What makes Cale Ferrin stand out from other child actors? He’s already had a 10-year career at the age of 17, but he also has Fanconi Anemia (FA), a rare, genetic, and terminal disease that affects bone marrow. Despite having FA, Cale is a high school senior with a big vision for his life. Writing, producing, and continuing to act are all in his future.
Edge: Since our last feature, you’ve been acting for several years now. You’re currently in a TV series called “Shadrach.” What is it like to play a character with Fanconi Anemia?
Ferrin: Playing a character with Fanconi Anemia in “Shadrach” is great because they adapted the role to match my disorder. It promotes authentic representation and brings attention to this rare condition.
Edge: How are you helping to change the industry for underrepresented actors?
Ferrin: I’m helping change the industry by using this platform to highlight that disabled actors represent only 2 percent of all acting roles. That’s not a lot, although I do feel like things are getting better. I use social media to promote authentic representation and emphasize that disabled actors can play regular characters without their disability being central to the story. I’m just a regular kid who can play a regular kid character.
Edge: How do you keep up with your schooling while you’re filming?
Ferrin: I’m a homeschool student using online programs, so I can take my schoolwork anywhere, including film sets. For “Shadrach,” we filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, and it started just a few days before school got out.
Edge: How does Fanconi Anemia currently affect your life?
Ferrin: As I’ve gotten older, FA affects me more. I have more frequent doctor appointments, cancer screenings, and blood quality monitoring. I’ve also developed epilepsy, which adds complexity, but we are managing them both with our medical team. There currently is no cure for Fanconi Anemia. My family and I work hard to raise awareness and fundraise to help further research.
Edge: Of all the characters you’ve played, which one are you the proudest of?
Ferrin: Each show I’ve done has had its own unique challenges based on different circumstances in the storyline, and I’m proud of all my projects. “More Beautiful for Having Been Broken” (Amazon Prime) and “Endlings” (Hulu) stand out. “More Beautiful” was challenging as my first feature film and lead role, but our awesome cast and production team made it easy. “Endlings” challenged me with long-distance family separation, CGI work, filming in Canada winters, multiple co-leads, and changing director teams for each episode. I would say that I have learned to adapt well and have become pretty great at overcoming challenges.
Edge: What goals do you set for yourself?
Ferrin: One of my major goals is to write my first movie or TV series. Right now, scripts don’t exist with a character like me. So, I’m going to write my own. I’m also pursuing being a producer. I am currently on the production team for a feature film in Fremont, Nebraska.
Edge: How often do you book a gig?
Ferrin: Before the 2023 union strike, I booked a new project each year since 2014. Post-strike it has been a lot slower, but I recently booked a role in a local feature film. I am also making my debut as a producer for the film! Being both an actor and producer has been a lot of fun so far. I’m learning so much.
Edge: Do you have any tricks for memorizing a script quickly?
Ferrin: I memorize scripts scene by scene and work with acting coaches to bring my personality to the character. The biggest part of playing a character is to find that “one thing” that you have in common. Don’t try and be the character, but instead, figure out how the character is more like you.
Edge: Any tips for other kids who want to pursue acting?
Ferrin: Just go for it! Try out for roles unique to you. Start looking into acting coaches and getting on board with some film agencies in our area to get started. Nebraska just passed LB 1022, the Cast and Crew Nebraska Act, so there will be a lot more opportunities coming our way. This is an exciting time to be a local actor!
Edge: When you’re not working or in school, what do you like to do in your downtime?
Ferrin: In my downtime I enjoy spending time with my brother and sister and playing video games. My favorite games are Roblox, Fortnite, and College Football 25. I am also writing new scripts and stories to hopefully work them into a film or new TV show. I love traveling with my family and I also love to swim!
