Kevin Chacon has been gracing our television screens since first appearing in “Jessica Jones” at the age of 9. Most recently, he stars as Chris in the hit series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Chacon spoke with NYOTA about his character’s big reveal in the finale, working with Dior Goodjohn, and his burgeoning music career.

You started acting very young and were on Jessica Jones by the time you were 9. What made you or your family realize you had a passion for performing?

I realized that I had a passion for the arts since I was 4 years old. My mom didn’t want that type of exposure for me at that age, so she held it off until I was 9. Which is a decision that I was mad at and didn’t understand for a long time until I got older. Now I love her and thank her for that decision she made.

Under the name NYV3K, you released your debut single “El Cuarto.” Now that Season 2 of Percy Jackson has ended, are you hoping to dedicate time to working on new songs?

Yes! NYV3K is such a big part of who I’ve become, and this year I really want to focus and work more on music! I’m looking forward to releasing new singles and working with other artists, which will be fun.

While fans of the book series knew Chris was going to be fighting on the side of the titans, fans who have only watched the show got a huge shock in the finale. How did you go about preparing for that scene when Chris shows who he is truly loyal to?

I didn’t focus on playing it as a twist; I looked at it as a truth Chris has been holding in. The titans have offered him a status that he has been wanting for a long time, and he feels as if it is the right decision.

A lot of what works in Chris’s favor is the fact that Clarisse has a crush on him and doesn’t realize his deception until right when he decides to strike. Did you and Dior Goodjohn work closely on how you wanted to portray Clarisse and Chris’s dynamic throughout the season? Especially because your character’s storylines will continue to be intertwined.

We didn’t sit down and map out every detail together, but there was a lot of mutual trust. Dior brought so much honesty and emotion to Clarisse that it was easy to respond truthfully as Chris. We let the moments speak, and I think that made the reveal hit harder and also set up what comes in their future events together.

The show features a mix of practical effects, sets, and CGI. What was it like filming scenes at camp for the early episodes of the season and then seeing it transformed into a battleground for the finale?

It’s fun having to act based off of imagination when it comes to filming, then amazing to see how well the effects click into place post-production. The Percy Jackson team works so well when it comes to clicking in the effects; they deserve all the flowers! 

Percy Jackson fans are incredibly passionate. What has the reaction been like toward Chris since the finale aired? Is it rewarding to be part of a series with such devoted viewers?

Everyone’s reaction has been amazing/funny. Everyone is so sweet and supportive. Most fans say they “hate Chris” and “how could you,” but that just goes to show I did my job in the most honest way possible. I absolutely love all of the comments; it’s fun to see how much the fans have gotten involved and intrigued with Chris and his story.

As the series progresses, your character will find himself at the center of an intense storyline. Do you have a scene from the book series that you’re most excited to bring to life?

I’d definitely say my favorite scene from the book is when Chris becomes the Labyrinth’s prisoner and the madness clicks in. Then Chris’s recovery after, because you really get to see the switches and that moment hopefully reframes everything the fans thought they knew about him.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

First and foremost, if you are a believer, trust God! All I can say is patience is key, and that’s followed by perseverance, dedication, and discipline. Keep studying and perfecting your craft, no matter what status you hold. Don’t stop until you are where you want to be, and even then, aim higher to a new goal. The world is yours.