Ginny & Georgia’s Raymond Ablack on Heart and Humor
Full Look by Pence 1979
Canadian actor Raymond Ablack has steadily carved out a space in television as fan-favorite coffee shop owner (and Georgia’s love interest) Joe in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia. Bringing a tranquil complexity to the screen, he easily brings the show’s emotional authenticity to life while simultaneously retaining its humor. With the show’s highly anticipated Season 3 dropping on the streaming platform June 5th, Ablack discusses his career trajectory, playing Joe, and what the sense of community found through acting has meant to him.
Left:
Coat by KYLE'LYK
Peter Shirt: by PAIGE
Federal – Kearnan Denim by PAIGE
Belt by Todd Snyder
Right:
Full Look by Pence 1979
You’ve taken on a variety of different roles in your career thus far, from Degrassi: The Next Generation, Narcos, Maid, and now Ginny & Georgia. What makes a project stand out?
I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer or a process by which I determine whether a project stands out to me. Primarily, I want to be inspired and excited by the story and the character within. It’s also important to me that the character actually affects the plot in a meaningful way, not just a tool for exposition. Beyond that, I rely on the opinion and insight of my agent and manager. We’ve worked together for a long time. We have a great relationship. They know my work, my heart, and they have my best interest in mind. I can’t overstate how much I owe them for a really cool resume so far - to a dedicated team who understand and believe in me.
Ginny & Georgia has become a smash-hit. When did it really hit you that the show had reached that level of success?
The first season of Ginny & Georgia premiered during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was difficult to realize the gravity of its success. I was locked inside and isolated from sharing in everyone’s excitement about the show with all the turmoil going on in the world. But following season 2, I got to experience the audience’s passion for the show, and it was wonderful to see. It’s a really great feeling when people are excited about your work. Sometimes the extra attention can be intimidating, but people have been so kind and respectful.
Joe has become quite the fan-favorite; in your opinion, what about him resonates so strongly with audiences?
I’m honored that audiences love Joe. I think people identify with his quiet, unrequited love story. Who among us hasn’t wanted someone who wanted someone else, right? I really admire Joe’s lack of ego in the face of rejection and heartache. He never retaliates or turns his back on Georgia - he’s just steadfast for her. A loyal underdog.
Is there anything in particular that excited you the most about stepping back into his shoes for the third time?
I love Joe, but the best part of playing Joe for me is simply being around all the remarkable cast and crew who create our show. You dream of being part of iconic and memorable casts that resonate with audiences, and showing up to work with Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Sarah Lampert, and the entire team at Ginny and Georgia is a privilege and a pleasure.
Left:
Full Look by Pence 1979
Right:
Classic Fit Stretch Cotton Twill Suit Jacket by Brooks Brothers
Classic Fit Stretch Cotton Twill Suit Pants by Brooks Brothers
Shirt by Lafaurie
Shoes by MAGNANNI
How did you approach portraying Joe’s emotional arc across the seasons?
I find that I change my approach from season to season, because I don’t know the end of the story. That’s for the writers. As an actor, I receive the script a week or two before we go to camera, so it’s not unlike real life. We don’t know what’s coming next, so we just have to live in the moment, which actually makes our portrayal more authentic.
As Joe, I have to believe in what’s on the page in front of me and play it without judgement. Even in a different story, where I do know the arc of the character, like a film or a play, it’s still important for me to not forecast the plot in the current scene. I never want to cheapen the performance and the story, and I want to portray the character authentically.
What was the energy like on set? Were there any standout moments behind-the-scenes?
Being a part of Ginny and Georgia is every feeling in the world – grateful, balled up, compressed and fleeting. Long hours turn into long days, but it’s all worth it when you are a part of such an incredible cast and crew. It’s a vulnerable place where we offer sincere attempts at this story that we all care about, a lot. It’s at times hilarious, and can be frustrating, but so, so rewarding.
It’s hard to pick a standout moment. This year we get to see Joe in the Blue Farm kitchen. Sarah Lampert, our creator, knows how intense a fan I am of The Bear. She contacted Matty Matheson, a producer on The Bear and a famous Toronto chef, about working with us on Ginny and Georgia. He lent his chef de cuisine, Kevin Charanduk from his restaurant, ‘Rizzo’s House of Parm’, to our production, to train me for the scenes in the kitchen. It was just special to work six degrees from people who I admire so much. And, it’s an example of a small attention to detail that speaks to the care that goes into our show.
Which of your characters (past or present) do you feel is most similar to you?
I think every character I’ve played is my best attempt at honestly responding to the character’s circumstances as if they were happening to me. Where it gets fun, is if I disagree with the character’s behavior, but have to empathize with them anyways and live out something conflicted.
Left:
Coat by KYLE'LYK
Peter Shirt: by PAIGE
Federal – Kearnan Denim by PAIGE
Belt by Todd Snyder
Right:
Classic Fit Stretch Cotton Twill Suit Jacket by Brooks Brothers
Classic Fit Stretch Cotton Twill Suit Pants by Brooks Brothers
Shirt by Lafaurie
At the moment you’re based in Toronto, but I hear you’ll be in LA and NYC more in the next few months. Would you ever consider moving to the United States?
It’s exciting to travel for work. Acting has taken me to some beautiful places - the US, Italy, Colombia and others. I’d be open to going almost anywhere in pursuit of a great character and a great story. The difficulty in moving anywhere though, is moving away from my family. But, I want to be where the best film, TV, theatre and players are. And, I hope my work will continue to take me there.
What is your favorite thing about acting?
The best part of acting is the people I get to work with. The community I’ve found in the arts is where I’ve felt most welcome. It’s competitive and difficult, of course, but it’s comprised of creative, diverse, inclusive ideas and people. I grew up in small town Whitby, Ontario, playing hockey and facing racism and exclusion. But luckily, I found theatre at a young age and realized that there were people that I could identify with. I enter the community as an actor, and despite the vulnerability, inconsistency and risk inherent in this work, the redeeming part is the collaboration with each other’s artistry. When our work synergizes, it’s indescribable and rewarding and fulfilling.
Pants by Stefan Fashion at The Confessional Showroom
Short by GABRIEL SALCEDO
Tank by Hanes
Shoes by MAGNANNI
Are there any other ways in which you express yourself creatively?
I love to cook. I love to eat. And, few feelings are better than someone appreciating your food. It’s like a standing ovation at the end of a play or getting a big belly laugh when you tell a joke. If my work as an actor is offering my sincerest attempt at a character, then cooking is my sincerest offer of myself.
Is there any movie or show you wish you could have been in? What role would you have played?
I always picture myself in everything I’m reading or watching. I used to watch Degrassi as a kid, before I landed on the show, and I remember picturing myself in most of those roles. I’m also inspired and influenced by Jim in The Office, George on Seinfeld. I’ve always felt I could reach the surprising capacity of the unassuming, unsuspecting villains, like ‘Keyser Soze’ from The Usual Suspects or ‘Walter White’ in Breaking Bad, or Barry Keoghan’s ‘Martin’ in The Killing of a Sacred Deer. I’d love to do a role like that one day.
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Raymond Ablack
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Eric Hason www.erichason.com
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Evy Drew for Exclusive Artists using Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Moises Nunez
Tailor: Cole Sudduth
Creative Assistant + BTS: Robin Chou
Photo Assistant: Lauren Davis
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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