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Entertainment Spotlight: Jimmy Wong
Jimmy is an actor, host, and producer with over a decade of experience working with brands and companies across every major media platform. He plays Ling in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Mulan, and is the lead voice in Sony Picture Animation’s upcoming film, Wish Dragon. Together with his brother Freddie Wong, they have been pioneers in digital and social media, consistently creating viral hits and webseries that have now been viewed over 1.8 billion times online across YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. Jimmy has been heavily involved in gaming and esports over the past decade, producing, directing, acting, and hosting for gaming’s largest entities: Nintendo, Riot Games, Blizzard, Wizards of the Coast, CLG, Razer, DisneyXD, IGN, and more. Jimmy took some time to chat with us. Check it out:
Is there a scene or moment from the new Mulan that you’re most excited for fans to see?
We spent a lot of time training and working on all sorts of choreography for the movie, and there is one particular sequence that happens near the end of the film that I am really excited for people to see. It was the culmination of a ton of hard work, sweat, and long hours of choreography. We were extremely fortunate to be able to work literal legends of the stunt world for these sequences, and the way it all came together in the end is something all of us as actors were extremely proud of. I think it’s going to be just an absolute thrill to see on screen for everyone watching too.
How did you prepare to play the role of Ling in Mulan?
We spent two full months training our bodies and minds for our roles as soldiers before we ever set foot on set. I give a ton of credit to the director Niki Caro for having the foresight and vision to bring the core cast together so early to begin training and mentally preparing for what it meant to be in the army and fighting for our lives. We rode horses, practiced stunts, learned fight choreography, and had an intense physical training regimen. We bonded as a group during that time and became each other’s support system, and it really paid off in so many ways I never expected. There are some lessons you can only learn when you’ve been through the ringer with some of your closest friends, and learning how to overcome your mental hurdles and push yourself as far as you can is one of those experiences I will never forget. I’ll always be grateful to the process of filming Mulan - and all the credit in the world goes to the professionals at the other end of it, making sure we were safe, taken care of, and supported throughout the process.
If your life was a choose your own adventure, what decisions would viewers have to make on an average day?
I think the biggest decision I make every day is what I’m having for lunch. Outside of that, it’s sort of a toss up between meetings, writing sessions, editing, and filming any number of the current projects I’ve got going day to day for YouTube and beyond. The nice thing is that no two days are ever the same, and I’m surrounded by some of the hardest working and smartest people in the world. Maybe the most important decisions are just what to focus on next - my slate of projects and things I’ve got going on feel like a game of Overcooked / Diner Dash - what dish on the menu needs to start getting prepped now in order to be done on time? And which dish is late out the door!? Good luck!
Do you have a personal motto or mantra?
If you ever find yourself constantly using words like “I wish”, “I hope”, or “maybe”, try replacing them with “I will” and “I’m going to” and see what happens. Sometimes a small shift in your language and vocabulary can make all the difference when setting out to accomplish your goals.
What would one of Ling’s side quests be in a Mulan video game?
You wake up on a cold morning on the last day of training. The other recruits are still peacefully passed out in their beds. Sending any letters or correspondence to family or loved ones is strictly forbidden, but you must let the love of your life know you are about to head out to war. This is your last chance! Successfully sneak out, slip a letter to a messenger bird, and let your message fly! Oh - and make it back to your bed before the Sergeant notices you’re gone…
Do you have any secret skills or talents?
It’s not terribly secret to those who have followed me, but I love music and playing instruments. I grew up learning classical piano for 8+ years, and in college I picked up all of the other instruments I could. So if you set down any instrument in front of me, give me a few minutes, and I’ll be able to play it to some degree. Outside of that… I will say that I used to devote hours and hours of my time to mastering Dance Dance Revolution, so as long as my feet aren’t rusty, I should be able to tear up that dance floor too.
What did you do with your free time on the set of Mulan?
I was lucky enough to never be isolated or alone on set - as one of the fellow soldiers of Mulan, we were always together as a squad both in training and during filming. That meant we would always have each other to bounce off of, either sharing stories, poking fun at each other, or seeing if we could land an orange peel in someone’s open mouth as they slept… it was your assortment of silly antics and lots of laughs. We also were usually in full makeup and armor during the days, and that certainly got tiring, so naps were commonplace if we knew we had a bit of time to spare before our next shot. Fortunately there was never really a dull moment - the air was electric most days anyway - we were filming this incredible movie together. Just stopping to look around set would send shivers down my spine - I was surrounded by hundreds of working professionals in the film industry and a part of a historic project on a massive scale. It’s hard to ever feel bored in a situation like that!
Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
Eclectic. Honesty. Cheezit.
What are you most excited about right now?
I’ve been working as a creative developer and host for a brand new 24/7 network called VENN TV. You can catch it on every major livestreaming platform, and we’ve just recently expanded to Samsung Plus and Vizio TVs. VENN is a network for the gaming and digital generation, bridging the gap between the rapidly growing gaming industry and the world around it. I host a show called The Download, which is on every morning Weds-Fri from 11AM to 12PM PT. We cover all of the biggest news of the day from gaming and pop culture, and provide a new lens into a world that we know so many people are interested in, but don’t have an outlet for yet. Another project I’m really looking forward to is Wish Dragon! It’s a beautiful animated picture from Sony Pictures Animation set in modern day Shanghai. I play Din, the main character, who stumbles across a magical teapot with a dragon that will grant me three wishes. The dragon is voiced by none other than John Cho, and my mother is voiced by Constance Wu. The cast is entirely Asian and the story is absolutely timeless. I’ve seen a bit of the animation so far and I have been blown away by it every time. I think Wish Dragon is going to be a really special movie for a lot of reasons, and a ton of respect to the director and production team for taking the time and care to really accurately represent the world of Shanghai and the Chinese culture - they did their research and it shows. The movie doesn’t have a release date yet so please be on the lookout for it! It’s my first gig as a main voice actor, and I loved the experience. I’m looking forward to doing more of it soon!
Thanks for taking the time, Jimmy!
Photo: Diana Ragland
Entertainment Spotlight: Olivia Rodrigo, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Born and raised in Temecula, California, Olivia has been singing, playing music and acting since she was age six. She most recently starred in Disney Channel’s comedy Bizaardvark. In High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Rodrigo plays Nini, who just returned from summer theater camp after finding her voice, her confidence — and her new boyfriend. Fiercely loyal to her two moms, Nini is a star — if she can just believe in herself long enough to stay put in the spotlight. We got the chance to ask Olivia some questions:
Describe the role of Nini in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Nini is a junior in high school who you wouldn’t be surprised to learn is a huge theater kid. Throughout the series, theater really serves as a guiding light for Nini as she navigates one of the most confusing chapters of her life. I mean, she’s a junior- she has to deal with love, her girlhood, finding her voice and her confidence, the SATs, and so much more.
What is your favorite line of hers (without any spoilers)?
I love when Nini responds to a hiccup in her audition with the words, “I’m not thrown.” She is resilient, strong, and determined, and I think we can all use a little bit of her spirit.
What was the audition process like?
The audition process for the show was so much fun! I met Josh (Bassett) the first time I went in, and, after our scenes, we sang a super spontaneous cover of “Count on Me” my Bruno Mars. It was the most magical audition!
Do you have a dream role that you’d like to play one day?
Ooh, I’ve always wanted to be part of a musician biopic. Exploring who a musician is and what message they are communicating makes me connect so much more with their work. Music is such an important means of expression, and when you learn why a musician is saying what they’re saying, the music just becomes so much more meaningful to me. As for who I would want to PLAY, I’d say I would love to play Amy Winehouse.
What is the funniest blooper that happened during filming?
I’m not sure if this really counts as a “blooper,” but if anybody ever sees me after a dance number, they will probably think I just finished a marathon. I have no idea why, but I just get so winded.
Thanks, Olivia! Catch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, and stay tuned for the rest of the HSMTMTS Spotlights, going live all week right here!
Entertainment Spotlight: Francesca Reale, Stranger Things
Francesca Reale has been gaining momentum and recognition in the entertainment industry, landing a variety of exciting roles in a few short years. She was a series regular on Netflix’s Haters Back Off, and she can currently be seen in Season 3 of Stranger Things where she plays Heather, a popular lifeguard at the Hawkins Community Pool, who becomes the centerpiece of a dark mystery. On the film front, Francesca starred in Yes, God, Yes earlier this year, alongside Stranger Things co-star, Natalia Dyer. Francesca took the time to chat with us about the Stranger Things universe, dream roles, and personal theme songs.
What’s it like acting in scenes that will include special effects?
