BSCKids got the opportunity to talk to Jacob Laval about his work on The Plot Against America as well as John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch which air on HBO and Netflix respectively. You can find a bit of information below before delving into the interview.
Jacob Laval can be seen playing ‘Seldon Wishnow’ in HBO’s American drama, “The Plot Against America” alongside Winona Ryder, Zoe Kazan, and John Turturro. He can currently be seen playing himself on Netflix’s “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch” and was recently seen in Broadway’s “The Rose Tattoo” starring Marisa Tomei.
BSCKids: Jacob, you seem to be really busy lately, tell us a bit about your work on HBO’s “The Plot Against America”.
Jacob Laval: Working for HBO’s The Plot Against America was the most exciting and fun experience I’ve ever had. I got to shoot on the soundstage and location in New Jersey and even up in Woodstock and the Catskills mountain area. All the other cast members were so professional and also incredibly nice. Now that I’m watching it, I feel so grateful that HBO cast me to play Seldon.
– and Netflix’s “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch”.
Working on John Mulaney and The Sack Lunch Bunch was like being in summer camp, and getting paid for it. I made so many new friends and the crew was super friendly!
Who has helped you out the most on the set of “The Plot Against America” with growing your acting ability?
Both of the Director’s Minke Spiro and Tommy Schlamme were amazing to work with and they helped me whenever they could.”
Between all of your work how do you find time for school, friends and hobbies?
It is not always easy. I’ve made friends with some of the other kids I have worked with so they understand that we can’t always see each other. When I was on Broadway it was really hard because I had a very strict schedule so I missed a lot of school and friend’s events.
Luckily though, all my friends are super supportive of what I do so they understand. Also, Broadway understands that kids miss out on a lot so they have events and parties for the Broadway kids to attend and have fun.
How funny is John Mulaney and is there anything that has happened behind the scenes you can tell us about?
John is very funny! He is also really nice and we had a great time working with him. We called him a boss man. He says he doesn’t want kids but now he has 15 of us!! Whenever we see him we all run to him and almost knocked him over!
Tell us a bit about how acting helped you overcome your speech impairment.
When I first started acting, we worried that I might not get parts but luckily I’ve still got some awesome work! I am still working hard on my speech now.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
People always ask me if I get nervous when I audition or work but I don’t at all. I’m very confident in what I do. I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute thanks to my Broadway guardian Vanessa Brown. Also my favorite color is pink!
What are some of your favorite shows to watch?
I love Survivor! I have watched the current seasons and old seasons! I like the new Disney show Diary of a Future President. My Mom is having me watch old Brady Bunch episodes and I like them! I also watch a lot of YouTube videos and I love to read! I’m about to read The Ersatz Elevator right now!
Thanks to Jacob Laval for taking the time to talk to us!