It is a pairing that seems like it would never work – one loves to hit the slopes and one loves to hit the books. However, put them under the same roof and you get the crazy shenanigans and unlikely friendship that occurs between Max Asher (Jonny Gray) and Alvin ‘Shred’ Ackerman (Jake Goodman) in the new teen comedy show, MAX AND SHRED! Max comes to live with the Ackerman’s while he is training for the big Winter Cup, and the boys quickly become bros and find they have more in common than they think. At the head of the family is Shred’s fun dad, Lloyd, who is young at heart, loves the outdoors and is eager to live out his father-son sporting hopes with Max.
THE MAGAZINE chatted with Jean-Michel Le Gal, who plays Lloyd, about his character, food and fishing.
Tell us about MAX AND SHRED and your character, Lloyd Ackerman.
MAX AND SHRED is this awesome buddy comedy where you have Max, who is this really cool pro-snowboarder, and Shred, who is essentially this science genius, and they have to share a room together. I play the dad, Lloyd, who is hosting Max. We’re set in Colorado and Max comes from Vermont. Basically, a whole bunch of crazy stuff happens in the house because of the mix of these two guys and they learn how to get along and learn a whole bunch of lessons along the way.
What do you like most about your character and how can you relate to him?
His sense of adventure. He’ll try anything. If you had to liken him to an animal, he would be a golden retriever but standing up. He’s really excited and really loyal to his family. He loves food and trying new things. Lloyd has a bit of a naïve side which I have as well. I also really love ribs.
Max and Shred are two very different kids, but they get along and navigate through teenage life together. What message do you hope this sends to viewers about friendship?
No matter the differences that you have with other people, there are more similarities than there are differences between people and it’s important to keep that in mind.
Tell us about your favourite episode this season.
My favourite episode is “The Stalefish Double Flip,” where me and the boys go out to a fishing hut. It was so fun to shoot and we just had crazy fun doing it because they built us a fishing hut spot. It’s one of the funniest episodes.
What has been the most memorable moment on-set?
The last episode. It was very emotional for the characters and for the actors involved. It was really beautiful. It was awesome.
Are there any on-set pranksters?
EVERYONE! Jonny Gray is definitely up for playing tricks and stuff. Myself too. The guys tend to play little tricks on each other.
If you could pick any actor to guest star on an episode of MAX AND SHRED, who would you choose and why?
I would choose Henry Winkler – The Fonz – because he could totally play Lloyd’s weird uncle. He could just bring so much to the show. The biggest reason is that I’ve always loved his work and that character. It would be a dream come true.
How did you get your start in acting?
I got my start when I was just a kid. My mom was an actress and my dad was a TV producer in town, so I basically grew up backstage. When I was 10, my mom said I should try it out and so I started doing it. I started studying it professionally at Studio 58 in Vancouver and that’s where the work became more challenging but also the rewards were bigger.
What’s next on MAX AND SHRED?
There are all kinds of different shenanigans. There are going to be some live animals. There’s also going to be an awesome and emotional ending to this show.
Tell THE MAGAZINE readers why they have to watch MAX AND SHRED.
MAX AND SHRED is incredibly well-written, it cracks me up and it cracks up everyone that I know. We’re having so much fun on set making it; hopefully that shows. Everyone involved is so passionate about it and I think that shows in the work. Also, Jonny Gray and Jake Goodman are just about to blow up! They are extremely talented. If you want to see the next teen stars get made, you should check out this show because they are going to go big places.
Thank you, Jean-Michel! Catch MAX AND SHRED Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET/PT on YTV!