Gabriel Basso, an accomplished actor from St. Louis, Missouri, continues to make waves in Hollywood with his diverse roles in film and television. He currently stars in the series adaptation of Matthew Quirk's "The Night Agent" on Netflix, which is set to debut its second season on Thursday, January 23. Basso's career trajectory has been marked by significant roles, including a supporting part in Clint Eastwood's procedural thriller "Juror #2" and his portrayal of J.D. Vance in Ron Howard's 2020 film "Hillbilly Elegy."
Basso's journey in the entertainment industry began with a major break when he was cast in "Hillbilly Elegy," a cinematic retelling of J.D. Vance's upbringing. Sharing a Midwest background with Vance, Basso has expressed a sense of unease about being included in the timeline of American political history. Despite the film's mixed reception, he has remained largely silent about his role as Vance, even as his costars publicly addressed Vance's controversial statements.
"A bridge to understanding that we're more alike than we are different." – Ron Howard
Throughout his career, Basso has been open about his experiences in the entertainment industry. Despite his success, he has been vocal about his personal views, particularly concerning Donald Trump. In 2016, Basso described himself as a "never Trump guy" during an interview with Charlie Rose and took to Twitter to call Trump an "idiot." His critical stance on Trump's rhetoric remains evident, as he expressed surprise and concern in September regarding the former president's statements.
"These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest." – Donald Trump
As Basso continues to work on prominent projects like "The Night Agent," he navigates both the entertainment world and the broader cultural conversations that intersect with his roles. While focusing on his craft, he remains cautious about publicly addressing political controversies linked to his work. His journey illustrates the complexity of balancing artistic endeavors with personal convictions.
