Josh Duhamel discusses the physically demanding role in Netflix’s ‘Ransom Canyon’ and aging in Hollywood.… More
Josh Duhamel stars as Staten Kirkland, a resilient rancher fighting to preserve his family’s land and heritage in the Netflix series Ransom Canyon. Anticipating the challenges of the role, Duhamel was prepared for the physical demands it would entail.
In a phone interview, Duhamel shared insights into the six-month production in New Mexico, where the cast and crew battled the elements and endured lengthy filming days. Much of his time was spent on horseback, managing cattle. Additionally, he and his wife Audra Mari welcomed their son just three weeks before filming commenced.
The 52-year-old actor candidly discussed the realities of aging in the entertainment industry and the pressures of balancing his career while striving to be a devoted husband and father to his two sons. Despite societal attitudes being more forgiving towards aging men, Duhamel acknowledged that men also face the challenges of getting older.
“It’s not fair,” he admitted regarding the double standard. “But the truth is that men also experience the effects of aging. We used to accept that we would decline as we grew older. Personally, I aim to maintain a youthful and vigorous outlook for as long as possible.”
Josh Duhamel talks about co-founding the men’s health company Gatlan.
Focused on being a supportive husband and father, Duhamel recognized the need for a change a few years ago when he noticed a decline in energy levels. This realization prompted him to explore ways to enhance his physical and mental well-being, leading to the inception of Gatlan, a men’s health company focusing on longevity.
“After starting testosterone treatments, I felt a significant improvement. It reignited my passion for activities I had lost interest in. It provided me with the energy to keep up with a toddler and endure long workdays on set,” Duhamel explained, noting that he now feels as energetic as he did in his younger years. “Our goal with Gatlan is to shed light on aging and remove the stigma associated with it. We all go through this process, but we can strive to remain strong and vital for an extended period. We aim to assist both men and women in enhancing their lives and are currently developing a product line for women.”
When the opportunity arose to join the cast of Ransom Canyon, Duhamel was ready for the challenge of portraying a hardworking rancher. The ten-episode Western romance, created by showrunner April Blair, has garnered significant success on Netflix, ranking high on the Global Top 10 TV (English) List and captivating audiences worldwide. While a second season has not been confirmed, fans remain hopeful for more.
Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly in ‘Ransom Canyon’ on Netflix.
The series follows three ranching families in Texas Hill Country as they strive to protect their ancestral lands. Staten encounters challenges of heartbreak and betrayal but finds support from longtime friend and love interest Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly). The ensemble cast includes James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, and other talented actors.
Crediting Gatlan for enabling him to balance his demanding career and family life, Duhamel acknowledged that for years, he kept his use of testosterone, hair growth treatments, and longevity medications private. However, he realized that sharing his journey could inspire many individuals.
“This has been incredibly beneficial. I’ve been incorporating wellness products for five years, and it has transformed my life and restored my quality of living,” he remarked, emphasizing the minimal side effects and personalized approach of the process. “Initially, my representatives were hesitant about me endorsing a testosterone company. But I felt it was essential. We want to destigmatize practices that men have been engaging in for years and shed light on them to normalize the conversation.”
Reflecting on his experience filming Ransom Canyon, Duhamel embraced the physicality required to embody a dedicated rancher. Drawing from his upbringing in North Dakota, where he was familiar with horses and farm life, Duhamel found joy in the challenging yet enjoyable aspects of horseback riding and cattle wrangling on set.
While awaiting news on a potential second season of Ransom Canyon, Duhamel is currently in post-production for Preschool, a comedy film he directed in London. The film explores the humorous journey of two fathers navigating the competitive world of preschool admissions.
Before concluding the interview, Duhamel emphasized that Gatlan’s focus extends beyond supplements to encompass healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle practices. “Our mission is to promote longevity and healthier living. There’s no need to age rapidly. With advancements in modern medicine, we can look and feel better for longer. It’s an opportunity worth seizing.”
