Spencer House Reflects on His Unconventional Path to Acting

The "Tell Me Lies" star opens up about his school struggles and how he found his calling in theater.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Spencer House, known for his role in the Netflix series "The Society", reflects on his unconventional path to becoming an actor. As a kid in Plano, Texas, House was constantly in trouble at school, bouncing between the classroom and in-school suspension. He tried football but couldn't take it seriously, and eventually found his calling in theater after being kicked off the team. House went on to study acting and opera at the University of Cincinnati, though he admits school was never really his thing. After moving to New York City post-graduation, House landed guest spots before his big break in "The Society", which he's amazed has found a lasting cult following despite being canceled after just one season.

Why it matters

House's story highlights how the traditional education system doesn't work for everyone, and how finding your true passion can lead to unexpected success. His journey also speaks to the enduring appeal of shows like "The Society" that explore alternative societal structures, especially in a post-pandemic world.

The details

As a kid, House was constantly in trouble at school, bouncing between the classroom and in-school suspension due to his boundless energy and inability to sit still. He tried football as a way to channel that energy, but even then couldn't take it seriously, laughing when coaches would yell at him. After getting kicked off the team, House turned to art and then theater, where he finally found his calling. He went on to study acting and opera in college, though he admits school was never really for him. After moving to New York City, House landed guest spots before his big break in Netflix's "The Society", a short-lived but cult-beloved dystopian series about a group of high school students rebuilding society. Even though the show was canceled after one season, House has been amazed by its lasting impact and the passionate fanbase it has cultivated.

  • As a kid in Plano, Texas, House was constantly in trouble at school.
  • He tried out for the football team in high school.
  • House was kicked off the football team.
  • After college, House moved to New York City to pursue acting.
  • House landed his breakout role in the Netflix series "The Society" in 2019.

The players

Spencer House

An actor known for his role in the Netflix series "The Society", who reflects on his unconventional path to becoming an actor.

Chris Keyser

The creator of "The Society", who discussed his plans for a second season of the show with House.

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What they’re saying

“I don't really belong in a school setting, I don't think. I've never flourished. I was either in trouble or I wouldn't really grow.”

— Spencer House

“I'm so amazed by the amount of people who have told me they absolutely loved that show and that it shouldn't have been canceled. And I'm like, 'Well, well it was, so I guess it is what it is.'”

— Spencer House

What’s next

While "The Society" was canceled after one season, the show's passionate fanbase continues to hope for a revival or continuation of the story.

The takeaway

Spencer House's unconventional path to acting, from struggling in the traditional school system to finding his calling in theater, serves as an inspiring example of how following your passions can lead to unexpected success, even if the journey isn't a straight line.