Words by Carol Wright | Photos by Sara Pine
From acting to gymnastics, Cameron brings passion and energy to everything he does. We got to talk with him about his most recent gig playing Ryan in Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story.
You followed in your sister’s footsteps and decided to start acting. What about acting interested you?
The minute I set foot on set I was hooked. It was on the set of my sister’s first series regular role when she was 7 and I was 5. I still remember it. The energy and the sets. Everyone was having fun and my sister got to pretend and play all day. But even though I begged my mom to let me start acting, she waited until I was 9. She wanted to make sure I really wanted it and I was emotionally mature and ready.
One of your first roles found you working with major Hollywood stars. What did you learn during your time on Big Little Lies?
I learned so much. I learned everything from what the second team was to turn the camera around for another actor’s coverage. I was not new to acting because I watched my sister over the years and my mom coach other actors, and I absorbed everything. But the biggest thing I learned was from Nicole and Meryl. They taught me that no matter how big of a star you are, you need to be giving and kind. Nicole is the kindest woman in show business and she is like family. Meryl was so giving on set as an actor. She gave 100 percent of herself during every take. Even when the camera was not on her and turned around for my coverage, she still gave 100 percent. They are amazing people and I love them both!
Why did you want to be a part of Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story?
I loved that I got to play a character that I have not played before. I play Ryan, the eldest son of Betty and Dan Broderick. Ryan is a kid dealing with the divorce of his parents and navigating his feelings of his parents’ tumultuous relationship. I had some scenes that challenged me as an actor and that was incredible to do.
Tell us a bit about your character Ryan. Are you alike in any way?
I feel Ryan and I are the same in that he has three siblings and I can relate to having a big family. However, I have not experienced the things that Ryan experienced. I loved that I was able to challenge myself as an actor in playing a character that was not like me.
Outside of acting you and your brother also compete in men’s gymnastics. Do you ever hope to tie your acting and gymnastics together and take on a role that lets you do both?
I would love that. I actually had to put gymnastics on hold because I was filming two different shows simultaneously – one in LA and one in Toronto. But it would be cool to play a character that required stunts and gymnastics.
We’ve been in quarantine the past few months. What have you been doing to keep yourself entertained?
Well, I have a built-in best friend that lives with me, my twin Nicky. I also have two sisters, so we played a lot of games, we made lots of movies and watched a lot of shows. For my mom’s birthday, all she wanted was us to make a funny film or commercial. My brother and I made a crazy commercial using his Halloween costume that was a plague doctor from the 1600s. We have also been reading lots of scripts and reading lots of books.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
You have to really like acting because it can be tough sometimes. You have to love everything about this industry. I have kids tell me they want to act and then they tell me they don’t like to watch any shows or films. If you love it and that is all you want to do then go for it. Keep trying, because if it is your dream don’t ever give up on your dreams. Dreaming is what inspires us and keeps us going.