to public awareness of him. His film and television credits trace back to 2012 and include 13 productions such as House of Cards, Imperium, Macbeth Unhinged, Louie and Louder Than Bombs. Devin’s performance, alongside more seasoned actors, has been praised. The adaptation of the bestselling book has surpassed readers’ expectations. Devin’s work is one of the significant reasons why.
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