Local Savannah Actors Share Their Experience on “Hillbilly Elegy”

Local Savannah Actors Share Their Experience on “Hillbilly Elegy”

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The movie adaptation of Republican V.P. nominee J.D. Vance’s memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” has seen a surge in popularity following his nomination. The publication, turned movie, has recently ranked within Netflix’s top 10 most-watched list. Two Savannah actors who participated in the movie shared their experiences with the cast and crew.

Making of the Movie

“Hillbilly Elegy” was received by the audience with mixed reviews, earning nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Raspberry Award. Savannah’s own renowned actor, William Mark McCullough, played a role as a police officer in the movie, starring alongside Oscar-nominated actresses Amy Adams and Glenn Close.

“Everyone there felt like they were part of the family, part of the team. Sometimes you work with A-list actors, they let you know they’re A-list actors, but that was not the case with Amy and Glenn at all,” McCullough shared, when discussing his time on set.

Behind the Scenes

Fellow Savannah actress Anona Tolar served as a stand-in for Glenn Close during the filming. Though she did not appear in the final film, her role was integral for ensuring the production crew could set up the perfect lighting and audio for Close’s scenes. Tolar, in full Close makeup, had the chance to meet J.D. Vance while on set.

“To have an author be there, I was always thinking like, ‘Does he think this scene is real?’” Tolar reminisced about the experience.

A Story through Vance’s Eyes

The film narrates the life story of J.D. Vance. The narrative brings to life Vance’s personal journey, highlighting his mother’s battle with drug addiction, and his grandmother’s pivotal role in his upbringing. After Vance’s nomination for the Vice Presidential role, the film managed to secure the number 4 spot on Netflix.

McCullough maintains a professional attitude towards his work, with a focus on his performances rather than the politics circulating around the memoir and its author. “My job is to do the audition, to show up on set, deliver an honest portrayal of the character, try to make it compelling, and then I move on,” said McCullough.

Looking at Positives amid Political Differences

In the middle of a high-tension election cycle, Tolar speaks about finding unity in the midst of opposite political views. She cited the movie’s director, Ron Howard, as a shining example. “He decided that politically they were different, and he wanted to tell the story. And to me it’s hope that we can be different, have opposing political views but come together for things that are important. So that gives me hope,” said Tolar.

Other Savannah Connections

Tolar and McCullough weren’t the only local talents involved in the project. Owen Azstalos, who portrays a young JD Vance in the film, is currently a freshman at Savannah’s famous arts college, SCAD.