How did you
get involved with Adventures in Odyssey?
I
auditioned with a small group of kids from our church. We were in a
church near Pomona, California and Genni's mom took us to the
audition. I remember being pretty shocked they chose Genni and me -- as
I remember, they didn't know we knew each other at the time.
What was it like playing Jack? Do you relate to him in
any way?
I
always liked playing Jack because he has an adventurous spirit. I can
relate to him in some ways -- usually the ones where he would convince
friends to do something that would end up getting them all in trouble…
Who is your favorite character and why?
It would be tough to pick just one -- but my favorites are Lucy (of
course!), Whit
and
Connie.
Which character do you resemble the most?
I
can't say that I closely resemble a specific character on the show…
there are some aspects of Jack Davis, Jason Whittaker
and
a little of Eugene that come to mind first…
What was your favorite part of working on
Adventures
in Odyssey?
I
loved being able to watch the adult actors do their work and see some of
the "tricks of their trade" in the studio.
Do you wish you could change anything about your acting
skills?
Absolutely, it becomes very evident that I have a lot lacking when I'm
in the studio next to others like Will Ryan.
What was it like working with the original cast of kids
on Adventures in Odyssey and Hal Smith, the original voice of
Whit?
We were in a relatively small group of child actors (I think there were
seven of us who originally started on the show) -- so most of the time,
after the first few recordings, it was good to see "friends" again. Hal
was always a "father figure" to us
and
would treat us very respectfully -- he was a great actor.
Have you seen any AIO sites? If so, which ones?
I
have seen many of the sites -- I can't remember their names
specifically.
What did you like and dislike about playing emotional
scenes?
The emotional scenes were the ones I liked the best because a real
"atmosphere" could be created in the studio -- I remember several times
when we would finish a serious or sad scene
and
everyone we be very quiet, even after the recording stopped -- we all
really got into the scenes.
What is your favorite aspect of a recording session?
Being able to be around the adult actors
and
watch them goof-around in the studio between scenes. They have so much
talent
and
they are always using it!
Were you friends with any of the AIO actors? If so, which
ones?
Of course, Genni (I married her), and I consider all the actors and
writers I worked with to be friends.
What's the story behind you and Genni Long getting
together?
We grew up together at church and have been together since we were seven
years old… we were married at 18 and have enjoyed every minute of it. We
are definitely best friends.
What other kinds of things (job-related) do you do now?
I
am a home builder. I build custom homes for clients on the north-side of
Houston, Texas. I also am the worship leader for our church in Magnolia,
Texas.
What are your hobbies?
Anything musical.
Do Odyssey fans ever recognize you in public?
No, I can't say that anyone has recognized me -- my voice has changed
quite a bit from when I was a child.
What have you learned the most as you played Jack?
The entire experience of being on the show has been a highlight of the
past 20 years.
When you started with Odyssey, did you expect to appear
on the show for so long?
No, I really didn't know what to expect -- it was so new at the
beginning
and
then as characters began to develop -- I was thankful to be one that
recurred in several scripts.
What is your most memorable moment during your
Adventures in Odyssey days?
There was a show called "The Day Independence Came" and I played a
character named Irwin Springer. Several adult professional actors were
brought in for the show
and
it was awesome to watch them all in the scenes together!
In conclusion, what piece of advice would you like to
leave the Adventures in Odyssey fans who have loved your
character throughout the years?
Ecclesiastes 12:13
says to "fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty
of man." -- that's the best advice I've ever heard.
