Jacob Whiteduck- Lavoie Finds Home in Sterling Point
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Some roles feel like the right fit from the very first page. For Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie, stepping into the world of Sterling Point was exactly that. Playing Ellis—a quiet, grounded young man navigating family secrets, unexpected inheritance, and the complexities of growing up—Jacob found remarkable parallels between the character’s journey and his own experiences.
As Sterling Point prepares to introduce audiences to its heartfelt blend of mystery, family drama, and coming-of-age storytelling, Jacob reflects on discovering acting by chance, finding authenticity through his Indigenous roots, working alongside creator Megan Park and executive producer Josh Schwartz, and why the series feels destined to connect with viewers of every generation.
Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie @jacobwhiteducklavoie
Photography Steve Limones @SteveLimonesPhotography
Creative Direction Aleksandar Tomovic @AlekAndSteph
Styling Aisha Dandia @MaisonPriveePR_la
Grooming Sonia Lee @SoniaLeeArtistry for Exclusive Artists using Armani Beauty
Movement Director James Burke @JamesLukeBurke
Photo Assistant Nick Ahmet @Nick_Ahmet
Production & Location Maison Privée x Bello Media Group @maisonpriveepr_la x @BELLOmediaGroup
Sterling Point brings together mystery, family dynamics, and coming-of-age storytelling. What was it about Ellis and this world that immediately made you want to be part of the series?
Right when I read the logline and Ellis’s description, I knew this was going to be a special project. Reading about Ellis honestly felt like I was reading a description of myself in some ways—quiet, grounded, hardworking, a nature boy. I grew up on a lake in that kind of environment, so it really felt like it was meant to be.
Reading that the character flew seaplanes and drove boats made me really excited because I had experience on the water from my childhood, and I knew it would help Ellis look like he’d been doing this his whole life. The seaplane part was new to me, though. I had the pleasure of being coached and shown how to make it look authentic. Thankfully, my boating experience definitely helped.
When I saw that the show was described as a grounded, authentic ensemble drama with a lot of comedy and heart, I knew I’d be missing out if I didn’t send in a tape. I just had this gut feeling that it was going to be a magical experience. Then I found out we were filming in Muskoka. I remember Googling it and imagining myself spending my summer there. I definitely had stars in my eyes.
Ellis is navigating an unexpected inheritance and a complicated family history. What aspects of his journey did you connect with the most, and how did you approach bringing those emotions to the screen?
I connected a lot with Ellis and his family issues. My parents got divorced when I was a baby, so I don’t really have any memories of them being together. Growing up, I was always bouncing between homes and hearing two different sides of every story, and that definitely plays tricks on your mind as a kid.
I was also constantly moving and having to make new friends, so I knew what it felt like to meet people from completely different backgrounds. Those experiences really helped me understand Ellis on a deeper level, and I think they made it easier to connect emotionally with everything he was going through.
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You’ve worked across independent films, television, and now a major international streaming series. How has your approach to acting evolved since your breakthrough performance in A Colony?
I really kind of slipped into this industry by chance. My Indigenous background definitely played a part in that. Being cast in an independent film when I was 14 was my introduction to acting. I had no theatre or acting experience beforehand, so having to memorize lines and perform in front of a camera was definitely terrifying at first.
But I instantly fell in love with being on a set. As soon as I wrapped my first project, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I loved meeting new people on every production, making friends along the way, and the intimacy of working closely with a group of people for an extended period of time.
After graduating high school, I wanted to learn more about filmmaking, so I attended a one-year intensive TV and Film program at a small college in Montreal. We covered pretty much every aspect of production—from camera work, sound, and lighting to editing and screenwriting. Even though it wasn’t an acting school, learning how every department contributes to a production helped me become a better actor.
When you understand all the work that goes into pre-production, production, and post-production, and you appreciate everyone’s role on set, it really grounds you as an actor and ultimately makes you better at your job.
Working on a project created by Megan Park and executive produced by Josh Schwartz brings together two distinctive storytelling voices. What was the creative atmosphere like on set, and what did you take away from the experience?
It was definitely something special. I remember being pretty nervous during those first few weeks of production, but Josh and Megan both have such sweet, welcoming, calming, and grounding energy that they immediately helped take that weight off my shoulders.
They have this incredible ability to connect with younger audiences in a way that very few people can. Getting to know Josh was honestly one of the highlights of my summer. His previous projects have had such a huge impact on multiple generations, so it was an honor to be part of something with him.
What made Sterling Point unforgettable, though, was the relationship the cast developed with Megan. Those conversations about the scripts and our characters really helped us become one with the project. From day one, she wanted everything to feel as authentic as possible. She encouraged us to go off script if something felt more natural and to deliver lines however they felt truthful to us.
Having that kind of trust and creative freedom as an actor allows you to explore, experiment, and discover things you might never have found otherwise. I’m always learning, and I genuinely feel like I left this project as a better actor.
You have consistently chosen projects that explore identity, relationships, and personal growth. What draws you to these kinds of stories, and how do you decide which roles are worth pursuing?
I think stories that explore those themes are especially interesting because they’re relatable, heartfelt, and authentic. Sometimes we need stories like that to escape the fast-paced and stressful world we live in. Being able to connect with relatable characters and meaningful stories can feel like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket when you need it most.
I wouldn’t necessarily say I’ve only chosen these kinds of stories. Maybe they attract me, and somehow I attract them too.
As a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, how has your background influenced your perspective as an artist, and what does meaningful representation in film and television look like to you today?
From a young age, I was surrounded by Indigenous art in so many different forms. I grew up with traditional dancing, beading regalia with my mom, rock painting, wood carving, drumming, and singing. Every year my mom would bring me to our Kitigan Zibi Pow Wow, and those experiences were incredibly inspiring as a kid. They gave me a real sense of belonging and community.
Acting came later in my life, but growing up around that creativity definitely helped shape me as an artist.
I’m really happy to see more Indigenous representation every day. I didn’t have many references when I was younger, so watching that visibility continue to grow is incredibly inspiring, especially for the next generation. It’s a wonderful feeling to be seen—and to help others feel seen too.
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Audiences around the world will soon discover Sterling Point. Without giving away any spoilers, what do you think viewers will be most surprised by once they begin the series?
Its authenticity. In my opinion, it’s truly a show for all ages. Younger audiences will connect with the modern dialogue and references, while older viewers will relate to the coming-of-age journey and the family drama at its heart.
I think Megan has an incredible gift for telling stories that everyone can relate to, and that’s what makes this series so special.
Looking ahead, what kinds of characters, genres, or creative challenges are you hoping to explore next as your career continues to grow?
Honestly, I don’t really know. That’s one of the exciting things about this career—you never know what you’ll be doing or where you’ll be a year or two from now.
That said, I’d love to explore as many genres as possible. I want to keep pushing myself and taking on roles that challenge me in different ways and expand my skill set. Maybe some action projects—I think it would be amazing to do more stunt work and really use my body. I’d also love to learn an instrument for a role or portray a character living with a disability. Those kinds of opportunities would be really rewarding as an actor.