Fans know Kevin Alves best as Fabio from Degrassi’s season 12, yet not everyone realizes he began on the ice as a competitive figure skater. He skated across Europe and South Africa before turning his sights to acting. His latest project is Disney’s How to Build a Better Boy, a comedy about two high school girls who accidentally bring a boy to life through a computer. This interview shares stories from his Degrassi years, his experience filming the new movie, and more.
Starting as a figure skater, Alves explains that acting was always part of his plan. From a young age he anticipated performing after skating, and his path became clearer after competing at the World Championships. That moment felt like the invitation to focus on acting and music full time.
He recalls knowing early on that acting would be part of life. At seven, he said he would skate as long as possible and then move into acting and music. It has felt like a done deal since then, and the switch toward acting grew stronger after the world championships, when he finally felt ready to hang up the skating hat and pursue acting and music.
Does he still skate?
He still skates, but not competitively. He skated yesterday for an hour in the morning and enjoyed it, though he no longer trains with the same intensity as before.
Every acting role is different. What sort of challenges did the Degrassi role present?
The character was written as a love interest for Tristan. The script didn’t reveal at first whether Fabio was meant to be involved romantically or simply be a kind, friendly presence. He faced the actor’s challenge of choosing how to portray that dynamic, letting Tristan’s feelings guide how the audience perceived a possible romance.
What was your favorite memory from the Degrassi set?
Many cast members became friends. He mentions Cristine Prosperi, Munro Chambers, and Justin Kelly, noting it felt like family. The first day on set was especially memorable, with lighthearted banter. A scene in which he stood in the background with a mask led to playful improv where Munro would call out Fabio and they would act out a mock fight—energy that even early mornings couldn’t dampen.
Which actor or actors do you look up to or find inspiring?
Will Smith is his biggest inspiration as an actor. The appeal goes beyond performances to the way Smith makes clear, purposeful choices and believes in shaping life for the better. Alves grew up watching him and admires how acting can touch people on a personal level.
Degrassi has a massive fan following. What was that like for you now that you’ve experienced it firsthand?
It was fun and not overly overwhelming. The fan base is incredibly dedicated, and their letters show real appreciation for the cast. The transition from skating to acting has been quick, and Degrassi gave a glimpse of what the future could feel like with such devoted fans behind him.
Do you have any new projects coming up?
He had just finished filming Disney’s How to Build a Better Boy, a project filmed locally with China Anne. The experience was a lot of fun, and he is now focusing on auditions and music.
Is filming a movie different from a TV show?
Yes. TV sets move quickly with pre-arranged schedules, while films allow more time to capture each shot exactly as envisioned. Disney sets tend to be energetic and youthful, with a cast full of young performers; he was among the older ones. Still, the energy and vibe on Degrassi and How to Build a Better Boy felt very similar in spirit.
Would you ever consider doing stage work?
Absolutely. He loves theater. When Marquis Productions in Aurora needed an Aladdin at short notice, he stepped in, learned the part in about a week, and performed. Stage work lets actors reach emotional places that are harder to access on screen, and that’s the sweet spot he likes to hit.
Thanks, Kevin.
He can be seen in Disney’s How to Build a Better Boy.