Can you tell us a bit about GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET?
It is an Amazon Original Series about Gortimer Gibbon and his two best friends, Mel and Ranger, growing up and living on Normal Street where nothing is quite normal. Their neighbourhood is sort of old school. The kids are all very well mannered, they play outside all summer, and take cookies to their neighbors. But there is something underneath all of that and Gortimer and his friends work together to figure out hidden and dark secrets that adults hide from you in bedtime stories and nursery rhymes. It’s really a story of friendship, loyalty, and honour. Gortimer is kind of a reluctant hero who at the end of the day just wants to do the right thing and have fun with his two best friends.
What made you want to be an actor?
At some point, I always knew I was meant to be an actor. At an early age, I loved to entertain family and friends, and have never been shy. I was a Hip Hop Dancer who won some awards and that led me to acting. Once I took a few classes and got in front of the camera, I was hooked!
Do you remember your first audition?
Absolutely I do! It was for the role of Pugsley in the “Addams Family Musical” with Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth on Broadway. My Dad and I drove to New York and went to the audition where I had to sing a song with only a piano. I did well, but was not big enough nor was my voice loud enough to book it. We went to the world’s largest Toys “R” Us that had a Ferris wheel inside, and ate at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. It was a great experience. I still remember the entire song and could sing it today.
Are you similar to your character?
Yes we both spend our lives trying to do the right thing. My friends always know they can count on me no matter what and my word is my bond. I’m just a normal kid and so is he, but we don’t necessarily live normal lives.
What is it like working with Drew (Ranger) and Ashley (Mel)?
They are both very talented actors who have become some of my best friends in real life. So there is no stretch in us showing our friendship on camera. We have a blast working together!
Which actor(s) would it be your dream to work with?
I would love to work with Tom Hanks or Leonardo DiCaprio. Either one of them would be a dream come true. They both represent the epitome of what an actor should be. Their years of continued amazing films and awards speak volumes for their success.
What is your advice for other kids who want to become actors?
Dream big and put your heart and soul into your work. Get some good training to hone your craft and know that no one books everything. Learn to accept rejection and build upon it to make yourself a stronger and better actor. Also, don’t hold back when portraying a role. Go all in and immerse yourself into the character. There is a famous saying from Henry Ford that I live by: “Whether you think you can do a thing or whether you think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”
How do you balance acting and having time to just be a regular kid?
Acting unlike most other professions has peaks and valleys. When filming a TV Series like Gortimer, we are typically three weeks on and one week off to run personal errands or just stand down. Even when filming a long project, we always take time off to chill and just have fun. When I’m off, I relax with my family and friends or play video games, watch movies, ride go-karts, jump on trampolines, or do indoor skydiving. I’m definitely a regular kid, just one who is an actor.
What drew you to GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET?
The script is what definitely drew me to the show. Once I read it, I was excited about the role. I went running to my Dad’s office and asked him if he had read it. It is by far the best one I’ve ever read. I knew instantly that I was Gortimer and he was me. I wanted the role very much and the lines just basically rolled off my tongue as what I would have said in each circumstance. I was thrilled and honoured to book the leading role.
Tell us your favourite band, movie and TV show at the moment.
My favourite band is Imagine Dragons. Favourite movies are MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL and basically any and all of Mel Brooks’ films. Besides GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET, I’d say DOCTOR WHO, with PERCEPTION, VIKINGS, THE 100, SHERLOCK, HOMELAND, IMPRACTICAL JOKERS, INTELLIGENCE, and FACE OFF right behind it. (Sorry but there are a lot of great shows on TV right now.)
Thanks so much Sloane! Catch GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET on Amazon Prime!