Ahead of his Grand Ole Opry debut, the actor-musician reflects on fame, family, and chasing what matters most.
🎙 Callum Kerr isn’t just a rising name in television; he’s also fast becoming a fixture in country music. Best known for his roles in Virgin River and in The Wheel Of Time, the Scottish-born actor and singer-songwriter is also setting his sights on something deeply rooted in Southern tradition: performing at the Grand Ole Opry (Callum is set to perform at the Grand Ole Opry on July 26, 2025).
Listen to Callum’s single ‘Cold Beer Cold’ (my favorite):
In our wide-ranging interview, Kerr opened up about his move from Edinburgh to the American South, his new EP Roots Under Me, and the joy (and exhaustion) of raising a young daughter while navigating a creative career.
Photo by Hannah Brown
A New Fan (Me) Favorite
While many first discovered Kerr through his role on Virgin River, I admitted to him that I was relatively new to his work until his recent arc as the younger version of one of the show’s lead characters. “You did a very good job,” I told him. “You and Jessica [Jessica Rothe] had great chemistry.”
Kerr was grateful. “We kind of shot our parts like a short film. Different crew, different sets. It felt very special,” he said, explaining that his flashback scenes were separate from the main cast’s schedule. “But I still got to see a bunch of familiar faces from the production team, which made it feel like home.”
He’s also aware of the buzz around a potential spinoff based on those flashbacks. While tight-lipped on details, he’s hopeful. “They’re still working on it,” he said, “but I’ve learned that actors are usually the last to know anything.”
Singing, Acting, and the Grand Ole Opry
Unlike many actors-turned-musicians, Kerr has never had to choose. “This is actually the second or third time I’ve played a musician onscreen,” he said, a bit amused. “I love it when the roles overlap like that; it gives me a chance to bring music into the acting space.”
Now based in Nashville, Kerr’s sound—a blend of country, rock, and subtle nods to his Scottish roots—is drawing attention. His debut EP, Roots Under Me, is out now, and the EP blends his Scottish upbringing with his love of American rock and country.“It kind of came at the perfect time,” he said. “I was just starting to release music, and the show [Virgin River] let me bring that into my acting as well.”
On July 26th, he gears up for a performance that’s a rite of passage for any country artist: the Grand Ole Opry. When asked how he feels about his Opry debut, his eyes light up. “I’m counting down like it’s Christmas,” he said with a wide grin. “I’ve got friends and family flying in from Scotland, Mississippi, Texas… it’s gonna be unforgettable. It’s only two songs, so I’ll probably blink and it’ll be over, but what an honor.”
Balancing Acting and Music
When asked if he preferred one or the other, he happily states ‘both.’ Music gives him something that acting doesn’t: autonomy. “Music has allowed me to step away from acting jobs I don’t love,” he explained. “I don’t have to say yes to everything now. I can wait for the ones that feel right.”
That said, he’s still acting—his role in Netflix’s upcoming One Piece live-action adaptation hits in 2026—and he’s hopeful about a Virgin River spinoff. “Actors are always the last to know,” he laughed, “but fingers crossed.”
Tour Plans and Fan Support
With Roots Under Me making waves, Kerr is working with a booking agency to build out a U.S. tour starting in Texas. When he asked fans where they wanted him to perform, the responses were global. “Montana, Seattle, North Carolina…even Syria,” he joked. “I don’t know if I’ll make it out there, but I love that people care.”
He’s also open to festival appearances. “That’s the next step,” he said. “Especially next summer.”
His Top 5 Music Albums
Like many of us, Kerr’s taste in music is eclectic. His top five influential albums include:
John Mayer – Wildfire – “I loved that Western, country vibe.”
Leon Bridges – Coming Home (“That one’s always my go-to vinyl gift)
Chris Stapleton – Traveller (“Just a brilliant first album”)
Nickelback – Dark Horse (“Gets a lot of hate, but I loved it”)
Zac Brown Band – Foundation
He even admits to enjoying Sabrina Carpenter and Russian hip-hop. “No idea what they’re saying,” he laughed. “But the energy is amazing.”
The Real Deal and What’s Next
Offstage and offscreen, Kerr is warm, funny, entirely without ego, and extremely humble. He speaks lovingly of his fiancĂ©e and baby daughter, remains close to his roots, and doesn’t shy away from talking about the challenges of creative life. “You have to have a backbone,” he said. “I’ve done everything I wanted to do—and I still have more I want to do.”
Before signing off, we joked about Atlanta traffic, dog parenting, and being mistaken for Jensen Ackles online. “I don’t really see it,” he shrugged. “But I’ll take the compliment!”
As we wrapped up, Kerr promised to be on time for the next chat. “Hopefully five minutes early,” he laughed. But honestly? For someone juggling fatherhood, rising fame, and new music, I think he’s showing up exactly when and where he needs to.
Catch Callum on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Listen/purchase his music on Apple and Spotify. Grab your very own personalized Cameo from Callum here!