Jack Tracy stars in this summer’s Ho-Mantic Gay Comedy

Out filmmaker and actor Jack Tracy is best known for his LGBTQ web series, History, and for his political drama, Snowflake, but this summer, he’s on the prowl in Danny Will Die Alone, his first original series with the gay streamer, Dekkoo. 

Loosely based on Jack Tracy’s own dating life in New York City, Danny Will Die Alone dives deep into the hellscape of being a single gay man in his forties, trying to find love via the hookup apps.  Jack Tracy plays the lead role of Danny, who finds the dating scene very different from the last time he was on the market.  He is forced to navigate his way through unhinged flakes and bots, all while remaining blissfully unaware of his own multitude of flaws. 

We sat down with Jack Tracy from his NYC home.

Did you always dream of a career in film?

Jack Tracy:  I actually went to school for musical theater first.  I really disliked the people and ended up taking a class in law that I enjoyed, so I pursued law school. After five years in law firms, I was in the same situation where I didn’t like the people I worked with, so I took a position that allowed me free time to explore my artistic passions. One thing led to another, starting with my web series History, and now I make movies, series and I release music as a recording artist. It’s a strange life, but one perfectly crafted for me.

What funny mistakes did you make when you first started out?

It’s hard to think of a mistake that’s funny because in the moment, when you’re doing small productions like mine, every mistake feels like it’s going to bring everything crashing down around you. The only one that comes to mind is when my director of photography and I took an hour trip to a location shoot to realize we had left the camera at home. I was pretty zen about it seeing there was nothing I could do but wait. In general, mistakes have taught me that all things work out, and to just control what you can and leave the rest to the universe.

Tell us all about Danny Will Die Alone.
Danny Will Die Alone is an outrageous, shocking, vulgar comedy about the horrors of dating today, specifically pulled from my bleak dating life.  It started as video blog I did on YouTube, which then turned into a dating podcast called “Dying Alone Together.” That turned into a nine-episode web series that now forms season one of the Dekkoo original series. Most exciting now is that Dekkoo is onboard to create six half-hour episodes for season 2, coming this fall. This is my first original series for a streaming network and it feels like the start of a new chapter.

Are all of your projects for the gay community?

Primarily.  Growing up, there was not much diversity in TV or film.  Will Truman from Will & Grace was the first person I saw on TV where I said “oh, I could be him.” That’s a very powerful thing for a young person.  Cis white straight people see examples of their lives all the time. Representation is important because it gives young people examples of what their lives could look like.

What do you do on days when you simply don’t feel motivated to create?
I’ve yet to experience that. If I wasn’t making films, what would I do? I’m introverted, I don’t drink anymore…like would I collect stamps? Bird watch? I can’t fathom any other way of being.  For anyone feeling burned out, I advise they keep a daily journal. It helps give perspective so that you can appreciate how far you’ve come. Remember that the you of five years ago wouldn’t believe where you are today.

Advice to other gay filmmakers?

Do everything yourself. No one will care about your projects as much as you do so no one will put as much into it as you will. No one is coming to the rescue, no one is coming to help you. You are the answer to all of your problems.  Also, treat every “no” as a “not yet.”

Do you view yourself as a role model?

I’m just trying to live as authentically as I can and pursue all of my dreams before my time is up. If others look at me and find me inspiring, that’s great, but ultimately none of my business.

Is there a particular person you would like to offer a shout out to?
My co-producer and director of photography, Joseph Patrick Conroy. Meeting him on the set of another web series has led to five years of artistic collaboration, and helped bring the professional gloss to the look of my productions that had been the missing piece. Not only is he talented, he trusts me and trusts in my vision, and believes in our coming success. It’s good to have someone in your corner.

Do you have a favorite quote?
I once heard on a podcast that the key to success was taking one step every day that puts you closer to your goal, even a small one. You can’t control when you get there, but if you constantly take a step, you will get there eventually.

How can our readers follow you online?
All roads lead to @jacktracyofficial on instagram.

BY JAMIE BOOTH

Danny Will Die Alone will begin streaming May 16 on Dekkoo.