Gabriel Basso, best known for dodging bullets and betrayal in The Night Agent, has taken a moment to revisit his role as young JD Vance in the cinematic memoir-turned-political-prelude, Hillbilly Elegy. Yes, he once played the now-Vice President. Let that sink in.
For those who missed the memo (or blocked it out), the 30-year-old actor starred in Ron Howard’s 2020 adaptation of Vance’s memoir. The film also featured heavyweights Glenn Close, Amy Adams, and an endless supply of Appalachian angst. Fast-forward a few years, and the once-humble memoir guy is now sitting one heartbeat away from the presidency. You can’t make this stuff up.
In a recent interview, Gabriel spilled the tea—or maybe just sipped it awkwardly—about meeting Vance while working on the movie.
“It’s kinda weird,” Gabriel told Variety, probably while wondering how this became his life. “Like, I’m now this random footnote in American political history. I played this guy in his memoir movie, and boom, now my name is forever linked to the Vice Freakin’ President.”
Weird? Sure. Iconic? Also, yes.
The actor shared that he and JD had a few chats back in the day, bonding over their shared Midwest roots and what sounds like a mutual love for trees. “We just talked about life,” Gabriel said, possibly over campfire vibes. “Growing up in the woods and stuff like that. He’s a cool dude.”
However, when asked about Vance’s political views, Gabriel expertly sidestepped the question like a pro dodging a landmine. No, seriously—Variety even called it out. If evasion were an Olympic sport, Gabriel would be wearing gold.
It seems Gabriel is handling his unexpected link to political history with grace, humor, and just a touch of bewilderment. And honestly? Same, Gabriel. Same.
