'68 Whiskey' star Jeremy Tardy hopes 'people learn to appreciate and respect those who serve' through the show
Jeremy Tardy is known for roles in 'Ballers' (2015) and 'Dear White People' (2017). He plays the role of Mekhi Davis in the dark comedy '68 Whiskey'.
The synopsis reads: "The show follows a multicultural mix of men and women deployed as Army medics to a forward operating base in Afghanistan, where they endure a dangerous world that leads to self-destructive appetites, outrageous behavior, and intense camaraderie."
He speaks to MEAWW (MEA Worldwide) on the red carpet premiere of the show and shares a little bit about his character along with some advice for up and coming actors on the same journey he is on.
"I play Mekhi Davis, who is a staff sergeant, and he and Cooper Roback (Sam Keeley) are really close friends to kind of do everything together," he shares.
"And so you see these medics saving lives out there on missions, but you also see their personal journeys, the day-to-day experiences, and really the need to hustle and why they have to make money on the side," said Tardy explaining his role as one of the main three cast members on the show.
He further explained what he hopes people take away from the series and his character: "Well, mostly I hope that people gain more of an appreciation and respect for the men and women who serve. It's not just about the action. It really is about the day to day life. So I think that I love for them to take away a respect, a greater respect."
Expanding on the possible impact of his character Tardy continues, "I really do hope that people get to see this particular experience — African American man who is overseas, and he's trying to fight for a country when there's a lot that's happening in his country with regard to his own family and his people at large."
"That really makes them question why he's there. So, he really does have to work out other means of trying to provide for his people," he shares.
Being cast in many smaller roles, this is Tardy's first big main role and he shares some advice that he would give to people who find pitfalls before they find their big break.
"Well, I would advise anybody who's pursuing a career in acting to be faithful, whatever that is, in terms of being faithful to themselves, some understanding of the world and the spiritual authority that's a little bit higher than ours."
"But more than that, it's really putting in the work training and being kind because you really never know who you meet that might come down the road and help you or be in a casting room, but you just, you don't know. So kindness, persistence, and training," advises Tardy.
