Interview by Paul Salfen
The cast of BOOTS—Miles Heizer (Cameron Cope), Max Parker (Sergeant Robert “Bobby” Sullivan), and Liam Oh (Ray McAffey)—sat down to share stories from the set of their new 2025 comedic drama. The series, set in the gritty, high-stakes world of a 1990s US Marine Corps boot camp, is as much about heart as it is about humor. With the actors’ infectious energy filling the room, their conversation felt like a reunion of old friends, each recounting a transformative experience that mirrored the journey of their characters.
From the moment the interview began, the trio’s camaraderie was undeniable. “It felt a bit like summer camp,” Max Parker said, his eyes lighting up as he recalled the filming process. The show, inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, throws its characters into the crucible of boot camp, where being gay was still illegal under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Yet, despite the heavy backdrop, the set was a place of joy and connection. “We were all in every single scene,” Parker explained, “confined to these three or four sets. We spent so much time together, we really got to know each other and bond.”
For Miles Heizer, who plays the directionless and closeted Cameron Cope, the experience was a chance to play—literally. “The boot camp activities were a blast to shoot,” he said, grinning. “The confidence course, the obstacle course—it was like being little monkeys climbing over jungle gyms.” The physicality of the show, from rappelling down ropes to navigating obstacle courses, brought out a competitive streak in the cast. Liam Oh, who portrays Ray McAffey, the son of a decorated Marine, laughed as he admitted, “Everyone else will say they’re not competitive, but they’re lying. We were all like, ‘How quick were you?’ I mean, we’re the most muscular and strongest guys on the show, obviously.”
The lighthearted banter belied the deeper themes of BOOTS, which explores the cost of hiding one’s true self in an environment that demands conformity. For Oh, the show’s message hit close to home. “It’s about looking at the parts of yourself you don’t like as much and embracing them,” he said. “To be a full human being, you have to love all of yourself, even the messy bits.” Heizer nodded in agreement, adding that the show is a reminder to find people who uplift and accept you. “When you’re young, figuring out who you are is hard,” he said. “Showing that to the world and finding people who love you for it? That’s everything. This show is about that—setting aside differences to come together.”
The production itself was a journey, spanning two years due to industry strikes. Parker recalled the surreal moment of reuniting after the break: “Liam came back looking like he’d already been through half of boot camp. He had this whole new physique!” Oh laughed, blushing slightly, but his tone grew serious as he reflected on the timing. “The world’s been going through tough times, but being on set with these guys, making this show—it gave me some of the best memories of my life. I’d do anything to be back in New Orleans filming with them again.”
The cast’s connection mirrors the unlikely bonds formed by their characters, a diverse group of recruits navigating the literal and metaphorical landmines of boot camp. BOOTS doesn’t shy away from the challenges of its 1990s setting, where societal and institutional barriers loomed large. Yet, as Heizer pointed out, the show isn’t about pushing an agenda. “It’s like a chocolate box of different backgrounds,” he said. “It holds up a mirror, showing you can’t get through life in your own lane. You have to embrace other people, cultures, and stories.”
Parker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the show’s focus on inner strength. “You find strength in the most unexpected places and people,” he said. “That’s what BOOTS is about—the resilience we all have, even when the world tries to keep you in line or leave you behind.” Oh summed it up simply: “It’s about connecting on a basic human level, no matter the outside factors. And yeah, it’s a lot of fun, too.”
As the interview wrapped, the cast’s excitement was palpable. BOOTS, created by Andy Parker and Jennifer Cecil, with executive producer Norman Lear, promises to deliver sharp wit and heartfelt moments in equal measure. For Heizer, Parker, and Oh, the show is more than a job—it’s a testament to friendship, resilience, and the courage to be yourself. “Check it out,” they urged with wide smiles, their bond as vibrant off-screen as it is on. For viewers, BOOTS offers a chance to laugh, reflect, and find strength in the unlikeliest of places—just as its cast did.
