Some careers are born out of meticulous planning, while others seem to find you when you least expect them. For Steven Krueger, the latter was true. What began as an unexpected foray into acting during high school—at his mom’s suggestion—gradually evolved into a journey that led him to the big leagues of Hollywood. Best known for his standout performance as Coach Ben Scott on Showtime’s Emmy-nominated phenomenon Yellowjackets, Krueger has repeatedly proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
From stealing scenes in The Originals and Roswell, New Mexico to stepping into the director’s chair for his upcoming short film Leaving the Light, he’s not just an actor—he’s a storyteller. And when he’s not on set, you’ll find him exploring the world, scaling mountains, or giving back through his work with Habitat for Humanity.
In this exclusive conversation with InLove Magazine, Krueger opens up about his career, creative evolution, and the unexpected turns that brought him to where he is today.
INLOVE: Your acting journey is full of unexpected turns—from law school ambitions to the Hollywood spotlight. Was there a specific moment when you knew, “This is it—acting is what I’m meant to do”?
Steven: As unromantic as it sounds, I don’t think I ever had that moment. I might have had it without realizing it—the first time I stepped into an acting class in high school when I was 14. I remember thinking, holy shit, I think I love this (much to my surprise). But even then, it never occurred to me that it was a viable career path. I can say confidently, though, that I’m not sure there’s anything in the world I would enjoy as much as this. So, I guess that’s a good sign.
INLOVE: Playing Coach Ben Scott in Yellowjackets is intense, both physically and emotionally. What has been the most challenging part of portraying him, and how has he evolved in ways that surprised you?
Steven: This has been the most rewarding character I’ve ever had the privilege of playing. I think it’s the kind of role every actor dreams of—the infinite psychological and emotional layers combined with unique physical challenges. It’s a lot, in the best way. Mash it all together, and you’ve got something that both scared the hell out of me and invigorated me to my core every time I read a new episode script.
The physical evolution of the character has been pretty surprising. To go from a beefy athlete to a frail, broken man over the course of the series? The side-by-side pictures from the pilot to the end of this season are shocking.
INLOVE: You’ve played a wide range of roles—from supernatural drama in The Originals to suspense in Yellowjackets. What draws you to a character, and what kind of role do you dream of taking on next?
Steven: I think I’m more attracted to great stories than great characters. If you have a great story, then each individual character can—and should—be interesting. That’s on us as actors to accomplish. But if you don’t start with a compelling story, then the character doesn’t really matter. That’s been a common thread in my career. I always feel my most creatively authentic when I’m excited about the story being told.
INLOVE: You recently took on directing and producing with Leaving the Light. What was it like stepping behind the camera, and how did that experience change your perspective as an actor?
Steven: I can genuinely say it was one of the most challenging things I’ve done in my career. My blood pressure was probably at an unhealthy level for a few months. But naturally, I think it will ultimately be one of the most rewarding things I’ve done as well.
It’s made me appreciate just how difficult it is to make anything in this business—how many insanely talented people must come together at the same time, in just the right way, to land on a finished product, much less a good one. I think actors would really benefit from more exposure to the post-production process. I’m not sure we all collectively realize just how many people leave their mark on a film or TV show after the cameras stop rolling. It’s incredible to experience firsthand, and I’m excited to do it again soon.
INLOVE: You have a deep love for adventure and the outdoors—hiking, mountain climbing, traveling. Has your sense of adventure influenced your career choices or the way you approach storytelling?
Steven: Never really thought about that, honestly. Maybe. In the sense that a lot of the things I do for fun are about being totally immersed in something unfamiliar hiking up a mountain and being surrounded by the elements for a day or even just a few hours, traveling to a place I’ve never been and soaking up the culture. I guess, in a way, this is a microcosm of what I’m trying to do on set—immersive, improvisational, taking in what’s around me in every sensory way I can.
INLOVE: You’ve been named one of E!’s Top Ten Scene Stealers on TV. What do you think makes a performance truly stand out, and how do you tap into that level of presence on screen?
Steven: Damn, if I had a definitive answer to this, I think I’d have a few Oscars by now. The simplest answer, in all its banal glory, is creativity. And creativity usually flows, at least for me, from a sense of freedom—of being unburdened, of being unafraid. It’s not easy, and I wish I were better at putting myself in that space consistently when I’m working. But when actors find that equilibrium, that’s when the magic happens.
INLOVE: Nashville has become home for you. How has living there influenced your creativity and personal life compared to the fast-paced world of L.A.?
Steven: Part of my heart will always be in L.A., but there’s a weird thing that happens when you move somewhere else—your whole body just exhales. And when you go back to visit, you instantly realize how tense you were on an almost daily basis when you lived there. At least, that’s been my experience so far.
Nashville is a great city, and more and more creative artists are finding their way here. It’s exciting. After being in L.A. for so long, it’s been a nice breath of fresh air. Of course, the dream is to be able to spend time in both places throughout the year!
INLOVE: You’ve been involved in philanthropy with Habitat for Humanity, following in your father’s footsteps. What does giving back mean to you, and are there any other causes close to your heart?
Steven: I don’t want to end up with a dissertation, but there are lots of causes I hold dearly. The problem is finding effective and efficient ways to contribute to them regularly. Habitat for Humanity is a special one. My dad started volunteering with them over 30 years ago. I’m not sure I’ve experienced a more rewarding version of philanthropy—seeing something come to life from start to finish and knowing it’s going to change a person’s life. It’s also an incredible education for when you have your own home—nice little ancillary benefit!
INLOVE: If you could give advice to your younger self—back when you were deciding between law school and acting—what would you say?
Steven: It’s going to be a very long time before you’re on a billboard. Get over it and get to work on building a career, one tiny brick at a time.
INLOVE: Our signature question: What does being in love mean to you, and what are you in love with right now?
Steven: Oh man, that’s a lot of pressure to say something profound. Not exactly my forte, but here’s my best shot.
Being in love is life’s ultimate paradox. It’s a tornado of serenity. A peaceful, calming, 10.0 earthquake. It’s active and intense. And ever so fragile. Anyone who’s been in love can confirm—for a feeling so strong, it’s remarkable how fleeting it can be. But it sure is fun to chase.
Steven: I’m in love with my partner and my family. I’m in love with the work I do. I’m in love with those rare moments when I can truly appreciate the life I have.
From a high school drama class to commanding the screen in Yellowjackets, stepping behind the camera, and traveling the world in search of new experiences, Krueger is proof that life’s most fulfilling paths aren’t always the ones we plan. His passion for storytelling, adventure, and giving back continues to shape not only his career but also the person he’s becoming.
And as he reflects on what it means to be in love—with his craft, with exploration, with the ever-evolving nature of life—it’s evident that his story is far from finished. With every role, every project, and every journey, Steven Krueger is creating something bigger than just entertainment—he’s leaving a mark.
Words by Elle Taylor
