Aidan La Poche and Brennan Keeley
Aidan La Poche & Brennan Keeley
An Interview with Button Britton
“Most Queer Representation is Dog-Shit!”, Button Britton screams into the phone. We’ve just begun our conversation, but Button is already fired up! It’s been a big year for the Brittons, especially following Button’s meteoric rise to fame after posting a series of nudes on Poshmark. Although he repeatedly refused to talk about his involvement with “The Witching Hour,” a new mini-series exclusively available on Audible, we discussed all things nepo-related, the source of his newfound joie de vivre, and how to “keep out all of the noise”.
How is your summer going?
My summer has been full of sun! I went to the beach yesterday and lathered sunscreen on all my friends.
That’s fun.
We were so greasy as we dug our toes in the sand.
What was it like to grow up with the burden of fame?
It’s all I’ve ever known really, but it’s not the version most people would think of. When my mom was filming Nashville I remember sitting in her trailer and feeling embarrassed. I must have been eleven years old then, and I remember thinking, ‘Why couldn’t she be more like January Jones or Catherine Keener or even Ellen Pompeo?”
I love January Jones.
She is so fierce.
Have you seen X: Men First Class?
No.
OK, so you just graduated from school?
Yes.
How was the end of school for you?
It was exciting because the seasons were changing- we were coming out of winter and into a really beautiful spring. It was really nice not having to wear a jacket everywhere. I think it’s my favorite time of the year because the weather is just really nice and it was really extra special having that happen right when I was graduating. Sometimes life is magic like that I guess- I try to be grateful as often as I can. That being said, life isn’t always magic, you could say... The end of school was a really hard time- there were lots of projects, essays, and tests that had to be completed. I remember sitting at my desk literally crying because I was so stressed. It was just difficult. It made me realize that there’s a crack in everything and that’s how the light gets in.
How do you feel about the term "nepo-baby"? Do you think it's a fair characterization of you?
I definitely feel like it’s a noun! (laughing over the phone) I’m just kidding of course. No, the term has never really quite fit me because I don’t feel as though I’ve benefited from any of the power that comes with nepotism.
Wow. Would you say that’s impacted your relationship with Connie?
Please refer to her as Mrs. Britton.
Mrs. Britton. Sorry.
I love my mom, I love her journey, but I’m not her. I’m an individual making my own way in the world. You wouldn’t call someone who inherited a disease like balding or Alzheimer’s from their parents a privileged individual. You would say something like ‘I’m so sorry.’
What’s your dream project to work on?
I want to do something in Hollywood- anything. Something Amy Schumer related. I loved Life & Beth.
What do you eat in a day?
Big glass of milk at breakfast- my mom has a heavy pour! I also will sometimes take a bagel and put tomato sauce and cheese on top of it and then put it in the oven- they are so yummy and delicious. Nature Valley makes these really good granola bars as well.
Do you help your mom pick her projects?
100%.
What is that process like?
After American Horror Story I felt the sense that my family’s life was about to change- this was going to take us to B-list. The show aired, it was a success, and we even got an Emmy nomination- our life was set.
I remember that season. Iconic.
After the ceremony months went by and the phone stopped ringing- she had no choice but to take Nashville. I begged her not to, I screamed and cried.
Woah.
In 2018, when Nashville was finally put to rest, I was really pushing her to take on nicher stuff like The White Lotus because I knew she could latch onto some of Sydney Sweeney’s oeuvre. I also was the reason she booked Promising Young Woman- I’ve been following Emerald Fennell on Tumblr for years. Recently, she had the opportunity to be on the Jennifer Hudson Show (Drew said no). She didn’t even have anything to promote, but I told her it would be great just to get her name out there. She had so much fun!
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career, given your background?
I think people don’t really think I have anything smart to say, but I do. I have tons of smart things to say, but no one is listening because they just go, “Oh, he doesn’t have anything smart to say.”
When people ask, what is it that you say do?
I script supervise, but I’m trying to become a writer like Lena Dunham- I journal. A lot. I hope one day it can be turned into a chapter book.
How do you work to separate your personal identity from Connie’s influence?
I try not to actually. I know that my success is dependent on my mom who is Connie Britton of course. I know for a fact that if she would have booked Big Little Lies I would’ve taken Troye Sivan’s role in The Idol.
How do you move on from disappointments like that?
Yeah that’s a great question. Going back to what I was talking about with all those exams and projects that were stressing me out- you really just have to see that there’s cracks in everything and once you realize that you can kinda let the light in. Ya know? I also love sticking my toes in tubs of half-melted ice cream! There’s something very therapeutic about it. It’s like acupuncture but coldness kinda.
Sand? Ice cream? Is there anything you don’t stick your toes in?
Oh yes! Definitely like a hive of bees. Or dirty laundry! EWWWW!!! That would be stinky…
I see, so do you believe the entertainment industry relies too heavily on familial connections?
No. I think it relies a lot on AI. I am so proud of the Writer’s Guild of America for the strike that is currently happening- Connie and I support the writers and actors! Here’s to the dreamers who dream!
The strike? The one that ended months ago?
It ended?
Yes.
Oh. Good for them then. That’s awesome.