Disney star plays to win
By Tatat Bunnag, photos are courtesy of TQ PR
American teen actor Cameron Boyce is now a familiar face in showbiz, especially to fans of Disney Channel. Cameron began modelling at the age of seven, and appeared in more than 20 US commercials. His career really took off when he starred as Luke Ross in the hit TV series Jessie. He then appeared in a number of hit Disney Channel series such as Shake It Up, Good Luck Charlie, General Hospital and Night Shift as well as last year's Descendants movie.
Now the 16-year-old is starring in a new series, Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything. He plays Conor, a professional video game superstar who is forced to enrol in public school for the first time.
Student Weekly recently had an opportunity to grab an exclusive interview with Cameron about the upcoming second season of the show.
Student Weekly: You've been in both TV series and movies. How do you prepare for each role you play?
Cameron: It's different. Before a movie begins you work on your character because you only have a certain number of scenes and only a few months you get to be that person. But in TV you come in not really knowing your character, so it takes shape naturally. It takes more time and you don't really want to rush it. You need to let the writer build the character.
Student Weekly: Is working on Gamer's Guide easier than your previous work?
Cameron: It's different, but compared to Jessie this is a bit more difficult. On that show I had less material and I was more like the comic relief, but now I'm carrying a lot of scenes, so it's a different energy.
Student Weekly: Would you describe Conor as the grown-up version of your character in Jessie?
Cameron: I think Conor is more mature. Luke from Jessie was a bit more carefree and didn't seem to have any goals, so Conor is more driven.
Student Weekly: What's going to happen with Conor in season 2?
Cameron: I see him maturing, improving his leadership skills and growing closer to the other actors.
Student Weekly: Are you a fan of video games?
Cameron: Oh yeah, definitely! I enjoy playing PS4 the most.
Student Weekly: In Gamer's Guide, Conor breaks his thumb while playing video games. Have you ever hurt yourself while playing games?
Cameron: No! I'm a sporty guy and play basketball, so I've had bumps and bruises from that.
Student Weekly: Did you have to check out what kind of games the pro-gamers are playing?
Cameron: Some of my friends are gamers so I asked them. I know Call of Duty is big, but I was never really a shooting-game kind of guy. I prefer basketball and sports games.
Student Weekly: How do you deal with the level of fame that you have today?
Cameron: I'm definitely more comfortable with it. I didn't use to like it because it meant I couldn't really be a regular kid. Now I know people are just reacting naturally, so I can't let the whispers or staring get to me. I need to live my life and I have a responsibility as an actor to be gracious and respectful. It's actually very cool to get recognised.
Vocabulary
familiar (adj): well-known
enrol (v): to arrange for yourself to officially join a course or school
leadership (n): the ability to be a leader or the qualities a good leader should have
comic relief (n): something to make you laugh
bruise (n): a blue, brown or purple mark that appears on the skin after somebody has fallen or been hit
whisper (n): a low quiet voice
gracious (adj): kind and polite
