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Plano East grad Spencer Boldman makes it onto the big screen

by Louiseza Sanderson of The Assignment Desk, DFW

He started at the Disney Channel and has now worked alongside Johnny Depp.

Bobby Quillard

Spencer Boldman

PLANO — About a year ago, Disney Channel star Spencer Boldman was busy preparing to walk the stage at his high school graduation at Plano East. Since then, the Texas native has been busy making movies, starring in kids’ television shows, and learning to be a teenage heart throb. He recently had a role in 21 Jump Street featuring Jonah Hill, Johnny Depp, and Channing Tatum.

Boldman is a down-to-earth, hometown guy. Recently, we talked to him about growing up in Dallas and his first year in Hollywood.

Pegasus News: How has your first year since graduation been?

Spencer Boldman: … I’m happy that I can put what I learned in high school to the test in LA and the real world. As an actor, you never really expect that you’re gonna get work. You just have to be prepared for success.

How do you stay grounded?

My parents are from the Midwest. My grandpa was a farmer. Hard work and drive and being a good person was how I was raised to be and it has helped me transition into this business. It is important to hold on to where you came from. My manager is a big help too; she reminds me to stop and enjoy the moment.

When did you first realize you wanted to be an actor?

Oh man, ever since I was really little. I had a really big imagination. I liked actors like Marlon Brando, Spencer Tracy — the classics. I would watch their films and have a personal attachment to them. I started off doing local theater and did that until I was about 16.

When did you get your first acting break?

The first thing that I booked was an episode of iCarly, but I would say my first big break was a role in the Disney pilot “Jack and Janet Saves the Planet.”

What has been your favorite role so far?

I would probably say my role as French Samuels in 21 Jump Street. I was so excited, because I was casted right off of my tape, which is unusual even for small parts.

What is your dream role?

I would love to do more film and drama. I’ve done a lot of comedy so far. I really like movies like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I’m also really into movies like Transformers, so I’d love to be able to do something that is a mix of western and action.

How was your experience filming 21 Jump Street?

It was great! Jonah [Hill] talked to me a lot about commitment – in the business and in general. A lot of the movie was improv. So he really emphasized putting aside how you feel for such roles and staying driven. People of his caliber say do what you love; don’t settle.

Describe your character Adam on Lab Rats.

Lab Rats is from the creators of That 70’s Show, and he is definitely the Kelso of the group. He’s not very smart, but the thing I like most is he’s in his own little world. He’s impressed by water fountains. He stops to smell the roses. He’s just goofy. It’s easy for me to bring him to life.

Where are your favorite places to visit when you come home to Dallas?

Right when I get off the plane, I have to go to Mi Cocina. We usually hit a movie at NorthPark. If you like sushi, Teppo on Lower Greenville has really good sushi. Of course we’ll go watch an SMU football game.