It’s some of the most difficult acting I’ve ever done! Without having any visual or audible help, I had to rely 100% on my imagination to put myself in my character’s situation. I learned a lot from being able to have that experience.
How would you describe the plot of Stranger Things to a five-year-old?
It’s a show with monsters and superpowers, set in a time when your grandparents were young.
If you could have a conversation with anyone, real or fictional, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I would want to ask everything about her experience of breaking into an environment where women weren’t traditionally accepted, and what that process was like for her.
What would you do if you woke up in the Upside Down?
Cry…probably for a lengthy amount of time.
Do you have a dream role that you’d like to play one day?
If, or when, there is ever a biopic of Audrey Hepburn made, I would love to play her.
If a theme song played whenever you entered a room, what song would it be?
Like A Girl by Lizzo!
If you could be in another movie or show with your Stranger Things castmates in the future what genre would it be and what roles would everyone play?
I already had the privilege of working with Natalia Dyer on the movie Yes, God, Yes. It’s a comedy in which we played Catholic school girls, and it was perfect. I hope you guys get to see it soon!
Is there a specific moment or event that you consider the highlight of your career so far?
Every new job, every new experience, every new person I get to meet is a highlight. There isn’t really a way to narrow them down for me.
If you could switch wardrobes with any character in Stranger Things, whose would you choose?
Eleven’s, after her shopping spree.
Would you rather play the hero or the villain? Why?
Villain! Hero roles are always great and rewarding to play, but sometimes the character of a villain has more layers to it, so you have a little more to play around and experiment with.
Thanks so much, Francesca! Season 3 of Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix.
Entertainment Spotlight: Sofia Wylie, Shook
If you’ve watched the Disney Channel recently, you probably recognize actress, singer, and dancer Sofia Wylie. She starred as Buffy Driscoll on the hit series Andi Mack for three seasons, plays the lead in Shook, the Disney Channel’s first original scripted series made exclusively for release on YouTube, and and will star in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series for Disney+, which is set to debut later this year. On the film side, she recently starred in Back Of The Net, which will premiere on Disney Channel later this month. This year, Wylie launched AIFOS, a production company that focuses on optioning and developing material that highlights strong female storylines that celebrate a diversity of cultures and experiences. Outside of acting and producing, she also writes and performs her own music and choreographs dance pieces for various platforms. Sofia took a few minutes out of her packed schedule to answer some of our questions. Check it out:
How would you describe Shook to a five year old?
Shook is about a 15 year old girl named Mia and the struggles she deals with at home, with her family, at school, and with dance. She loves dance with all of her heart, but it was something that was shared between her and her dad. Ever since her dad passed away she hasn’t been able to love it as much because it reminds her of her dad, which makes her sad. So she doesn’t want to open up about her sadness so she just pretends everything is fine all the time. Shook is about her journey to figure out how to finally deal with losing her dad.
What’s the funniest photo that you have on your phone right now (either share or describe it)?
This isn’t even a very funny photo but I just love these girls so much!! Sneak peek at some hair and makeup looks for Shook!
Do you have any interesting behind the scenes facts about the making of Shook?
It’s shot in locations all around Los Angeles! We shot in a real home for Mia’s house and Fredgy’s house. We shot in the arts district for all of the dance crew scenes and at an all boys school for the school scenes. This definitely made the vibe of the show feel a lot more grounded and real, because it was all shot in places that people are actually living.
If you were to come up with an alternate title for Shook, what would it be?
Body Language. I think this could be an alternate title for school because my character, Mia, struggles the most with communication. Dance is really the only way she knows and feels comfortable with expressing herself.
How did you prepare to play the role of Mia in Shook?
We had two weeks of scene study and dance rehearsals which gave me a lot of insight into who Mia is, who she has relationships with, and what those relationships mean to her. Knowing as much about her and her life, so that when I am on set I can truly just know her as well as I know myself. Putting myself in Mia’s shoes and fully becoming her became very difficult the farther into the story we got. This is because truly feeling the loss of her father as much as I could imagine someone would feel broke my heart. I felt all of that pain and grief. It was a struggle but to know that I could be helping people who are struggling with overcoming adversity like Mia is, made it all so worth it.
Do you have a dream role that you’d like to play one day?
Yes!!! I would love to be part of a historical drama, play a mermaid, superhero, or Eliza in Hamilton! All of these things characters or genres are my favorites!!! It would be an absolute dream to be part of a world like this.
