Get To Know Jackson Cullen

In today’s Hot Dam Homes Interview Series, we catch up with Jackson Cullen. Jax is one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, but he’s planning a change: leaving Hollywood for the Pacific Northwest. We check in for an update, and you can get the full story in From The Ground Up.

Hi Jackson! Thanks for taking the time to chat today! For those who don’t know you yet, can you give us the quick and dirty version of your bio?

Of course. Thanks for having me, Harper. I’m Jackson Cullen. I’m 39 this year. Originally from Manchester, in the UK, but I’ve lived in America for about five years. Because I’m an actor, my home base is in Los Angeles, but I’m planning a big move up to the Seattle area.

You’re actor – that seems like a modest description of your career. You’re one of the biggest action stars in the business, aren’t you?
I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of success in the business. **blushes**. I couldn’t have ever dreamed about this kind of success, and this kind of lifestyle, even a decade ago.

Is it your dream job?

My dream job. What an interesting question. I always wanted to act, so, in that sense, I guess it is my dream job. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I had any interest in being the kind of Hollywood Leading Man actor that I’ve become. Originally I was happy with more character roles. But life has a way of surprising you, doesn’t it? I was married for a while, and after my wife passed away, a lot of things changed for me.

I’m so sorry to hear about your wife’s death. Do you mind telling us a little bit about her?

**smiling** I’d love to. Chelsea Anne Chamberlain-Cullen was her name. She was my best mate, my friend from the time we were both in nappies. We grew up on a council estate in the North part of Manchester; not the greatest environment. But her family somehow managed to keep together, and they were pretty happy, in spite of the shit environment. Chelsea and I were inseparable growing up. When we turned 21 it just seemed natural that we would get married, you know? And we were happy, right up until she passed.

Chelsea was a special soul. Smart as fuck, curious about everything, with the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. I still miss her friendship fiercely.

She sounds like a lovely person.  Do you mind sharing what caused her death at such a young age?

Of course. Chelsea was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer after we’d been married a few years. We did all the treatment we could, but even with all that intervention she was only with us for 3 years after her diagnosis. She passed when she was 34. 

I’m so sorry for your loss. So, you were raised around Manchester, and please forgive my ignorance, but a council estate is something similar to what we would call “the projects” here in the US, is that right?

That’s right. The council estates are the English version of subsidized housing, similar in some ways to “the projects”. It wasn’t a fairy-tale upbringing, to be sure.

Can you tell us a little more about your childhood?

Well, as I say, it wasn’t exactly a fairy tale. but on the other hand, I know many people who had a much harder time than I did. There wasn’t a lot of money, even when my dad was around. I was just a wee baby when he left, so I have no memory of him. My understanding is that he passed a few years ago. My mum tried her best, but it was difficult for her. She struggled with depression and other mental illness including addiction. That’s partly why I was so close to Chelsea’s family. Her family’s flat was a safe and stable place when things were a little out of control at my home.

Can you describe your other family and friends from childhood? Are you still close?

Both my parents are dead. Mum passed away from an illness at the same time Chelsea was going through her first round of chemo treatments, so about eight years ago now. My dad left so long ago, I don’t have memories of him. He had apparently already passed away by the time Chelsea and I got married, but I don’t know any of the details.

Does religion play a role in your life?

The simple answer to that question is no. I suppose technically I grew up Catholic, but I don’t remember going to church very muchat all. Chelsea’s family would occasionally go, but not often.  I would love to believe in a higher power, but at this point in my life I don’t see a lot of evidence that one exists.

Do you consider yourself to be a moral person?
I try to be. **smiles** I find it interesting that this question comes directly after the one about religion. **pauses**  I’d like to think I try to do the right thing, but I can be selfish, as we all can. I will say that I don’t think that having religious beliefs means you’re a moral person. But morals are a complicated thing. What seems moral to people from one culture can be completely different to other cultures, as we know well. And even within the same culture, there are so many different moral beliefs it’s hard to keep up sometimes.

How far will you go to defend your convictions?

That’s an interesting question. I’d like to think I stand up quite forcefully when I see injustice. But I don’t like to force my own opinions on other people, so as long as what’s going on isn’t hurting anyone or anything, I’m pretty much a “live and let live” kind of bloke. I’ve stayed out of the discussion on a lot of political things for most of my career, but these times we are living in now, it seems like it’s becoming more important to speak up for what you believe is right.

Why do you feel speaking up is more important now? 

Well, not to be an asshole, but have you looked around lately, Harper, my dear? What is that line Clark Griswold says in Christmas Vacation when everything goes to shit around him? “Take a look around you, Helen. We’re at the threshold of hell?” Sometimes I feel that way, and I feel like I should do more to try and solve the world’s problems, but that gets overwhelming very quickly. 

Would you say there’s anything in your life that you’re ashamed of? 

Ohh, you’re one of those journalists, hey? Right, good to know! *winks* I’d say that there are a lot of things I wish I’d done differently, but I wouldn’t say I have too many things I’m ashamed of. Shame is a powerful word. For the past few years, since my wife died, I’ve been guilty of not taking time to appreciate the people in my life, and that’s something I am ashamed of. I’m not good at telling people how I feel, but I need to be better. You don’t know when you might not get another chance, you know? 

Do you have any phobias? Bad Habits? Pet peeves?

**laughs**  Well, I’ve been a smoker for most of my life. I’ve managed to quit now, but I think, similar to an alcoholic, I’ll always be a smoker, since I can’t imagine NOT wanting to smoke.  Phobias – mm, I can’t think of any major phobias. I don’t care for heights much, and I don’t love bugs, but I wouldn’t say any of that rises to the level of phobia. Pet Peeves? I don’t like when you’re out at a meal with someone and they check their phone when there’s a lull in conversation. It’s just fuckin’ rude. But that’s about all I can think of.

How do you feel about your appearance? Do you like the way you look, physically? 

I got lucky when they handed out the physical looks, I can acknowledge that. False modesty doesn’t get anyone anywhere. I just got lucky that my genetics arranged themselves into a pattern many other humans find attractive. I didn’t have anything to do with it. I do have to work to keep from gaining weight though, but again, I’m lucky enough with my job that I have access to good nutrition and physical trainers who help me with all that. Without that stuff I’m sure I’d look quite a bit different.

What is your most cherished posession? Why is it special to you? 

I keep Chelsea’s wedding and engagements rings. If I have kids someday, I might pass those to them.

Do you want a family someday? 

I do want kids. I’m not getting any younger. I’d like to find the right person to parent with, but if that isn’t in the cards I’d like to adopt kids, or look into surrogacy. Ideally that’s something I’ll be able to do in the next few years. 

What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? 

Hm, well as I mentioned I’d like to start a family. Ideally with a partner, but I’d do it on my own too. But starting a family means my career will be relegated to quite a bit lower on my priority list. That will be an adjustment after this past few years. 

Well, I’m sure you’ll make that adjustment successfully, my friend. But that’s about all I’ve got today, Jackson. You’re out of the hot-seat now!  Thanks for sitting down and helping everyone to get to know you a little better.

My pleasure, Harper. It was fun.