Talent: **Mason Versaw**
Photographer: **Jonny Marlow**
Stylist: **Branden Ruiz**
Groomer: **Colleen Dominique**
EIC + Words: **Anthony Vu Cao**
Development: **Chrissy Wang**
Special Thanks: **imPRrint PR**

Meet Mason Versaw, 21, a rising star, quickly making a name for himself with roles in "Gossip Girl," "Tick, Tick... Boom!," and "Sex Appeal." And now he's starring alongside Lana Condor in the Netflix comedy series "Boo, Bitch." Versaw plays high school senior Jake C., who is in a complicated love triangle with Erika (Condor) and Riley (Aparna Brielle).

We caught up with Mason Versaw and chat about his inspirations, insights and role in Netflix comedy series “Boo, BItch.”

Hello Mason – How are you?

Hellooo I’m doing great! Very happy our show is finally out.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What drew you to becoming an actor?

What drew me to acting was the perfect mixture of having an insane obsession of watching movies and also falling in love with the theater at a perfect time in high school. I actually joined theater in high school to be social and make friends, but once I auditioned hesitantly for my high school's production of Les Mis and was casted as Marius, I developed a love and excited passion that would lead me to never turn back and pursue what I’m so lucky to be doing now.

Who did you look up to growing up? And Why?

Growing up, I really looked up to Heath Ledger. I know everyone’s obsessed with Joker because I mean he was amazing but being captivated by his performance as Joker was merely the tip off the iceberg when it came to how he inspired me. What I found I actually admired was how true he was to himself with what he loved/cared for in life and typically made sure that guided him. He was a true blue. Wasn’t afraid to take on what most were too intimidated by. When I was 12 years old, I was completely inspired by how different Heath could make himself appear in the way he presented himself but also in the most moving way possible. Creating performances that are completely different from who I am is where I thrive, and I look forward to showing that side of me soon.

You play Jake C. in the highly acclaim Netflix comedy “Boo, Bitch”; what drew you to his project and to the respective role?

I typically like to stay away from super basic boy next door types, but there was something unique and interesting with Jake C. He wasn’t a jock or too cool; he was himself and in a sort of awkwardly charming way. He also has this hole in him that always needs to be occupied by having a lover to help fill it. I love how real and actually true that is for most people in life, so it actually felt like a very refreshing take of the boy next door to take on for myself.

How is your relationship like on and off screen with the “Boo, Bitch” casts?

When I flew out to LA for the job, it was my first time ever actually being out there, so I remember worrying and just venting to my family about how much I hope I’d at least make one friend to spend time with. Little did I know, I’d be blessed enough to work with the kindest most supportive cast and crew. Most of us still hang out and get dinners to this day. They’re very special people in my life and in fact are the greatest thing I find I walked away from this project with.

How do you most closely relate, if at all, to your character, ‘Jake C.?’

We both like to believe we don’t attract drama but somehow we both find ourselves smack dab in the middle of it hahaha.

Prior to “Boo, Bitch”, you starred in “Gossip Girl”. Tell me about your experience on the show.

It was so cool! I remember watching the OG show with my sister when I was in the 6th grade, so when I found myself getting to take part in the slightest, it felt like an honor. Working with Josh Safran and Whitney Peak the few days I did was so lovely and just fun to do. My character pulled up in a scene wearing a Great Gatsby suit, so it was a lot of fun getting to channel my inner Leonardo DiCaprio in the scene too.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

I live back home in Ohio at the moment and am not the most active on social media, so I’d say a lot of isolation haha. But honestly, it's not the hardest thing to balance at this point in my life, it's pretty manageable to just live day by day.

What advice would you give to young aspiring actors and entertainers?

If you wish to be an actor or performer, take time with yourself to make sure you're doing it out of real love and passion for the work because otherwise you’ll be living a lie and that can only make things miserable. If it is truly what you enjoy, then simply stay consistent as best you can with your efforts/work, learn as much as you can and take in as much fun in the experience as you can cause that's really what it's all about.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a few projects lined up actually. I can’t say what they are just yet but what I can say is that they are on the lines of what I take great pride and excitement in putting out into the world. I look forward to sharing soon.

Digital Cover: Mason Versaw

Digital Cover: Connor Gosatti

Digital Cover: Christian Lees