Hollywood Beginnings: Mason McNulty on Acting, Music, and Riding into Billy the Kid's Legacy

The Staffa Corner

What does it take to build an acting career from the ground up? Mason McNulty pulls back the curtain on his journey from child actor to versatile performer, offering a refreshingly honest look at the realities of Hollywood.
McNulty's story begins with his first role at just three months old—a PSA about safely surrendering unwanted babies that earned him the family nickname "dumpster baby." From these humble beginnings, he built an impressive resume including roles on Modern Family, Glee, and a recurring part on the Goldbergs spin-off Schooled, where co-star Brian became a mentor who "felt like an onset dad."
Behind the glossy exterior of television appearances lies the foundation of a thoughtful approach to performance. McNulty views acting as therapeutic, explaining, "If I have an angry scene, I can let out all my anger into that scene and I feel refreshed after that." This emotional intelligence extends to his growing music career, with his latest single "Dust" exploring heartbreak while three more songs are in development for an upcoming EP.
The conversation takes an exciting turn when McNulty discusses his starring role as Billy the Kid in a forthcoming film. Rather than mimicking existing portrayals, he crafted an original interpretation while mastering period-specific skills like horseback riding and gun spinning. "Everything you see in the movie came from me," he explains, "all of my original ideas while still staying true to the real-life counterpart."
Perhaps most revealing is McNulty's pushback against the common misconception that actors have everything handed to them. "I worked for everything that I've gotten," he emphasizes, highlighting the constant cycle of auditions, rejections, and unpaid promotional work that constitutes a performer's life.
Want to witness a young actor's authentic passion for his craft? Listen as Mason balances artistic ambition with practical reality, proving that behind every "overnight success" lies years of persistent dedication and genuine love for the work itself.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Mason McNulty (00:00:00)

2. Family Background and Early Acting (00:02:42)

3. Experience on Schooled and TV Shows (00:06:09)

4. The Reality of an Actor's Life (00:14:53)

5. Music Career and Upcoming EP (00:19:01)

6. Playing Billy the Kid (00:23:09)

7. Closing Thoughts and Next Projects (00:35:45)