From tackling roles on the football field to navigating the exotic jungle in Jumanji, this actor and director shines.
Jumanji was such an incredible sensation at the box office. How did you create your character? Well, it’s no secret I’m not an actual teenager, so prepping for Jumanji required me to go back into my memory bank and remember all of the teen angst and need for acceptance that came along with that period in my life. It was fun to play with, and [director] Jake Kasdan really let us explore.
Were you a cinephile from day one? I fell in love with cinema when I saw Hook. I watched that movie every single day. I wanted to live in a fantasy land and never grow up while simultaneously saving the world just like Peter Pan. Then Mrs. Doubtfire and Glory sealed the deal for me. Robin Williams, Will Smith and Denzel Washington were my heroes.
How do you best approach a role? I familiarize myself with my scenes but I don’t overmemorize. It’s made acting a lot more fun and adventurous and definitely adds color to the scenes in my opinion. I have a photographic memory and I read regularly, so that helps, and I go over my lines while I’m working out or cooking. Doing something active so it’s in my body.
Any must-stops when in Texas? One of my best friends lives in Fort Worth and takes me out downtown to explore the scene, which is a lot of fun. Velvet Taco at 2AM is a must!
What’s next? I’ve been on the road for 12 months straight on various projects, so I’m looking forward to resting for a couple of months and spending time with my family. I have a couple of prospective projects in waiting. Always on the hunt. ’Tis the life of an actor.
Photography by: DEVIN ERICKSON