Andrew P. Logan on Grief, Acting, and His Role in “American Primeval”
Photo by Arthur Marroquin of ABM Photography
From the quiet confines of a small Michigan town to the rugged terrains of the American West, Andrew P. Logan's journey to stardom is as compelling as the characters he portrays. In Netflix's gripping series "American Primeval," Andrew steps into the role of Lucas Cutter, a local trapper navigating the tumultuous landscape of 1857 Utah.
Andrew's path to acting was unconventional. A former All-American athlete, he initially pursued a career in nursing, keeping his passion for acting a closely guarded secret. The turning point came with the devastating loss of his father. Channeling his grief into his craft, Andrew submitted an audition tape that resonated with the casting directors of "American Primeval," earning him the pivotal role of Lucas Cutter. He credits this personal tragedy as the catalyst that propelled him to fully embrace his dreams of acting, transforming his sorrow into a powerful performance that captivated audiences and industry professionals alike.
In this interview, we delve into Andrew P. Logan's remarkable journey from a small-town upbringing to the sets of a major Netflix series. We explore how personal loss and unwavering determination fueled his passion for acting, leading to his breakout role. His story serves as an inspiration to those who dare to pursue their passions, even when the path is fraught with obstacles.
Your career path has been anything but conventional—nursing to acting is a huge shift. Was there a specific turning point or defining moment that made you realize this was the path you needed to take?
Of course! Thanks so much for wanting to talk to me! Honestly, if I hadn’t dropped out that last semester of school, there’s a good chance I’d still be in Michigan working as a nurse. For me, it wasn’t one big moment but a collection of small signs throughout my life. I’ve always loved movies, growing up watching everything I could. I took a high school elective called “Intro to Theater,” and it was the only reason I’d even get out of bed to go to school. That class was everything to me. Little things like that made me question if I was meant to be this 9-to-5 person like everyone else. Then, in my third year at the University of Michigan, I read an article about Brad Pitt, who, at the same stage in his life, dropped out of college to pursue his dream of acting. After reading that article, I dropped out and moved to Austin the very same night.
In the early days of your acting journey, what was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you stay committed to pursuing this new path, despite the uncertainty?
When I first moved to Austin, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. I knew nothing and didn’t know a soul. The biggest challenge at first was just meeting people and getting my face in front of others with similar goals and interests. This industry is all about whom you know, but even more so about who knows you. Once I started building connections, my career began to pick up too. The main reason I haven’t given up is because of the people around me. I have a solid support system that has kept me going, especially during the tough times when I couldn’t pick myself back up. There were many moments when life knocked me down, and I couldn’t get out of bed, but there was always a friend or family member there, ready to help me back on my feet.
Losing your father while auditioning for American Primeval must have been an incredibly emotional time. How did you channel that grief into portraying Lucas Cutter, and did it change the way you approached the character?
Talk about timing, right? The grief I felt after my father’s passing was immense. It was like an anchor dragging down my heart. I feel like Lucas is carrying a similar weight as he navigates a dark and chaotic world. Honestly, it wasn’t hard to channel that grief into Lucas; it was easy to slip into his mindset. I train in the method, so I’m always pulling from my own life. I’d tap into those painful memories of my father and pour them into Lucas’s face and emotions.
Your character Lucas faces some incredible challenges throughout the series. Is there a moment or scene in particular that really stretched you as an actor, or that you’re especially proud of?
There’s one scene I’m especially proud of, and it’s in the final episode, episode six, where my gang and I are gathered around a campfire. Some intense things happen, and I had to really lock in to make it believable. In this scene, Lucas loses someone very important to him. I dug deep into those memories of my dad and used that emotion to fuel the moment. Looking back, I think the scene turned out even better than I expected, and I’m really proud of the performance.
How has your experience been working on American Primeval, and what have been the most memorable or impactful moments for you on set?
It’s honestly been a dream come true. Aside from getting to live out my childhood fantasies on set, it’s been a huge learning experience. Pete, the director, and some of the other cast and crew have been helping me navigate the complexities of being the lead in such a massive production. They’ve taught me how to use the camera, frame my shots to my advantage, and protect both my character and myself as an actor.
The most memorable moments for me have been the days when I was working alongside actors I grew up watching. On my first day, I was shooting a scene with Dane DeHaan, who plays Mr. Pratt. It was a surreal moment like... I grew up watching him in everything, and now I'm just standing next to him with four cameras in my face. WOW.
Photo by Arthur Marroquin of ABM Photography
What lessons have you learned through this journey of loss, perseverance, and success that you’d like to share with aspiring actors or anyone chasing a dream?
I’ll keep this simple: Don’t give up. Every day, take one step forward, no matter how small. Those steps—big or small—add up, and eventually, you’ll get to where you’re meant to be.
As your career unfolds, are there specific types of roles or projects you hope to take on? Any actors you’d like to work with?
Great question! First and foremost, I want to be a respected actor, admired by both my peers and fans. So, I’m looking for roles that challenge me and push me to grow. On the other hand, the kid inside me? Definitely a Jedi. No question about it! And of course, being part of the Avengers—that would be a childhood dream come true.
As for actors I’d love to work with, Tom Hanks stands out the most. Forrest Gump is my favorite movie, and it played a huge role in my love for acting. Working with him would truly be a full-circle moment for me.
Can you share any insights about upcoming projects you’re currently working on?
Right now, I’m back on the audition grind and focusing on improving my craft. But I do plan for you all to see me again soon!
Lastly, do you have any special messages or words of gratitude for your fans?
I just want to thank everyone who’s been watching and supporting me! I’ve been working so hard for six years, and I’m still just getting started. Seeing all the positive feedback has been amazing. Thank you, everyone! Also, thank you, RIVAL, for asking me all these great questions; it’s been a hoot!
Where can we find you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram at @andrewplogan, or check out my IMDb to stay up to date on any new projects I’m working on!