Words by Carol Wright | Photography by Emma Mead
We got to talk with Charlie about his love for Stranger Things and all things 80s as well as his role in Diary of a Future President.
You were inspired to start acting because of the show Stranger Things. What specifically about the show made you want to be an actor?
It was just super fun and unique and each episode left me wanting more! As I watched, I thought to myself, “Hey, that looks fun. I want to do that!” Also, I love the 80s. It would be so much fun to do a period piece.
What drew you to Diary of a Future President and made you want to be involved?
Well, when I first got the audition for Bobby, I immediately connected with the character and I knew I REALLY wanted the role. There was just something special about it. After I read all the scripts, saw what the show stood for and how good the writing was, I was even more excited to be a part of it!
On the show, you play Elena’s older brother Bobby. Can you relate to him?
Absolutely! I had graduated from 8th grade right before we started filming, and Bobby is in 8th grade, so I know what it feels like to just want to be “cool”, want to always be hanging out with friends, playing video games. I really appreciate how confident Bobby is . . . even when he is still figuring out who he is.
Diary of a Future President is your first big acting job. What was the experience like?
It was the best summer of my life… so far. Everyone was super cool and fun and I made so many new friends and I just couldn’t have asked for a better first experience. Like for real! I was so excited to go to work every day, even if I had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning! Which is saying a lot, because I am NOT normally a morning person, lol. I would go back and do it again in a heartbeat!
What do you hope viewers take away after watching the series?
I hope our show inspires people to dream big and dare to stay true to themselves. As well as being a super fun coming of age comedy, our show also deals with a lot of real-life issues that we all go through to some degree and I think that’s really important to see on television. I hope we can make people feel less alone.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Make sure you absolutely love it, because it is a lot of dedication and hard work. But if you love it, there’s nothing else like it! I know it can be scary, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. You will definitely have to do that as an actor, but it can actually be fun! I had to rap for an audition… probably not well, lol, but I loved the experience.
Find a really fun and challenging acting class, watch a lot of great movies and shows, read great books and pay attention to the story and characters. Notice all the quirky things people say and do… the way they move, even. And then bring all that with you when you are working on a character.