When Focus Features’ Song Sung Blue hits movie theaters on Christmas, audiences will take notice of rising young actor Hudson Hensley. Hudson co-stars as Dayna Cartwright, the son of Claire Sardina (portrayed by Kate Hudson) in the film based on the 2008 documentary of the same name.

TVBrittanyF.com connected with Hudson ahead of Song Sung Blue‘s release to talk about the experience of the film, which combines two things he loves: acting and music. He also spoke about working with Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, and how a Tom Cruise movie first inspired him to become an actor. Plus, Hudson shares his favorite musical artists and reflects on how Music City has influenced him.

Brittany Frederick: What initially motivated you to become an actor? Was there a particular movie or performance that you loved?

Hudson Hensley: When I was five years old, I saw the first Mission: Impossible movie. Right when it was over, I sprinted into my parents’ room and told them I wanted to be an actor like Tom Cruise. At first, they probably thought it was just a phase because I was only six, but as I got older, I kept pursuing it. I don’t know exactly what it was in that movie that made me feel it, but it just felt like the right thing for me. Acting is such a great way to express yourself and tell powerful stories.

Now that you’ve established your career, what’s the best part about being an actor? What keeps it interesting to you?

One of the most rewarding parts of being an actor is finding out that you got a callback or booked the job. It is a great feeling when hard work pays off. Another part of acting that is extremely fun and rewarding is meeting such incredible people. I have developed such great and deep relationships with my castmates that I cherish.

It is really not hard for me to stay interested in acting because I love it so much, but if I could pick one thing that keeps me interested, it would be the really fun and different characters that I get to play as an actor. Playing different characters allows me to see the world through a different lens that I wouldn’t be able to see through otherwise, and helps me to have empathy for people.

In Song Sung Blue, you’re working with two major names in Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. What was it like to collaborate with them?

Working with these huge stars was just so surreal. They were so nice to me! Hugh Jackman was a great mentor and friend to me and all of the cast and crew. He is overall such a great guy. Kate Hudson was also very welcoming and loving towards me. We had so much fun together.

They both gave me very good advice that I will cherish for the rest of my acting career. Kate and Hugh taught me a lot of things, not just about acting, but the world. Kate Hudson taught me to never change for anybody, and to always remember who I truly am. Hugh Jackman taught me to not let public attention change me, to always find the bright side of things, and always be kind to people. They both taught me the importance of staying humble. And of course, I learned so much about the craft of acting through watching them. They are so talented.

As you move forward, what goals do you have for yourself? Are there people you’d love to work with or particular directions you’d like to go next?

I would really like to work with Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds or Tom Cruise, because they’ve been my favorite actors since I was a little kid, and they just have such great acting abilities. It would be such an honor to work alongside them.

I’m really open to playing any roles because I’m relatively new to the business. I would love the chance to play a role in all of the genres of
film and TV. I would even love to be on Broadway in a show like Hamilton or Guys and Dolls. That would be a really cool experience.

Lastly, I think it would be so fun to be in a cooking show because I love to cook!

Music is also a huge part of your life and career. Who are some of your favorite artists, and have you ever made playlist for any characters?

Music is very important to me and to who I am as a person. I really love all kinds of music, but my top artists would be Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder. I also love Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers Band, The Who, Michael Jackson, Sly and The Family Stone, and Kendrick Lamar.

I actually did create a really long playlist for my character Dayna in Song Sung Blue. The movie is based on a true story, so I got to spend time with the real Dayna, who told me all of his favorite bands and songs. I compiled a playlist that includes all of his favorite bands and songs, as well as all of Neil Diamond’s hits.

Speaking of music, you currently reside in Nashville after having grown up in Los Angeles. Both cities are huge for entertainment in different ways. Have either of them influenced your career?

I feel like Nashville is much more music-centered than Los Angeles, partly because of its major country music influence. On the other hand, Los Angeles has everything from film and TV, to musical theater, to music. At the end of the day, both cities are filled with people who love and enjoy the entertainment business.

I think both cities have helped me to make connections with other people who share the same passions as me. I know so many people in Nashville who love country music, which has made me listen to more of it and influenced my music taste.

Song Sung Blue opens in movie theaters Christmas Day. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Melissa Berger PR.

Article content is (c)2020-2026 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.