Josh Duhamel: Finding Joy in Every Role

In the midst of a remarkably successful year, Josh Duhamel reflects on his latest action-comedy “London Calling” with genuine humility and enthusiasm. “I can’t even believe I get to do this for a living,” he shares, embodying the gratitude of someone who hasn’t forgotten the journey to get here. In the film, Duhamel portrays Tommy, a hit man who’s “lost a step over the last couple of years” and finds himself reluctantly babysitting a crime boss’s son. The role resonated deeply with him, particularly Tommy’s realization of his shortcomings as a father. “I love the fact that he realizes that he hasn’t really measured up as a father as much as he should have, and he sees that in this kid,” Duhamel explains. Beyond the character connection, he was drawn to the script’s irreverent and unapologetic humor, describing it as “a bit dark” but authentic. The opportunity to reunite with director Alan Ungar, with whom he’d previously enjoyed working, sealed the deal. What makes “London Calling” special to Duhamel is how the humor emerges naturally from the contrasting characters rather than feeling forced or manufactured—creating what he calls “uncomfortable, dark, sort of risky humor.”

While discussing the film’s production, Duhamel reveals the curious irony of shooting a Los Angeles-based story in Cape Town, South Africa. Though he expresses concern for crew members in Los Angeles who could benefit from more local productions, he acknowledges how remarkably Cape Town doubles for Southern California: “It looks like Malibu. It looks like Los Angeles at times.” The international shoot became one of his most memorable filming experiences, reinforcing his philosophy that “every movie is a new adventure.” This sense of adventure and appreciation characterizes Duhamel’s entire approach to his craft. He maintains a perspective of gratitude, noting that having worked many different jobs before acting, he never takes his current career for granted. This humility helps explain his impressive versatility and the breadth of his appeal across different audiences.

2023 has been an extraordinary year for Duhamel professionally, with Netflix’s hit series “Ransom Canyon” and the film “Off the Grid” both finding success alongside “London Calling.” He credits the success of “Ransom Canyon” to creator April Blair, Netflix, and “that whole writing team and that cast was just all together to make one show that they believed in.” “Off the Grid” holds special significance for him as it explores a scenario he personally finds unsettling yet fascinating: “What happens if you have to completely live off of the grid, could you do it?” But perhaps the most meaningful moment of his year happened off-screen when he rushed from the final day of shooting “London Calling” to be present for the birth of his son Shepherd. This personal joy adds another dimension to what Duhamel describes as “a good year watching this dude grow into this little maniac.”

What’s particularly impressive about Duhamel’s career is his ability to connect with diverse audiences. From action films that appeal to traditional male viewers to romantic dramas like “Ransom Canyon” that draw female audiences, and inclusive stories like “Love, Simon” that resonate with LGBTQ+ viewers, Duhamel has built a remarkably broad fan base. When asked about this wide appeal, he responds with characteristic modesty, explaining that he simply tries “to find things that I think I would want to see, things that I feel people will connect with.” His involvement in “Love, Simon” stemmed from an emotional connection to the material, particularly a scene where his character struggles to communicate with his gay son. “That scene I literally teared up when I read it,” he reveals, recognizing the story’s power to bridge understanding between different perspectives. His willingness to take on such roles speaks volumes about his values as both an actor and a person.

The diversity in Duhamel’s filmography isn’t the result of calculated career planning but rather his openness to compelling material. “I never know it until I read it,” he explains about his project selection process. “It’s not like I’m looking like I need to go play a serial killer. I need to go play the unaccepting father to a gay son.” Instead, he remains receptive to stories that personally connect with him, working with directors whose styles complement his own creative approach. He particularly values collaborators who make him “feel comfortable and creative and liberated to go for it,” mentioning Greg Berlanti, Michael Bay, and Allan Ungar as directors who create such environments. This collaborative spirit, combined with his willingness to explore emotionally vulnerable territory, has allowed Duhamel to build a career that defies simple categorization.

Throughout the conversation, what shines through most clearly is Duhamel’s genuine love for the craft of acting and the opportunities it provides. “It’s the beauty of what I get to do,” he reflects. “Every job is totally different. Every day on every job is totally different. You get to go pretend to be somebody different, somebody new, try to explore places in your psyche that you’d never otherwise go to.” This sense of perpetual discovery keeps his work fresh and exciting, even after years in the industry. As for what’s next, Duhamel maintains his open-minded approach, not actively seeking specific types of roles but instead staying receptive to material that resonates with him personally. This philosophy—being guided by genuine connection rather than calculated career moves—may well be the secret to both his longevity in Hollywood and the authentic quality he brings to each performance. As “London Calling” adds another successful chapter to his career, Josh Duhamel continues to approach his work with the enthusiasm of someone who truly can’t believe his good fortune to be doing what he loves.