Thanks so much, Sofia! Shook premieres on September 28th.
Entertainment Spotlight: Kate Reinders, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
A stage, film and television actress, Kate Reinders was a series regular on ABC’s Work It and Lifetime’s Sherri and guest starred on Modern Family and Ugly Betty. Her theatre roles include Broadway productions of Meteor Shower, Something Rotten!, Wicked, Sam Mendes’ revival of Gypsy and Beautiful, the Carole King Musical. Her High School Musical: The Musical: The Series character, Miss Jenn, is the school’s new high-energy, low-reality drama teacher, who believes musicals can save lives. She may suffer from serious imposter syndrome, but she would do anything for her students, even if it means fudging a few credits on her C.V.
Describe the role of Miss Jenn in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Miss Jenn is East High’s new drama teacher! A Salt Lake City native, she has taken a hiatus from her professional acting career to return home and pass on the gift of theater to the next generation of Wildcats. She is excited to show these kids that theater is so much more than just putting on a show. It changed her life when she was their age, and she knows it will change them, too. She’s “in the business of saving lives,” one kid at a time.
What is your favorite line of hers (without any spoilers)?
“Give us your tired, your poor, your chosen-last-for-dodgeball. You’re safe here.”
If you had a catchphrase, what would it be?
Trust the process!
Do you have any fun facts about the filming of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series that fans would be surprised to know?
Our kids sing live! And the hamster is real.
What are some themes that the series explores?
Our series is about learning to embrace what makes us all unique, quirky, and different— and finding out that our differences are what make us stronger together. And that sometimes you end up where you didn’t plan to, and that’s where you should be.
Thanks, Kate! Catch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, and stay tuned for the rest of the HSMTMTS Spotlights, going live all week right here!
Entertainment Spotlight: Jesse Lee Soffer, Chicago PD
Jesse Lee Soffer stars as Jay Halstead, a brash young detective in the NBC drama Chicago PD. Soffer’s acting career began at age 6 when he landed a Kix cereal commercial. At age 8, Soffer made his feature-film debut opposite John Goodman and Cathy Moriarty in Matinee. He also starred in the family drama Safe Passage, and as Bobby in both The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel. On the television front, he was on the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ABC sitcom Two of a Kind, the CBS serial Guiding Light, and the daytime drama As the World Turns, a role that earned him three consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Lead Actor. Soffer also appeared in the film In Time, as well as in guest roles in CSI: Miami,The Mentalist and Rizzoli & Isles. We got the chance to ask him some questions about his life and career. Check it out:
Did you do any research or shadowing to prepare for your roles on Chicago PD?
Yes, definitely. But mostly is was spending time with Brian Luce our technical advisor when we started the show and him sending us on a couple ride alongs. He’s still with us day in and day out and he’s essentially the heartbeat of the show. You can feel him everywhere from the cops that are on set to even specific character choices that we make every day.
If you could have a conversation with any character that you’ve played in the past, who would you talk to and what would you talk about?
I’d talk to Jay and tell him to stop being an idiot and getting his boundaries mixed up and start listening to Voight more.
Do you have a favorite character arc from this season of Chicago PD?
I have been enjoying seeing Voight and Jay trust each other a little more. I know that there’s riffs sometimes and they butt heads but the two respect each other and they’re definitely growing and have a mutual respect more and more because of it and that’s been a fun storyline to see play out.
What’s the funniest photo that you have on your phone (either share or describe it)?
Probably Season 1, I still have all the photos and video of accidentally kicking Patty in the nuts. He was suppose to be wearing a cup, it malfunctioned, we were gonna do it as a joke, and it went horribly awry.
Do you have any fun facts about the filming of Chicago PD that fans would be surprised to know?
Anytime we’re on set on location and it’s winter, everybody piles into Halstead’s truck to stay warm in between setups and usually hilarity ensues.
What’s the first thing that you remember being a fan of?
I remember watching the Terminator movies way too young as a kid and I’m sure that played a part in me liking the action genre.
If you could take a masterclass on any subject, what would you learn and who would you want to teach you (e.g. a cooking class with Gordon Ramsay)?
I’d love to take a political science class from Susan Rice, or someone like that.
Can you take us through a typical day on set?
