**Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie Reflects on Breakthrough Role in ‘Sterling Point’**
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Quebec actor Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie is on a thrilling journey following his portrayal of Ellis in the new Prime Video series ‘Sterling Point’. At just 23 years old, Whiteduck-Lavoie finds himself at the forefront of a hit series that is captivating audiences, and he shared his experiences during the New York City premiere of the show.
In the series, Whiteduck-Lavoie plays a quiet marina worker named Ellis, who forms a pivotal connection with Annie, played by Ella Rubin. The story revolves around Annie, a 17-year-old who relocates to Sterling Point after discovering her late grandfather has left the island to her and her twin brother, Connor. Whiteduck-Lavoie describes the experience of filming as reminiscent of a summer camp, saying, “Every day felt like the best day ever.”
The journey to landing the role of Ellis was both swift and emotional for Whiteduck-Lavoie. He recalled his first encounter with the character when he received a tape request. The description resonated deeply with him, as he felt a connection to the character’s traits, stating, “I felt like I was reading a description of myself.” This personal affinity made the role feel particularly special.
Whiteduck-Lavoie’s acting career began in French cinema, having made his debut in the 2018 film ‘A Colony’ and more recently starring in the French hockey series ‘First Line’. He acknowledged that his opportunities for English-speaking auditions had been rare. “I wouldn’t get a ton of English self-tapes… so when ‘Sterling Point’ came in, it was like a whirlwind,” he said, expressing surprise at the audition process which unfolded rapidly over a few days.
Soon after the audition, he was flown to Toronto for a chemistry test with Rubin, which proved to be a decisive encounter. “I came back from Toronto, and a day later Megan called me, and two days later I was going out to Toronto for the whole summer,” he shared. The casting process was so fast-paced that he hardly had time to digest the news before he was on set.
During filming, the cast initially had only two episodes to reference, leaving Whiteduck-Lavoie in a state of suspense regarding his character’s development. “We were discovering the story in real-time,” he explained. This uncertainty heightened the excitement of the experience, though it was also somewhat daunting.
His interactions with co-stars, particularly Ella Rubin and famed actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Ellis’s father, were pivotal for his growth as an actor. Whiteduck-Lavoie expressed admiration for both actors, stating, “Ella is such a wonderful actress and just the chillest person on earth. She really inspired me.” Of Morgan, he enthused, “When they told me he was going to play my dad, I was mind-blown.”
As the series unfolded, Whiteduck-Lavoie enjoyed the slow burn of his character’s storyline but found himself eager for more dramatic moments. After six episodes of subtlety, he conveyed a desire for “crunchier scenes” in the final episodes, revealing that he was anxious to see how Ellis would ultimately navigate his feelings for Annie.
The dynamic between Ellis and Annie was further complicated by the presence of Rory, another character played by Daniel Quinn-Toye, who initially has a romantic tie to Annie. Whiteduck-Lavoie acknowledged the chemistry between Rubin and Quinn-Toye and found himself rooting for all the characters involved, noting, “There are no villains in this story… It’s valid to support either character.”
The filming experience itself mirrored the playful essence of the storyline, with Whiteduck-Lavoie describing the cast’s camaraderie as akin to a summer camp filled with joy. He expressed a longing for more adventures with his co-stars, wishing for the chance to return if the show is renewed for another season.
In light of the series’ well-received debut, Whiteduck-Lavoie has been careful to manage his newfound fame. “I’m trying to stay off Instagram a little bit. I think it’s healthier for me and my brain,” he admitted, adding that despite the excitement surrounding the show, his daily life remains unchanged.
As it stands, ‘Sterling Point’ has begun streaming on Prime Video, presenting audiences with a charming narrative that highlights young love amid the enchanting backdrop of an island setting. Whiteduck-Lavoie’s heartfelt portrayal of Ellis hopes to resonate with viewers long after its premiere. With further opportunities on the horizon, he remains grounded and grateful for the journey so far.