‘It Was Kind of Weird’: Gabriel Basso on Bringing J.D. Vance to Life and Finding Him ‘Cool’
Rising Hollywood actor Gabriel Basso, who is renowned for his powerful and multifaceted performances, recently shared thoughts about his portrayal of J.D. Vance in the 2020 Netflix movie Hillbilly Elegy. Basso discussed the particular difficulties of playing a real-life person in an honest interview, calling the process “kind of weird” but ultimately fulfilling. The role pushed him into a realm where art and reality meet in intriguing—and occasionally unsettling—ways, even if it also offered him critical praise and the opportunity to collaborate with industry titans like director Ron Howard and co-stars Amy Adams and Glenn Close.
Stepping Into J.D. Vance’s Shoes
Adapted from J.D. Vance’s memoir of the same name, Hillbilly Elegy tells the story of Vance’s tumultuous childhood in Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian values that shaped his path to success. The book was widely praised for its raw honesty, but it also became a politically controversial subject, sparking discussions about class, poverty, and opportunity in modern America.
For Basso, playing Vance meant not only embodying the man himself, but also grappling with the larger cultural conversation surrounding his story. “It’s strange to play someone who’s still alive and has such a public persona,” Basso admits. “It’s not like portraying a character in a completely fictional script. You’re stepping into someone’s real life, their real struggles, their triumphs. And that comes with a sense of responsibility.”
Basso acknowledged the pressure to portray Vance authentically, especially given the emotional depth of the memoir. “J.D. exposed his life in that book,” Basso says. “You want to honor that vulnerability while still bringing your own interpretation to the role.”
Haley Bennett, Gabriel Basso, and Amy Adams in ‘Hillbilly Elegy’
Balancing Art and Authenticity
One of the most challenging aspects of the role was finding the balance between being true to Vance’s real-life experiences and the demands of storytelling. “It’s a fine line,” Basso explains. “You want to be truthful, but at the same time, you’re making a film. Everything is going to be condensed or dramatized. It’s not a documentary, but it’s not entirely fictional. Navigating between those two elements is very difficult.”
Basso worked closely with Ron Howard and the production team to ensure that his portrayal captured the essence of Vance’s character without veering into caricature. “Ron was a great guide throughout the process,” Basso says. “He has an incredible ability to focus on the human element of a story, stripping away the unnecessary and really getting to the heart of the story.”
To prepare for the role, Basso spent time studying Vance’s book and interviews, immersing himself in the author’s voice and perspective. He also worked with a dialect coach to perfect Vance’s Ohio-Kentucky accent, a detail that added authenticity to his performance.
Despite the challenges of portraying a living person, Basso had nothing but praise for Vance, calling him “a cool dude.” The two met during the production of Hillbilly Elegy, and Basso was struck by Vance’s humility and openness. “J.D. was really supportive throughout the whole process,” Basso said. “He gave me the freedom to make the character my own, which I really appreciated. He didn’t try to micromanage or tell me how to play him.”
Basso described Vance as someone who’s deeply introspective and grounded. “What struck me most about J.D. is how self-aware he is,” Basso said. “He’s been through a lot, and he doesn’t shy away from that. But he also doesn’t let it define him. He’s focused on moving forward, on doing better for his family and his community. That’s something I think a lot of people can relate to.”
At the same time, Basso admitted that playing Vance was uniquely challenging because of the polarizing nature of his story. “There’s no denying that the book and the movie sparked a lot of debate,” Basso said. “Some people saw it as a powerful story about resilience, while others thought it oversimplified complex issues. As an actor, you’re not trying to make a political statement—you’re just trying to tell a story. But it’s hard not to feel the weight of all those opinions.”
Since its release, Hillbilly Elegy has been the subject of discussion, praised by some for its emotional depth and criticized by others for its depiction of poverty and Appalachian culture. For Basso, the film’s reception has been a learning experience.
“You can’t control how people react to a movie,” Basso said. “Some people connect with it on a really personal level, and other people don’t. That’s the nature of art — it’s subjective. What was important to me was that we told a story that was authentic and meaningful to the people who lived it.”
Basso also reflected on how Hillbilly Elegy shaped his career. “It was an important role for me,” he said. “Working with Ron Howard, Amy Adams and Glenn Close was like a master class in acting. They all brought so much to the table, and just being around such talented people pushes you to improve your game.”
Since Hillbilly Elegy, Basso has continued to make waves in Hollywood with roles that show his range and depth as an actor. Most recently, he starred in The Night Agent, a gripping Netflix thriller that received critical acclaim and solidified his status as a leading man.
“I’m always looking for roles that challenge me, that force me to step out of my comfort zone,” Basso said. “Whether it’s a political drama like Hillbilly Elegy or an action series like The Night Agent, I want to continue to explore different genres and characters.”
As for whether he’d be open to playing another real-life character, Basso said it would depend on the project. “It’s definitely a unique experience,” he admitted. “There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with it. But if the story is compelling and the character is someone I feel I can connect with, I’ll say yes.”
A pivotal milestone in Gabriel Basso’s career, his depiction of J.D. Vance in Hillbilly Elegy demonstrated his skill and range as an actor. Even though he described the experience as “kind of weird,” his performance demonstrates his respect for Vance and dedication to delivering an accurate account.
Fundamentally, Basso’s journey in Hillbilly Elegy is proof of the ability of narrative to unite people and ignite debate. One thing is certain as he keeps taking on difficult parts and broadening his creative horizons: Gabriel Basso is a talent to watch in Hollywood and beyond.
