'13 REASON WHY’S' DEAKEN BLUMAN ON THE SHOW’S FINAL SEASON, ACTING, SUSTAINABLE LIVING, AND MORE

13 Reasons Why actor DEAKEN BLUMAN caught up with us and shared stories about his character Winston Williams, acting, life lessons, sustainable living, nature, and Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming.”

The show’s final season showcased Bluman’s pivotal role as Winston, one of Liberty High’s finest and as the keeper of valuable information that could take down the group’s convoluted secret.

How would you describe Winston’s evolution throughout the show?

Scoping determination to heartfelt understanding.

How would you describe this final season of the series?

A wonderful piece of educating art in the midst of high school “Drama”.

What’s the best part about playing Winston Williams’ character?

I don't have to be me for a while. I get to take a step back and I am occupied with wondering what he’s feeling and what he’s trying to say. Instead of living in my shoes all the time, I get to put on his boots, yeah he’s a bit like me. We might be friends in real life.

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced throughout filming?

How did you manage to rise above these challenges?

I had a lot of help and support from Bryan Yorkie, my coach John Bocca and most of all, from my wife, Elin. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am today. She is so loving and understanding. She has a tough job dealing with me.

Everyone’s process is different and each have their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?

There is a different process for each character. But the research and the foundation of learning your lines and showing up on time is always the same. With Winston in particular, he was born out of a ton of thought…and going through my daily life wondering how Winston would cook his eggs.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

I guess it was a gradual thing. Then it turned into a determination. I was testing the waters, than I jumped in. Watching movies for me was better than any dream or escape. It was the “mediation” I needed to center myself as an adolescent. Still is. But it’s hard to trace back to find that moment when the light bulb went off.

Who and what inspires you?

Actors, authors, poets, painters. Artists. Their work, the love they put into it, the constant strive for the knowledge of understanding, or trying to explain how they are really feeling. That is the most inspiring thing in the world.

What’s your dream project?

To have a house that runs on itself. Being self-sufficient. Having solar panels. Living in the songs of the birds. Living wild in the wild.

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

Gardening. Composting. Worm farming. Cooking for the wife and dog. Reading and reaching out to friends and fam.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned from your career that you think is still universally relevant

Work damn hard. Nobody is gonna give it to you. Get out there and take it. It’s not a race it’s a maze. Find out who you really are and stick with it. Lead with the loving you. Okay? Cool, you’ll be alright then.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I've been many kinds of books. They say, “You are what you eat,” but I’ve always thought, “You are what you read.” So now, I am “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. Because that is what I am reading. She is such a talented person. She is a full circle. Read this book. She can teach you so much.

13 REASONS WHY is now streaming in NETFLIX