Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Teren Oddo
We got to chat with Christian and Sebastian Cote about their roles in the upcoming Disney+ original Cheaper By The Dozen and their advice for aspiring actors.
Who are some of your acting inspirations?
Sebastian: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, because he’s strong, determined, and a role model. I would love to work with him in an action movie!
Christian: Hands down Lin-Manuel Miranda! He can act, rap, sing, and write his own music. It must be so cool when other people perform your work.
You two star in the reimagining of Cheaper By The Dozen. How does the new movie pave its own path while still paying homage to the original?
The upcoming Cheaper by the Dozen has a fresh take on the story. The Baker’s have a full house like the original, with this version consisting of Paul and Zoey Baker, a married couple with a blended family of 12.
The new Cheaper By The Dozen has an eclectic and diverse cast. What did you all do while cameras weren’t rolling to create a family bond that would translate on screen?
Sebastian: We hung out with each other and really got to know everyone. The big kids were so nice and fun. We all learned the TikTok dance together.
Christian: We played games like Chess, Super Smash Bros., and Roblox. We’d tell jokes and text in a group chat. When we weren’t working, we would swim and sometimes go to the beach.
Tell our readers about your characters Bailey and Bronx. Are there similarities between you and your characters?
Sebastian: Bronx is clumsy and spacey. I would say I am clumsy at times, but not that spacey. He’s also VERY energetic. I play different fast-paced sports so we both are similar in that sense.
Christian: Bailey is a lot like me. He’s sneaky when he thinks he can get away with things and he has an annoying brother. We both like water guns too.
Did you learn a lot through working with Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union?
Yes, we learned to stay focused and stay in character. Also, to keep going even if we mess up our lines and to do our best.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Sebastian: Stay focused and know your lines. Practice, practice, practice.
Christian: Keep trying and don’t quit. Eventually, you will book. Even auditioning is fun.
Where can readers find you on social media?
Our official Instagram is @TheCote_Twins