What is your background and how did you become involved in the entertainment industry?
I grew up surrounded by the arts, thanks to my parents. My siblings and I were involved in music, dance, and theater since before our third birthdays. I owe my artistic tendencies all to my parents, they set an example and gave me everything I needed to succeed.
You currently star on “Sweet Magnolias”. What can you tell us about your character and his involvement in the story?
My character, Ty’s world is crashing down; his family is falling apart and the one thing he values most, baseball, is crumbling too. This is such a traumatic experience for a 16-year-old and, through Ty, we can see it cause outbursts that are thought to be unjustifiable. After Ty’s father cheating on his mother and getting a ‘girl’ closer to his age than his father’s pregnant, Ty is, for the first time, understanding his parents are ‘human’ and make mistakes both redeemable and irredeemable. Perhaps the worst part, he feels as though he can’t trust them and therefore tries to deal with his issues himself, which backfires severely.
What was the audition process like and how did you react when you got the role?
My audition process for Sweet Magnolias was, without a doubt, the most unique and slightly chaotic audition I’ve ever been a part of. I received the self-tape audition in May 2019 while working in Washington, D.C. for a Florida congressperson (I love politics, it is a very strong passion of mine). So, I was tasked to film this audition in my tiny D.C. apartment, with no lights, no backdrop, and no reader. Fortunately, my friend was able to read the scenes with me on FaceTime, while I used a coat rack as my eye line. The audition was FAR from perfect, but I guess casting saw something they liked.The next weekend, I took a bus from D.C. to NYC to visit friends. On Sunday afternoon, I received an email saying I had to be in Atlanta for a producer’s session on Tuesday. So, I booked a flight that day and flew out the next morning. I showed up to the audition definitely a little sleep deprived but to this day, I have never felt more confident about an audition. I walked in the room, gave it all I had and it paid off. When I heard I got the role, I was in a state of denial and didn’t really believe the gravity of my accomplishment. However, on the day of our first table read it hit me and I broke down in tears because I was just so in awe about how blessed I’ve been.
What are some movies/shows that made you fall in love with acting?
I love this question. I wouldn’t describe it as falling in love with acting but rather cinema in general. The TV show Breaking Bad, was the first show I actually attempted to breakdown from an acting, producing, and directing standpoint. As you know it’s a brilliant show and it really inspired me.
Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with?
There is a myriad of actors, producers, and directors I would give an arm and a leg to work with. But ever since I saw The Master, Joaquin Phoenix has been an actor that I not only look up to but inspire to be, and working with him would be a dream. On the directorial side, Christopher Nolan is arguably my favorite director, and to work with him would definitely, for lack of better words, be the coolest thing ever.
