Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
February 14, 2023
At just 19, Jacob Buster’s resume includes playing a vampire on Showtime’s “Let the Right One In” and portraying the high school protagonist searching for his family in “Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out,” which had its premiere recently at the Sundance Film Festival. A resident of South Jordan, Utah, Buster spoke to us about his desire to explore more of the world now that he’s an adult. “Europe is really my dream trip,” he said. “I want to explore the history, beauty and culture. [Right now] Paris, London, Sorrento, Prague and Amsterdam are at the top of my list to visit one day.”
Q: Where is the last place you’ve filmed on location?
A: I recently left the snow of Utah to film a project in Hawaii. I can’t talk about it at the moment, but I was excited to head to warm weather.
Q: How did you spend your winter holidays?
A: Holidays to me are about family. We have a lot of traditions and they all happen at home. We’re not Christmas travelers. But I happen to live in a world-renowned holiday destination for ski enthusiasts. I love snowboarding and go every chance I get! I’m grateful that I don’t have to board a plane to enjoy some of the world’s greatest snow.
Q: You played the younger version of Patrick J. Adams’ character on “Suits.” Were you ever on set with Meghan Markle [the Duchess of Sussex]?
A: I actually didn’t work with Meghan and never met her. But, the show was an amazing experience and Patrick was incredibly kind. I played [the younger version of] Mike when he hears that both of his parents have died. So that role for me was finding a deep space of emotional trauma. I was only 11, but playing deeply scarred children seemed to be my gig as a child, so I was used to it. I think many memories on earlier sets for me are infused with hard emotions.
Q: You’ve played some interesting characters. Of all of them, who do you think would make the best or worst travel companion?
A: It’s funny [because] I don’t think I tend to play characters that I’d love to travel with. I play some pretty emotionally distraught people. Charlie from “Colony” had been through some pretty tough things and was borderline mute. Peter from “Let the Right One In” is a shut-in who can’t go out in the sun. I’d like to travel with people a little more fun, easygoing and up for adventure – certainly someone who can be in the sun. I’m an explorer and I want to be with someone like me.
Q: Have there been places you went to for work that you would like to explore during a vacation?
A: [Yes], South Africa and Vancouver. I did have four weeks in South Africa and enjoyed safaris, zip-lining, diving with crocodiles and an amazing sunrise hike of Lion’s Head in Cape Town. I’d love to explore more. I lived in Vancouver for three months and fell in love with the greenery and water. It felt other worldly, like Jurassic Park. Most of my time there was spent filming. I’d love to return and really explore the landscapes.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: My first big trip was to Disney World in Florida for nine days with my family. I was nine years old and it was the trip of a lifetime. To this day, it’s one of my most treasured memories.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Keeping an open mind and trying new things. I think true empathy and education comes from having experiences outside of yourself. Traveling and experiencing a broader world and perspective helps me grow as an actor and a human.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: It depends on where I am. I’m all about fine dining in Italy and equally excited about a stumbled-upon food truck in Mexico. I want to experience the true flavor of wherever I am. I say no to nothing!
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I’ve only been living on my own for five months so I haven’t established this yet. I do love a quick trip to the California beach, Disneyland and a snowboarding day trip 20 minutes from my front door.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Salt Lake City, Vancouver, San Francisco, New York and Cape Town.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I’m young and I’m an adventurer, so I travel light. I have a backpack that can carry my skateboard when I need it, like when I lived in New York. Other than that, it’s just my phone for pictures, a toothbrush, a change of clothes and I’m off.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Pringles and a lot of loud music on road trips!
© 2023 JAE-HA KIM
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