Nickelodeon’s SAM & CAT recently debuted on YTV, welcoming audiences to a fresh best friends duo and a host of lively characters to adore. Cameron Ocasio, who plays Dice, sat down to share his thoughts about the show and his own journey in acting. Read on for a fuller picture of how he got started, how the SAM & CAT role came to him, and what fans can look forward to from Dice.
Starting from the beginning, Ocasio explains how acting entered his life. As a child, a moment in a movie theatre where someone spoke to his mother opened the door to acting. He gave it a try, found it incredibly enjoyable, and discovered a natural knack for it. He went on to win first runner-up in model of the year and first runner-up in actor of the year, which reinforced his belief that this path could be more than a hobby. With hard work and persistence, he pursued opportunities and eventually arrived at SAM & CAT.
Ocasio originally auditioned for a Dan Schneider project other than SAM & CAT. The director saw something in him and cast him as Dice on SAM & CAT, even though he hadn’t auditioned for that specific character beforehand. The offer felt right, and he embraced the chance with enthusiasm.
Had Ocasio seen iCarly or Victorious before joining the cast? Yes, he loved those series and used to watch them regularly, a habit he still maintains.
In terms of parallels, he sees clear similarities between himself and Dice. Dice dresses with a distinctive flair, wearing a cool hat and chains, and Ocasio concedes he shares a similar sense of style. Yet he also notes important differences; Dice can obtain almost anything from anywhere in the world, a power he does not possess in real life.
The show features some bold, wacky moments like the Harlem Shake and characters throwing tantrums. For Ocasio, those scenes are a blast to perform. They present fun challenges, especially the tantrum sequences which required a different kind of on-screen energy, something he genuinely enjoys tackling.
Looking ahead, Dice has some entertaining moments in store. He mentors a character named Goomer, who provides plenty of humor and appears in many first-season episodes. Ocasio also works with a variety of animals on the show, a topic he adores since he loves animals and even dreams of becoming a vet one day. Among the creatures he has encountered, a monkey stands out as the coolest moment, having even hopped onto his back during filming.
Friends and family have been incredibly supportive. They tune in to every episode and beam with pride at his achievement, celebrating his TV presence and the excitement it brings
When he is not acting, Ocasio keeps busy with friends and family, especially during the six-week hiatus in New York. He enjoys video games, pool time, and the overall downtime that lets him regroup and recharge with loved ones.
School is balanced through homeschooling, aided by an on-set tutor who assists with any needs. The one-on-one setting makes it manageable and comfortable amid a busy shooting schedule.
Beyond acting, he pursues another craft: magic. He has been practicing tricks for about two years, studying techniques online and refining his skills through steady practice, which he believes is the key to growth in any discipline.
Co-star dynamics on set are lively, with plenty of pranks and laughter. Pranks are a regular occurrence among the cast, including Jennette toilet-papering a room, and a variety of playful moments involving Jennette, Ariana, Zoran, and Maree. The ensemble feels like a big, happy family, united by a shared love of the work.
Why should viewers tune in? The show delivers consistent humor and a bright energy that tends to lift viewers’ moods and spark smiles from start to finish.
Fans can catch the adventures of Dice on SAM & CAT, airing Mondays at 6 p.m. ET on YTV.