From Hawkins to Heartfelt Dramedy: Randy Havens Shines in ‘Guacamole Yesterdays’

(Photo courtesy of: Smarthouse Creative and Hudson Phillips)

Written By: TiShea Wilson, Managing Editor

 

Best known to millions as the lovable science teacher Mr. Clarke on Stranger Things, Randy Havens has quietly built an impressive career portraying quirky, heartfelt, and endlessly watchable characters. With a resume that spans hit series like Grosse Pointe Garden Society, Ms. Marvel, and Stargirl, as well as roles in blockbuster films including Godzilla: King of the Monsters, The Suicide Squad, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Havens has proven himself to be a versatile actor with a knack for making even the most eccentric roles feel deeply human.

Now, Havens is taking a new turn in the indie drama Guacamole Yesterdays, where he steps into a more emotionally layered role that showcases his range in unexpected ways. In our exclusive interview, Randy opens up about what drew him to the project, how his theater roots and improv training continue to shape his craft, and why playing a character like Franklin was a refreshing and transformative experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, Havens’ thoughtful approach to storytelling — both comedic and sincere — is on full display in this compelling new film.

TiShea Wilson: Hi, Randy! It’s wonderful to get the opportunity to chat with you! The title Guacamole Yesterdays is definitely intriguing. Can you tell us a bit about the story and what initially sparked your interest in being part of this film? Was there something in the script or character that immediately grabbed you?

Randy Havens: It’s essentially the story of a woman going through a revolutionary kind of therapy to discover all the things that went wrong in a relationship, and trying to find a way to solve them and maybe win back her ex. The script is smart, funny and has a really interesting and transformative third act that really had me on the edge of my seat. I mean, my jaw DROPPED. Franklin is an interesting character and I have a real kinship with him so I immediately felt that I could bring something special to this performance.

TW: When you first read the script, what was your gut reaction? Was there a particular scene or moment that made you say, “I have to do this”?

RH: The entire relationship with Ames in the story is the heart of the script and the reason that I fell in love with the script. And yeah, there are some things in the third act that really had me willing to do anything to get the chance to do this movie.

TW:  Your character brings a lot to the emotional core of the film. How did you prepare for the role, both mentally and creatively? Did you draw from any personal experiences or past roles to bring him to life?

RH: It was such an open and collaborative environment, so I could really just come in every day and find the energy of the scenes and play around with Sophie Edwards to discover what was new and interesting at the moment. I’ve trained in Strasberg, which has a lot of focus on emotional preparation. As well as Meisner, which focuses a lot on reacting spontaneously, so I tend to come in prepared and also ready to change when something interesting happens organically.

There are definitely specific moments where I used my own memories to build the character, but honestly, there was so much play on the days that we were shooting that I found myself discarding my own prep and just using what was happening in the moment.

TW: The film seems to blend humor, nostalgia, and emotional depth. How did you approach that tonal balance in your performance? Was it a challenge to navigate those shifts?

RH: Because we had such a small crew, and a writer, director, and actors that were all so willing to run with whatever we were building at the moment — the balance was baked in. If there ever was a moment where I was struggling making a transition, I could just huddle up with Jordan, Hudson, and Sophie to find the path of least resistance to make that pivot.

TW: Are there any behind-the-scenes moments — funny, meaningful, or just plain bizarre — that stick with you from filming?

RH: Honestly, every day was a new adventure and we were always making each other laugh and cry.

TW: How do you think audiences, especially fans who know you from genre projects like Stranger Things, will connect with this film and your character?

RH: Hopefully, people will forget that I played “Mr. Clarke” once the movie starts and just fall in love with “Franklin.” Otherwise, I haven’t done my job!

TW: You’ve carved out a niche for portraying really memorable, sometimes offbeat characters. What draws you to those kinds of roles?

RH: It’s just who I am! I don’t think anyone would hire me to play a boring character. I’m actually a weirdo, and I appreciate people who appreciate that about me.

TW: From indie films to huge streaming hits, your career has touched a lot of different spaces. How has your approach to acting evolved over the years? What lessons have stuck with you from your earliest days on set?

RH: I came from live performance in theater, and sketch and improv, so I think the biggest lesson I learned was to ignore everything outside of me and the other actors in the scene. Which is a lot different from doing comedy onstage, where you live and die by the audience. Forgetting there’s an audience, and trying to live honestly in the moment is a great skill that I’ve learned and continue to practice and hone.

TW: You’ve done voice acting and theater as well as screen work. Are there any areas of storytelling or production you haven’t explored yet but really want to?

RH: No, I really love what I’m doing and just wanna keep doing it!

TW: Are there any upcoming projects — film, TV, stage, voice work—that you’re especially excited about and can share a little about?

RH: I’m in a show right now on NBC right now called ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society,’ which is super fun and it’s a great character who is very different from any other character I’ve played before. It’s been a blast to work on! And there’s some stuff coming up that I can’t talk about yet, but maybe we can get together in a few months to chat more about it!

As Randy Havens continues to explore new creative territory, it’s clear that his passion for storytelling remains as strong as ever. With Guacamole Yesterdays, he not only delivers a standout performance, but also reaffirms his reputation as a dynamic and compelling actor capable of surprising audiences. Whether he’s guiding kids through AV Club in Hawkins or diving into the emotional complexities of love and loss, Havens brings a sincerity and charm that resonates. As he teases upcoming projects and embraces ever-evolving roles, fans can look forward to seeing even more of his unique talent in the spotlight.

 

 

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