Owen Vaccaro is the newest child star in the world of Hollywood! You've seen him play Dylan in Daddy's Home and Charlie in Mother's Day. At only 11 years old, he's learned to manage how to balance the life of a normal kid as well as being a rising Hollywood star! I got the chance to catch up with him and ask him some questions on acting and just day-to-day life. Check out our Q&A below!
Hi Owen! Where are you from?
I am from Atlanta, GA.
Is acting something you had always wanted to pursue?
I always wanted to act. My parents were athletes in school so they had me try many different sports, but I just wasn't into it. I asked them to let me try theater after my first grade teacher suggested it. After one class, I was totally hooked.
At what age did you inform your parents you wanted to act?
First grade.
How old were you when you had your first audition?
I had my first audition for Ford Motor Company at age 7 and I booked it!
What was your first audition like?
My first audition was scary because there were so many boys there. My mom said she thought I had mown appointment, but turns out, it was like a cattle call. We were really discouraged, but then our agent called on the drive home and said she thought we booked it. We were on hold. We couldn't believe it!
How did you prepare for it?
There really wasn't any preparation, but needed to look the part and listen well. I was so excited about acting that I was happy to let my mom put me in whatever clothes she thought were good and I listened really well...so that the director would know I would do a good job.
What is your favorite part about auditioning?
My favorite part of auditioning is trying to pretend you are the character and thinking of what they would do. In Daddy's Home, I had a lot in common with Dylan (the character I played) so it was easy to know what Dylan would do.
What's it like having your mom as your manager?
Well technically, I have a different manager for actually managing the jobs that come in and what we go out for. My mom is the overall manager that handles everyone including getting me places and prepping me for tapings. She also travels with me. We even practice for interviews together!
Is it hard to switch roles of being her son and her client, or have you guys found a nice balance?
I think we have a nice balance. At this point, we have a great system and if I'm not in the mood to learn lines, or practice, she trusts me to get it done before the taping. My mom and dad are very concerned with making a good impression and my acting teacher knows me so they would not judge me if I wasn't perfect on my lines. However, a new casting director or a director may only get one impression of me...and I'm regretful when I know I could have done better. That has happened a few times and sometimes you can't help it because you only had the sides for a day or because you are nervous.
Who is your favorite actor?
My favorite actors are Casey Simpson from Nickelodeon and Sloane Morgan Siegel from Gortimer Gibbons. I got to meet them at the Kids Choice Awards and it only made me like them more.
How did you celebrate booking your first role?
For Daddy's Home, it was Halloween night so we celebrated by trick or treating! Although, we only told immediate family so we had this big secret and were walking around the neighborhood.
Out of all the casts that you have worked with, who do you still keep in touch with?
My very best friend is Scarlett Estevez from Daddy's Home. In fact, I'm in LA now and spent all of yesterday with her. We became very close because we lived in New Orleans filming together and our hotel rooms were right next door. We spent every minute together. We would knock on the hotel walls to get each other's attention. Also, on set, we were always together in our trailers. I love being with Scarlett. We have a great friendship.
Photo from Scarlett's Twitter
What's the best part of being on a set?
The best part of being on a set is doing scenes and working with fun people. But the set in general is fun, too. We make our trailer really fun with games and stuff. It can be boring at times with the waiting around for your part, so you have to make it fun.
Which movie are you most proud of being a part of?
I'm most proud of Daddy's Home because it was my first big feature and I think the director took really good care of Scarlett and I. We felt great on that set and it was the perfect first movie. It made me LOVE acting even more.
You're getting to pursue your dreams at such a young age, how do you find the balance between acting and being a kid?
I actually am off a lot of time. For the most part, my life is normal. I go to a traditional school and take singing and theater classes. I play with my friends and have sleep overs. It only changes when I am on location somewhere else filming. We only do that a couple times a year.
Have you been on any red carpets? Tell us about those experiences.
I have! Red carpets are REALLY FUN. The last one I did was for "Mother's Day." It's really cool to dress up in a tux and talk to fun people. We love to scout the internet for pictures the next day and see how I looked! Also, it's funny to hear the interviews the next day..."Did I really say that??" You have to talk right off the cuff so sometimes they catch you being silly or whatever.
What's your favorite candy?
I went to Dylan's Candy Bar yesterday at the Grove in LA and got sour patch candy. Really liking those right now. We also got Gobstoppers.
Favorite current movie?
Hmmmm...I love so many movies! I love Jurassic World and I recently saw Moana and loved that, too. I have a 5 year old brother so we see a lot of animated movies which I love. I also really liked Hidden Figures!
Who is someone you go to constantly for advice?
My mom and dad. Boring answer, but true. My mom tells me the truth about how I did on tapes and auditions so I know I can trust if she says she likes it.
For kids your age that want to pursue acting like yourself, what advice would you give them?
I would say keep trying! You will audition for a ton of stuff you won't get...I DON'T get the majority of what I audition for and that's okay. Enjoy the part before booking and keep showing up for stuff...eventually, you'll book. Then, that will lead to other stuff. Also, be a great listener to directors and casting people. They remember the kids that are polite.
What is a quote you live by?
Quote I live by..."The devil whispered in my ear 'You're not strong enough to withstand the storm.' Today I whispered in the devil's ear...'I am the Storm!'" that always pumps me up!
To keep up with Owen Vaccaro, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. He is sure to make movie history with his optimistic future!
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