Coffee. Block scenes. Eat snacks. More coffee. Shoot scenes. Putt. Shoot scenes. Putt. Shoot scenes. Get hangry. Shoot scenes. Eat lunch. Shoot more scenes. Putt. Shoot more scenes. I have a putting matt in the bullpen to work on my short game.
Lighting round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
Who you are: I don’t know! You can’t fit me in a bubble.
What I value the most: Friends and family.
Food Item: Thanksgiving Dinner
What’s next for you?
Watch the fall finale to find out!
Thanks for taking the time, Jesse! Tune in to the finale of Chicago PD, tonight at 10/9c on NBC.
Entertainment Spotlight: Timothy Granaderos
Timothy Granaderos got his start in the entertainment industry as a production assistant. After working behind the scenes for a few years, he was discovered by a modeling agency and soon decided to fully immerse himself into acting. Fast forward to today, you probably recognize him as as Lucas from The Runaways, and Montgomery De La Cruz from 13 Reasons Why. On the film front, Timothy will next be seen starring in indie comedy Keep Hope Alive, set to release in January 2020. He also starred as Ash Franklin in the psychological thriller drama series, T@gged. When he isn’t on set, you can find him playing soccer, hiking, going to the beach, and exploring nature. We got the chance to ask him a few questions about life and his career. Check it out:
How would you describe the evolution of Montgomery De La Cruz from Season 1 of 13 Reasons Why until now?
Monty was introduced as this one-dimensional bully, but now he’s grown into this complex, layered, confused kid trying to navigate high school and his emotions just like any of the other kids at Liberty. In season three we really get to explore his vulnerabilities.
Do you have any interesting behind the scenes facts about the making of 13 Reasons Why?
90% of the weights in the weight room were fake. Pay attention to some of the background guys throwing up NFL worthy weights like its nothing. Makes me laugh every time.
If you could make a documentary, what would it be about?
My Filipino Father’s journey to the US. It’s an incredible story, and it has a lot to do with who I am today.
What scene are you most excited for fans to see in 13 Reasons Why Season 3?
The half-naked, post shower, locker room fight. Bunch of dudes just brawling it out in their towels. It was actually a really fun scene to shoot. Austin Aaron (who plays Luke Holliday) accidentally called Ross “ROSS” instead of Zach in the middle of a take. We couldn’t stop laughing.
What advice would you give to your fourteen-year-old self?
The insecurities you have, you share with everyone around you. Ask questions in class without the fear of feeling dumb. Don’t be afraid to get laughed at. You can play sports and be in plays. You’ll hit your growth spurt going into your senior year of high school and girls will finally notice you, and one day you’ll be telling Tumblr about your deepest teen insecurities while drinking a cup of coffee with a smile on your face.
Thanks so much, Timothy! Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why is now streaming on Netflix.
Photo: Andrew Gleason
Entertainment Spotlight: Tony Cavalero, The Righteous Gemstones
Tony Cavalero is not only an Eagle Scout and a black belt, but he’s also an actor whose name you’re bound to start seeing more and more of. Best known for his roles as Ozzy Osbourne in the Netflix biopic, The Dirt, and Dewey Finn in Nickelodeon’s School of Rock, you can currently catch him playing ex-satanist Keefe Chambers in HBO’s televangelist comedy, The Righteous Gemstones. Tony took the time to answer some questions and share some fun facts (and photos) from his life.
How did you prepare for the part of Keefe Chambers in The Righteous Gemstones?
It was rad finding Keefe because I usually play very high-energy characters. Keefe is newly saved from the grips of Satan and was originally written to be older and heavier than me. I imagined him as very uncomfortable in his own skin, around the church, and just about everywhere—this subtle weirdo with very little in the social skills department. My wife and I workshopped the role together on a long road trip back from Lake Tahoe, taking aspects from a character I used to play at the Groundlings, and another from a small web series I worked on in 2009. Throw in the mullet leftover from playing Ozzy in The Dirt, and a monotone southern drawl, and boom! After my audition, I was told that Danny had found a video of a real ex-Satanist-turned-minister and that I looked just like him. So really, I think I got lucky with my “out there” appearance!
If you were to come up with an alternate title for The Righteous Gemstones, what would it be?
The Holy Shits!
If you could be transported into the world of a book, movie, or TV show, which one would you pick?
