Life as an Outsider

Living between two worlds is tough, but Kyle Gallner of WGN America’s Outsiders is learning to strike that balance.

Outsiders features an Appalachian clan, the Farrells, who have lived on a mountain in rural Kentucky for generations. They live a rugged life, governed by their own set of rules. They are mostly illiterate, have no modern technology and rarely appear in town.

However, their world is shaken when investors take an interest in the rich coal beneath the surface of the mountain. The Farrells will do anything to defend themselves and their territory, resulting in a clash of worlds.

Gallner plays Hasil, a young, intuitive soul who feels rejected by the group and stumbles into an unlikely courtship with a "townie," Sally Ann (Christina Jackson).

“I really like Hasil”, Gallner says of his character. “He’s an interesting guy. He’s a good representation of who the Farrells are, before everyone got concerned about the chaos on the mountain.

"He loves that mountain life, but he’s coming of age and he’s curious. There’s a whole world down there he’s only seen in pieces. Meeting Sally Ann is the catalyst that makes him realize he needs to be there.”

Hasil’s instant attraction to Sally Ann leads him to break a lot of the Farrell rules. “Viewers get to see the world below the mountain through Hasil’s eyes, and see our [mountain] world through Sally Ann’s eyes” Gallner explains.

“Hasil is likeable, even endearing, but you can’t forget he’s also a savage. When he’s backed into a corner, he’ll fight.”

Hasil and Sally Ann’s Romeo and Juliet-like forbidden love, a relationship frowned on by both families, is receiving a lot of traction in social media.

“There seems to be a really big draw and love for Hasil and Sally Ann as a couple. I didn’t expect people to be drawn to the relationship as much as they were,” Gallner says. 

Another appealing aspect of the show is that it’s set in a unique world that hasn’t been portrayed on TV before. “The world is so bogged down by technology and so dependent on phones and computers. The Farrells don’t know that exists, and [viewers] relate to that or want to,” says Gallner. The concept of what it’s like to live “off the grid” adds a primitive appeal to the story.

In fact, Gallner states that while playing Hasil, “I realized I’d like to integrate the survival part into my own life; maybe I need to be better at that.”

The Farrell clan members have a tribal appearance, with unusual tattoos, clothing and hair. They have their own hierarchy, justice system and social mores unseen in the modern world.

“One of the appealing things as an actor is the character work. You get an accent, put on clothing you would never wear, add hair extensions and tattoos, and live a life that’s not your own,” Gallner says of Hasil. “It’s amazing how long it takes to look dirty. [For most roles], I’m used to hair and makeup in 10 minutes. Hasil takes about an hour and a half.”

Some of Gallner’s other TV credits include his role as Cassidy Casablancas in Veronica Mars (UPN), a recurring role in Big Love (HBO), and many others. His film work includes American Sniper, The Finest Hours, the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street, plus the critically acclaimed Dear White People.

As an actor who has stepped into roles as diverse as drama, comedy and horror, Gallner says, “Every job presents its own challenge. Even within the same genre, it’s always different because every character is different. I enjoy it all, which is kind of the point. Acting should be fun. I look for a good story and a good character. Why limit yourself?”

“My heart lies with good stories and strong performances,” he continues, noting that some of the actors he admires most include Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino and Robert deNiro. “I’m not on some crazy quest for fame, but I’d like to tell that quality of story, the kinds of characters they’ve played.”

Having appeared on both the big and small screens, Gallner notes, “The studio system is making half as many movies [as in the past], mostly action, that are scooped up by bigger actors. It’s a real dogfight to get in there now.”

However, he feels that “Film and TV are melding together. TV is being presented in a more cinematic way than ever before and amazing stories are being told. TV is cool in its own way because you have lots of time to tell the story.”

Gallner says he takes a piece of every role with him. “Everything has an effect on you, because you’re becoming somebody else. You play a maniac, you need to learn how to sympathize with a maniac. That different point of view in someone else’s life is eye-opening.” Digging into these characters’ psyches is a form of self-therapy, he says.

At 29, Gallner is balancing his acting career with his other role as a husband and father of two young sons. “It’s been interesting, trial by fire. My wife is a great mom, understanding and supportive. She gets this business,” he says.

“The kids want attention, you want to give your wife attention. It’s striking a balance. You have to put in the work when you can. You can never know when something will take you away for a month or two. When the weekend comes around, you spend time with the family, after a job you go away somewhere [together]."

Sometimes, leaving is tough. “My older son always wants to come with me. He puts his shoes on when he sees me getting ready to leave.”

So how will he know when he’s really “made it?”  Gallner says, “It’s a funny thing; I’ve already made it. I love acting more than anything. I can’t see myself doing anything else. I’d love to have a powerful career that affects a lot of people. I’d never be satisfied; there’s always so much to do and I’m always learning. I think the day you’ve got it figured out is a bad day. “

Outsiders airs Tuesday nights at 9 pm on WGN America.