Words by Carol Wright | Photos courtesy of Paxton Booth
We got to speak with Paxton about his acting career thus far. When he’s not riding BMX bikes, you can watch him as Ollie on Disney Channel’s Coop & Cami Ask The World.
Was there a certain TV show or movie that sparked your interest in acting?
No, there wasn’t anything specific. I starting talking when I was pretty young and wasn’t ever really afraid of talking to new people or in front of cameras. My parents thought it was a good idea just to try some auditions for commercials. That was when I was 2 ½ years old and I’ve been busy ever since!
What was the audition process like for Coop & Cami Ask The World?
When I auditioned for the pilot, it wasn’t too different from other auditions. I just had to go in a few more times than normal before we even got to the chemistry read. After we shot the pilot is when it got stressful. I waited almost six months to hear the show was picked up. Then I had to re-audition for the part! It all worked out in the end though. Everyone who was on the pilot was picked up for Season 1.
How did it feel to book a role on a Disney Channel show?
It took a while to sink in. I don’t think I really understood until it started airing. It’s such an incredible feeling to be on the same channel as some of my favorite shows like Jessie and Bunk’d!
Can you relate to your character Ollie?
We both are daredevils and really like stunts, but that’s about it. I’m a bit cleaner than Ollie. No slime for me! I also like to think things through before I say them, and Ollie doesn’t. He has no filter! That makes him a really fun character to play because he’s so painfully honest sometimes.
What was your favorite episode to work on?
There is an episode coming up that we get to play a spy in a movie theatre. It’s pretty silly. Rebecca Metz who plays our mom, Jenna, actually does the stunt in that episode. It was so fun to watch her!
You’re a big Tim Burton fan. What is your favorite Tim Burton film and why?
The Nightmare Before Christmas is not just my favorite Tim Burton movie, it’s my favorite movie of all time! It’s a mix of my two favorite holidays, Christmas and Halloween. It’s creepy, but still heartwarming and the soundtrack is awesome!
Outside of acting you also are a BMX rider. What got you interested in BMX at such a young age?
My dad was the editor of BMX Plus Magazine and has been riding BMX since he was my age. When I was 3, he got me a bike and we’ve been shredding skate parks ever since! It’s our favorite thing to do together.
What advice do you have for other young actors?
Don’t give up. If acting is something you really want to do, you have to be prepared to hear “no” a bunch. Just keep your spirits high, learn from each experience, and don’t give up!