10 Things about Hassie Harrison
You’re originally from Texas. When and why did you decide to become an actor?
My mom was really active in the Dallas Children’s Theater, a non-profit, organization that put on the most spectacular plays and acting classes. So, I grew up going to shows and when your parents think something is cool and important, I think that has a profound effect on a child’s mind. I went to college at sixteen and focused my studies on more business-oriented subjects (while continuing acting on the side) but I could never silence the calling I had in the back of my mind to go after this dream. And, although this career has its ups and downs, I feel so privileged to follow my heart and get to be so creative—it’s more fun than I could ever imagine!!!
Which other actors and entertainers had a positive impact on your path and career choices?
I really enjoy watching Rachel Weisz, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet. They are also just classy and have a countenance I admire.
Let’s talk about your latest project, Tacoma FD on TruTV. How were first introduced to the show?
I was actually shooting a movie when the casting director wanted to see me for the role of Lucy so I had to make a tape. But, I just had THAT feeling like, “I think this is totally my role.” I even told the co-stars on my movie—but then, I didn’t get it. Then cut to six months later, the role came back around and I booked it—totally restoring my trust in my intuition, lol.
What was it about the script that made you excited to take part in the project?
Who doesn’t want to laugh all day at work?!? The Broken Lizard guys are comedic legends in my eyes, so I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the fun. I mean, the scripts they sent me had me dying laughing.
On the show, you play the role of Lucy. What are the many facets that makeup her personality and why do you enjoy playing her on screen?
I think Lucy has a great duality to her personality that makes her fun to play and also very rea. She’s a hardworking firefighter and takes her job very seriously. But, she also likes to kick back, have a laugh and party too.
Your character Lucy, is the only female on the fire fighter squad. How does it feel to represent women in this space?
It feels like such a privilege to represent this group of women. And, although this is a comedy, I do feel a responsibility to represent female firefighters with integrity. I feel like Steve Lemme & Kevin Heffernan (my co-stars and creators of the show) made that really easy for me because Lucy is a total badass who is great at her job. Since my character is the new “probie”, they could have easily made her dumb or ditzy. But, she is intelligent and funny and a talented firefighter.
What can you share with us about what viewers can expect to see from Lucy and the rest of the firefighters this season?
I’m too cautious to spoil anything but I can promise lots of laughs and shenanigans. BUT, there may or may not be a storyline about a marijuana dispensary. And the very talented Eugene Cordero may or may not show up in a flame costume.
If you weren’t working on your career as an actor, what type of carer would you have instead?
I worked at an interior design firm every summer in college so I’ve always felt drawn to that kind of creative expression. I also became a certified health & wellness coach a couple of years back. But, I feel that might just be my second job right now because I still life coach all my friends and am the go-to-girl for pep talks.
When it comes to fashion, which designers fit your sense of style?
Well, gosh!! I love me some classics like Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent and Chanel. But I also find myself wearing a lot of stuff from ALC, L’Agence and Rag & Bone. I like a classic, feminine look with a bit of edge and all these designers encapsulate that style well.
We look forward to seeing you on Tacoma FD. What other projects do you have coming up?
I have two movies coming out in the next year. The Iron Orchard is about love and greed in the West Texas oil fields in the 1930s. Max Reload and the Netherblasters is a nostalgic video game action flick that I’m really excited for people to see and will hopefully be out by the end of the year.
Twitter: @HassieHarrison
Instagram: @HassieHarrison
Photographer: Hudson Taylor
Styling: Nicolas Bru
Hair: Ryan Richman
Makeup: Katelin Gan