How to Make It in America

"How to Make It in America" follows the journey of Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cameron 'Cam' Calderon (Victor Rasuk), two ambitious friends navigating the tough and competitive fashion industry of New York City. Through their street smarts and strong connections, they strive to turn their business dreams into reality. Alongside Cam's cousin Rene, who is working to promote his high-energy drink, and their connected friend Domingo, the group faces numerous challenges that test their perseverance and creativity.

At its core, the show explores themes of hustle, friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It portrays the gritty reality of trying to succeed in a cutthroat environment while highlighting the importance of loyalty and community. The intersection of different cultures and backgrounds also plays a crucial role, emphasizing the diversity of New York and how it shapes opportunities and obstacles for rising entrepreneurs.

Upon release, "How to Make It in America" earned critical praise for its authentic depiction of youth striving for success against the odds, blending fashion, music, and urban culture seamlessly. While it garnered a dedicated fan base, its impact on pop culture manifests through its stylish portrayal of the entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant city life, influencing later shows and inspiring audiences with its depiction of determination and creative ambition.

Full Cast of How to Make It in America

Bryan Greenberg delivers a charismatic and relatable performance as Ben Epstein in 'How to Make It in America,' embodying the ambitious spirit of a young entrepreneur striving to make his mark in New York City's competitive fashion scene. Compared to his role in 'One Tree Hill,' where he portrayed a passionate musician with a more brooding demeanor, Greenberg's Ben is notably more optimistic and street-smart, showcasing his range as an actor. A trivia fact: Bryan Greenberg also co-produced 'How to Make It in America,' demonstrating his deep involvement in the show's creative process.

Victor Rasuk delivers a compelling performance as Cameron 'Cam' Calderon in 'How to Make It in America,' embodying the ambition and resilience of a young entrepreneur navigating the competitive New York City scene. His portrayal is marked by a natural charisma and authenticity, showcasing a depth that contrasts with some of his earlier, more subdued roles such as his work in 'Lords of Dogtown.' Compared to his role in 'Escape at Dannemora,' where he delved into complex dramatic nuances, Rasuk brings a vibrant energy to 'How to Make It in America' that highlights his versatility as an actor. A fun trivia fact: Victor Rasuk actually co-starred with his brother, Silvestre Rasuk, in the film 'Raising Victor Vargas,' which helped launch his career.

In the TV series 'How to Make It in America,' Lake Bell played the character Rachel Chapman, a savvy, ambitious fashion executive who becomes entwined with the main characters' entrepreneurial pursuits in New York City's competitive fashion scene. This role showcased Bell's ability to portray a confident, complex professional navigating ambition and ethics, differing from her earlier work, which often leaned towards comedic or romantic roles. The performance stood out as it allowed her to explore a more dramatic and layered character over multiple episodes, enhancing her versatility and depth as an actress within a series that combined drama and humor in an urban setting.

Eddie Kaye Thomas delivers a compelling performance as David 'Kappo' Kaplan in "How to Make It in America," embodying the ambitious and street-smart character with a nuanced blend of charm and desperation. Compared to his earlier roles, such as Paul Finch in the "American Pie" series where he leaned heavily into comedic timing, Thomas showcases greater dramatic depth and a more grounded, authentic portrayal in this series. This role marks a notable evolution from his typical character archetypes, highlighting his versatility as an actor. Trivia: Eddie Kaye Thomas is not only known for his on-screen roles but is also an accomplished voice actor, having provided voices for various animated series, which complements his dynamic acting range.

In the TV series 'How to Make It in America,' Shannyn Sossamon portrayed Susan Greene, a character who brings depth and complexity to the show's exploration of ambition and the hustling spirit in New York City. This role fits into Sossamon's overall career as a demonstration of her versatility, transitioning from her earlier work primarily in film to a more sustained television role. What made this performance stand out compared to her earlier or better-known work was her ability to inject nuance into a contemporary urban drama, showcasing a more grounded and relatable character that contrasted with the ethereal or indie-centric roles she was previously known for. This marked a notable expansion of her range and presence in the TV medium.

In the TV series 'How to Make It in America,' Kid Cudi played the character Domingo, a laid-back and wise mentor figure who offers guidance to the main characters navigating New York City's hustle culture. This role marked a notable departure from his primary identity as a hip-hop artist, allowing him to showcase his acting abilities in a dramatic context. Unlike his earlier work, which focused on music and occasional cameo appearances, his performance in this series stood out due to its depth and continuity, providing him with a substantial character arc and demonstrating his versatility beyond music. This role contributed to broadening his public persona, highlighting his potential in the acting realm and adding diversity to his career portfolio.

Crew of How to Make It in America