PHOTO CREDIT: MATT STASI
BSCkids recently sat down with the talented actor Jack Griffo, star of Nickelodeon’s upcoming series, “The Thundermans!” He spoke with us about the series, his time on several other Nickelodeon and Disney shows, as well as his aspirations as an actor.
Jack Griffo was born in Orlando, Florida and grew up in a family of theater geeks, who introduced him to the world of acting as a toddler. At the age of two, he booked his first commercial, and was involved in community theater by the time he was in junior high. Jack’s family officially moved to Los Angeles in the fall of 2010 where he began to immediately book guest star roles on shows such as Nickelodeon’s “Bucket and Skinner’s Epic Adventures” and Disney’s “Kickin’ It”. In 2011 he booked a role in “Sound of My Voice” for Fox Searchlight Pictures, opposite Christopher Denham. Jack has since guest-starred on several Disney and Nickelodeon shows, including: “See Dad Run”, “Marvin Marvin”, and “Jessie”, to name a few. In 2013, Jack will be seen starring as Max Thunderman in the Nickelodeon comedy, “The Thundermans”. The show revolves around 14-year-old twin siblings [Jack Griffo & Kira Kosarin]. Max [Griffo] is an aspiring super villain, while his twin sister dreams of being a super hero. The show will air on Nickelodeon later this year. When not working, Jack enjoys snowboarding and surfing, and is a huge basketball fan. He also loves to play guitar and post his covers on his YouTube page, which as over 2 million views.
BSCkids: Jack Griffo
What made you decide you wanted to be an actor?
My siblings went to theater high schools and colleges, so that’s what I grew up watching and wanting to do from as far back as I can remember.
How supportive has your family been with the decision?
My family is my biggest support system. My parents are very involved and all of my siblings [except one] are actors – my middle brother coaches me often on scripts and they all are very supportive of my career.
Do you watch “Jessie?” If so what has been your favorite episode so far besides the one you are in?
Yes! I have watched Jessie, but I have too many favorite episodes to choose just one. I’ve always been a fan of Debby Ryan from way back, when she was on The Suite Life on Deck.
Favorite old school Disney show and actor/actress?
Definitely between Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, or That’s So Raven!
Were you scared of Mrs. Kipling?
I actually never got the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Kipling when I taped my episode of Jessie. I love all kinds of reptiles, so I am sure I would have thought she was really cool.
How was it working with Debby Ryan?
Debby was awesome to work with. It’s always great to see someone you’ve watched on TV since you were a little kid be a really cool, down to earth person in real life.
Any funny behind the scenes things you can tell us about your time on the Jessie set?
Karan and I always joked that we never got to do a scene together. The break-up scene between Cameron and I was pretty funny, and really difficult to shoot! We were cracking up between every take.
Your character seems to be super into sports in the episode, what is your favorite sport to play and your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite sport is basketball. It’s just what I grew up doing. More recently, I’ve really enjoyed snowboarding in the winter months. My favorite athlete is probably Kevin Durant. He’s just a super cool guy, has an awesome style, a great faith, and goes hard in the paint.
You are Emma’s [Peyton List] love interest in the episode of Jessie that you guest starred in, anyone special in your life you can tell us about?
My beautiful mother is my only special lady!
What is the hardest scene you have had to film so far in your life?
I did a short film called East of Kensington. It was a darker take on the story of Peter Pan. It has been one of my favorite projects so far, because it was really challenging and kind of intense trying to get into Peter’s head. Playing the role was extremely rewarding; Peter Pan was my all time favorite childhood character. My mom says I wore out the VHS tape with Cathy Rigby playing Peter. It was so cool that I actually got to play him.
If you could meet or work with any celebrity who would it be and why?
Working with Will Ferrel would be a dream. He cracks me up in everything he does. Bryan Cranston or Aaron Paul would be amazing as well, Breaking Bad is my all time favorite series.
Since you play guitar you must be into music, who are some of your favorite bands?
A few are Incubus, Dashboard Confessional, Relient K, Sublime, Stone Temple Pilots, and Maroon 5.
On “The Thundermans” you are going to be the super villain to your TV sisters super hero. Which do you think is going to be more fun?
I think playing the villain is really fun. Mostly because I just love playing something I’m totally not. Max is so cool because he is a super villain and wants to take over the world, but at the same time has these special moments with his family that shows he’s really a sweet loving kid inside.
What are you most looking forward to with “The Thundermans”?
I’m looking forward to having a show I can call home. I’ve been bouncing around from show to show [which isn’t a bad thing!] but, I am looking forward to working week after week with our cast, and developing one character.
Your favorite Nick show of all time is…?
Without a doubt “Drake and Josh.” That show is my childhood!
I would say the schedule. It’s pretty hard to do school and work every day and also make time to be a kid and hang out with your friends.
My family certainly doesn’t. My close friends don’t either. We’re gonna stick together through the twists and turns of this journey and keep each other grounded.
PHOTO CREDIT: MATT STASI
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