I love the landscapes in Last of The Mohicans—it would be really interesting to get to see America in its infancy (I did get my BA in history!). I enjoy films, books, and TV shows with big American landscapes. Books like Bearskin, American Fire, The Killers Of The Flower Moon, and anything by Tony Hillerman are great for that.
What about The Righteous Gemstones drew you to the role and the show?
I have been such a monster fan of the Rough House crew for so long (Danny McBride, Jody Hill, and David Gordon Green), not to mention Adam Devine and John Goodman. It was a dream job from the get-go. There’s never been a show like this that is so uniquely American and truly pertinent right now.
What’s the most impulsive thing you’ve ever done?
That would have to be moving to Los Angeles right after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute without really knowing what I was getting myself into. I spent my first six years out here as a janitor at a big playhouse in the Valley trying to navigate the craziness that is Hollywood.
What’s the funniest photo that you have on your phone right now?
I’ve never shared this photo before because I was working on Nickelodeon’s School Of Rock at the time, which is a kids’ show. The night before my wedding, we had all our best friends staying together in one huge house in Lake Tahoe. Everyone had been drinking heavily, except for me (I don’t drink), and I decided to streak around the house with only a porcelain kitty to cover me up. I can’t blame this madness on anything but pure wedding bliss!
What are your favorite ways to waste time?
I don’t really waste time :) I love to write and create with my wife, perform, sketch, and improv comedy at the Groundlings, and read lots of horrors and thrillers. I also like to walk our three doggos, make and eat great food, and spend time with the kids at CHLA. And of course, I hit the gym every day, then the hot tub, then the cold plunge.
Is there a line or scene that you feel defines the character you play in The Righteous Gemstones?
Any scene with Kelvin and Keefe really shows who Keefe is as a person. Sweet, earnest, and so uncomfortable in himself, he is able to be honest with his “best friend” Kelvin, whom he loves dearly.
Thanks for taking the time, Tony! The Righteous Gemstones airs on Sundays at 8pm on HBO.
Photo by: Sela Shiloni
Entertainment Spotlight: Matt Cornett, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Born in Rogers, Arkansas, Matt had a recurring role on Bella and The Bulldogs and guest starred on The Middle, Southland, and Criminal Minds, among others. He plays E.J., Nini’s new love interest, the supremely confident son of two corporate lawyers, who secretly battles the pressure of living up to his picture-perfect Instagram account. Co-captain of the water polo team, senior class treasurer, and trust fund baby…it’s not a good idea to cross E.J. if you get something he wants — like the lead in the musical. Check out his Spotlight:
Describe the role of E.J. in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
E.J. is Nini’s new boyfriend that she meets at summer camp while taking a break from her old relationship with Ricky. He’s the perfect kid who has everything, raised in wealth and has always gotten what he wants. However, you soon learn that E.J. has a tendency to hide a lot of things about himself, living his life in a metaphorical filter while trying to find out who he really is.
What is your favorite line of his (without any spoilers)?
One of my favorite lines is from the very first episode. And it’s when E.J. says “She thinks I’m a Chad?!” What’s so great about that line is it really truly shows off who E.J. is. He just expects to be playing Troy in the production and when he instead lands the role of Troy’s best friend Chad and sees the outcome of what’s actually happening it really hits him. He doesn’t really know how to take it. It’s a very humbling moment.
If a theme song played whenever the character that you play entered a room, what song would it be?
That’s a really great question. I think any song that has anything to do feeling overconfident would fit E.J. However, E.J. actually deals with a ton of insecurities and tends to think deep down that he’s not good enough - that he has to put on this facade of being this confident guy. A song that fits perfectly with his inner conflict is “The Way I Am” by Charlie Puth. This fits so well because it talks about being this person who seems a bit “out there” but if you look underneath the surface, is also a little anxious and insecure.
Do you have a favorite character arc or storyline?
One of my favorite character arcs and storylines is definitely Carlos. I love seeing all of the stuff that he goes through throughout the season. The ups and downs that he faces and the way that he pushes through them is really inspiring.
What inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
I did theater when I was in middle school, and I fell in love with it instantly. I loved the concept of getting to explore and play so many different characters, create backstories and put your own take on them. My favorite thing is getting to share that love and passion with other people and getting to entertain people with that. I just love making people happy and getting the chance to make people smile and laugh.
Thanks, Matt! Catch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, and stay tuned for the rest of the HSMTMTS Spotlights, going live all week right here!