Josh Duhamel portrays Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher fighting to save his family’s land and legacy in the Netflix drama series Ransom Canyon. Before taking on the character, he knew it would be a physically demanding role, but he was ready for the challenge.
In a phone interview, Duhamel discussed the six-month production in New Mexico, where the cast and crew contended with the elements and endured long days of filming. For him, much of the time was spent on horseback while wrangling cattle. In addition, he and his wife Audra Mari had their son just three weeks before filming began.
The 52-year-old opened up about aging in Hollywood and the demands of his work while also trying to be the best husband and father to his two sons (he also has an 11-year-old son with his former wife, Fergie).
Though society tends to be more forgiving when men age, with salt and pepper hair and lines on a man’s face being referred to as distinguished-looking, Duhamel says men also feel the pressures of getting older.
“It’s not fair,” he admits of the disparity. “But the truth is that men have to deal with aging, too. In the past, we accepted that we were going to taper off as we got older. Overall, I want to stay as youthful and virile as I can for as long as I can.”
He’s focused on being the best husband and father, and knew he had to do something as he began to notice changes a few years ago, including lower energy. He was inspired to make healthy lifestyle choices, which prompted him to research ways to boost his mind and body. This was the catalyst for co-founding Gatlan, a men’s health company focused on longevity.
“I started taking testosterone injections and began to feel really good. I had the urge to get back out and do the things I didn’t have the desire to do anymore. It gave me the energy to chase a one-year-old around and work these long days on set,” explained Duhamel, adding that he has the energy he had in his twenties and thirties. “We started this company to shine a light on and destigmatize aging. We all go through it, but we can be stronger for much longer. We want to help men and women improve their lives. We’re currently working on a line of products for women.”
Duhamel was ready when the opportunity came to take on the role in Ransom Canyon, which has been a huge hit for the streamer. The ten-episode western romance from showrunner and executive producer April Blair debuted at No. 2 on the Global Top 10 TV (English) List with 7.2 million views and reached the Top 10 in 77 countries. It has remained on the list for four consecutive weeks, amassing 23.3 million views since its April 17 premiere. Though there’s no official word on a second season, the fans are hopefully optimistic.
The story follows three ranching family dynasties in Texas Hill Country as they fight to save the land that has been in each of their families for generations. Staten faces heartbreak, loss, grief, and betrayal, but he has a long-time friend and love interest, Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), by his side. James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jack Schumacher, Marianly Tejada, and Philip Winchester round out the cast.
Duhamel credits his work with Gatlan for making it possible for him to juggle his demanding career and family life, but for years, he kept the fact that he was taking testosterone, hair growth treatments, and longevity medications a secret. He then realized that sharing his journey would help so many people.
“This is hugely beneficial. I’ve been taking wellness products for five years, and this has completely changed my world and given me back quality of life,” he explained, adding that there are little to no side effects and that the process begins with blood work, followed by an individual plan. “At first, my representatives were like, ‘No, you’re not going to be the face of a testosterone company! That’s not something you talk about!’ And I was like, ‘Maybe it is!’ We want to destigmatize something that men have been doing for years, and shine a light on it, and make it not so taboo.”
As for taking on the role in Ransom Canyon, Duhamel immediately understood the physicality of portraying a hardworking rancher. “I don’t have cattle or horses, but I have a place in the woods in Minnesota. I have tractors, and we’re always fixing things and clearing brush. I love this lifestyle and relate so much to this character because of his love for this land and how much he wants to protect it for his family and future generations. I feel the same way about my home. I got it as somewhere to get away, and it is my happy place, but also as a place for the family to make memories and for my kids to pass on to their kids. It’s the most purposeful thing I’ve done.”
Growing up in North Dakota gave Duhamel plenty of experience with horses and around farms and ranches. Though admittedly physically challenging at times, he described the horse riding and cattle wrangling during production as so much fun it didn’t feel like work. “I had a blast making this show!”
While fans await news on a second season of Ransom Canyon, he’s in post-production on Preschool, a comedy film he directed in London about two fathers trying to get their children into a high-end preschool.
Before we concluded the interview, Duhamel pointed out that his company is not solely focused on supplements; it’s about healthy eating, workout, and lifestyle habits. “This is a movement to live longer and healthier lives. You don’t have to grow old so quickly. You can look and feel better for much longer. Why not take advantage of modern medicine?”
