THE MAGAZINE recently chatted with one of the stars of the hilarious sitcom MOM, Blake Garrett Rosenthal, about his role on MOM, working with huge stars, his first audition, and much more!
What made you initially want to get into acting?
It was actually by chance that I got into acting. My aunt, who is a youth talent agent, was looking for a 5 year-old boy to send out on an audition for a TV pilot. I was 5 at the time so she decided to send me on it. I never had been on an audition before, but I booked the part. The pilot wasn’t picked up, but my aunt started sending me out on more auditions and that’s how I got started.
Do you remember your first audition? What was it like?
I was only 5 at the time so I don’t remember much. I do remember my mom working with me on the lines to prepare for it…at that time I wasn’t reading yet. I also remember going to the audition and there were a lot of kids there. I was literally the last to be seen. When I went into the room to meet the casting directors they were laughing a lot while I was saying my lines.
Are you similar to your character on MOM, Roscoe? Or different?
Well we both love our family. Roscoe also seems pretty easy going and so am I. I think I’m smarter than he is and definitely better at sports!
What is it like working with huge names like Anna Faris and Allison Janney?
Working with Anna and Allison is a dream come true. They are both so down to earth and loving towards me. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast to work with. They are so funny on and off camera but, most importantly, they treat me like family!
How does working on a sitcom differ from the experience of being in a movie?
Working on a sitcom is different than working on a movie. On a sitcom you are in a studio on set. There is a schedule that includes rehearsals, run-throughs, pre-shoots, and then filming in front of a live audience. Working on a movie you are usually on location. You usually work longer hours, there isn’t much rehearsing, and at times working on one scene can take all day.
Which actor/actress would be your dream to work with?
I am already working with actors that are a dream come true, but it would be great to work with Jim Parsons from the Big Bang Theory. He is one of my favorite actors.
How do you balance your acting career with being a regular kid (school, hanging with your friends, etc.?)
On a sitcom like MOM you are working 2 weeks and then you are off 1 week. The days on set I have a studio teacher, but the days we are off I go to school like a regular kid. It’s great because I get to hang out with my friends. My teacher on set works with my teacher at school so I’m right on par with my class. I also love sports, and being on MOM I’m able to participate in different sports leagues during the year. Right now, I’m doing baseball but my favorite sport to play is basketball.
What is the main reason you like acting so much?
The main reason I like acting so much is because, to me, it’s exciting to be in front of the cameras and playing out different characters. I also love that on MOM we get to film in front of a live audience. There is nothing better than hearing their reactions. The cast and I have a great time making them laugh!
What is your advice to the readers of The Magazine who are interested in a possible career in acting?
For those that are interested in acting I would say that you have to be really committed because it is really easy to be discouraged at times. There can be a lot of rejections, but you have to keep going and just know that rejection is part of the business.
Can you give us a teaser for the MOM season finale?
There are a lot of things happening in the season finale of MOM. There are some funny scenes between Roscoe and his dad Baxter in a hospital waiting area. You will be finding out if Violet ends up keeping the baby or giving it up for adoption. There will also be some funny unexpected surprises with Bonnie and Alvin…you will just have to wait and see!
Thanks Blake, and don’t forget to catch the season finale of MOM on April 14th on CBS!