‘Tacoma FD’ star Hassie Harrison opens up about her dream role and how it was working with a male-dominated cast
Created by the brains behind ‘Super Troopers’, ‘Tacoma FD’ follows a group of firefighters that often tackle the less dangerous aspects of the job. While we are used to seeing most firefighters portrayed by men, ‘Tacoma FD’ gives us one of the best female characters on television, Lucy McConky, played by Hassie Harrison. A force to be reckoned with both on and off screen, MEA Worldwide (MEAWW) spoke exclusively with Harrison to delve deeper into her role and why this is the most authentic part she has ever played. On top of that, Harrison has always been a huge fan of ‘Super Troopers’, so when she got the role of Lucy it was actually a dream come true.
“More than anything, it's not about me being the only girl but just the quality of the people that I'm getting to work with is such a treat. And Kevin and Steve are truly comedic legends. Being able to sponge in their knowledge and sit around and watch them work their magic has been such a blessing. I don’t know any American kid that didn’t watch those ‘Super Trooper’ movies in college on repeat.”
With previous roles in ‘Heart of Dixie’ and ‘The Astronaut Wives Club’, Harrison may not seem like your typical “guys girl,” but that perception couldn’t be more wrong. According to Harrison, her previous roles were more of a stretch for her than being the only woman in a group of guys. In fact, this role is where she truly feels most comfortable and at home.
“This is the most ‘me’ role I've done so far. Not on purpose but I guess in some ways I have kind of branded myself as a girl who hangs well with the dudes, so I think that's very much who I am. I feel very comfortable around guys and I’m really appreciative that Kev and Steve saw me for who I am and that they were picking up what I was putting down. If anything, the roles prior were more of a stretch to who I was."
An improv actor at heart, Harrison loves that not only is ‘Tacoma FD’ created by some of the best comedy legends around, but the rest of the actors are also some of the most talented improvisers in Hollywood. On screen, Harrison and her costars are very comedically connected, and luckily that transfers to their off-screen relationship as well.
“I’m in such good hands. It’s easy to do improv with people who are good at improv. So that aspect of the job has been super fun. Even when the cameras aren’t rolling it feels like we are doing improv with each other. We have this group text chain that feels like a writers room. Everyone is so funny, they will say things that are so hilarious that I’m crying laughing and no one even acknowledges it, that’s just who they are.”
While ‘Tacoma FD’ is a comedy, at the end of the day it is a show about a rather serious profession. However, when thinking of a firefighter, unfortunately, it’s typically only men that come to mind. Harrison is changing that idea, but more importantly, she is representing real female firefighters that find the show and her performance as authentic as ever.
“I have actually gotten to talk to a couple of female firefighters. There are ones that have reached out to me on social media and these girls are the real deal, they are such badasses. I have such reverence for what they do. I got a glimpse of the way they hold their own in this male-dominated profession. I take it as such an honor to be able to represent them, and I try to do that in a very truthful way and comedic way.”
There has been no news yet on a ‘Tacoma FD’ season two, but fans are hopeful, to say the least. While we are all anxiously awaiting the show’s fate, make sure to binge the first season of ‘Tacoma FD’ now on TruTv!