This is Me: Sterling Beaumon

Name: Sterling Beaumon Age: 17 | Occupation: Actor, “Red Widow”

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Along with flowers, cleaning, and pastels, spring is a time for brand new shows and the fresh, young talent that fills them. Sterling Beaumon is part of this young talent. No stranger to television (you might recognize him from the series "Lost," where he played the young Ben Linus), Sterling is stepping onscreen again as Gabriel Walraven in ABC’s new spring drama "Red Widow."

Your breakthrough television role was playing Young Ben Linus on Lost. What was it like being a part of that project? I mean, I was so young. I didn’t realize the caliber of the show at the time; I couldn’t really understand what it meant to be a part of that. Then over the years, I started watching the show and I realized just how big it was. When I came back for Season 5, I realized a little more just how big and important this project was. So I definitely didn’t realize it at the time, but now I know how lucky I was to be a part of it.

You’ve also guest starred on Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU. What were those experiences like? Specifically, what was it like playing a killer? Both of those were really interesting because they came to me. And it was great that they came to me, but at the same time it means they saw me in those roles. So I was honored, but at the same time I had these huge shows to fill and high expectations to meet. So for Law and Order, it was a bit easier because I had already done Criminal Minds, so I already had some idea of how these sorts of characters work. But I still had to do some research. My character for Law and Order is drunk in a few scenes, and there is a fine between reading completely sober and just looking silly. So I had to find a way to play drunk without looking ridiculous. A lot of drunk people, they slur their speech, they can’t really focus, and a lot of other little things that I had to study.

How does this compare to playing Gabriel Walraven? There’s really no connection character-wise. Gabriel is just a normal teenager. He goes to high school, he likes music, and he likes girls, just normal stuff. When you first meet him, he has just found out this huge secret about his dad; he’s just found out his dad was a pot smuggler. Then his dad dies almost immediately and his world goes completely crazy. It’s totally turned upside-down and we see him struggling internally with all these emotions: mad at his dad for what he did, but at the same time missing him now that he is gone. And on top of that, now his mom is in danger. And because he knows about his dad, he knows the actual problems his mom is dealing with. So now he finds himself having to step and protect his family and he is willing to do anything, including the very same stuff he was mad at his dad for. I really think the bio says it best: “Gabriel takes it upon himself to become ‘Man of the House’ and…he realizes that protecting his mother and siblings will entail assuming another role as well: gangster.”

What have been some challenges you’ve faced as an actor with this character? Have you been able to experience anything new? Well, there hasn’t been anything too crazy, because like I said Gabriel is just a normal teenager. But on this set it was interesting exploring a character when his world is turned completely upside-down. I’ve played some pretty messed-up characters before, but they were used to it, you know? They lived with it every day. With Gabriel, everything is questioned; everything is unknown and possibly dangerous. He goes from being a normal kid to something completely different and it has been really interesting portraying that.

What’s been your favorite part of working on Red Widow so far? Definitely being able to work with this group of people. Just the amount of people is amazing. This is the biggest cast gathered for television since Lost and so many of them are just great. To have a group of people that you want to work with and the go out with after is really rare. For example, I just spent the night at Clifton’s (Collin Jr.). We had all been hanging out, it got late and I was too tired to drive, so he offered up his couch and I crashed there. And it’s kind of ironic, because in the show my character really doesn’t trust his character, but in real life it isn’t like that at all. So to have that kind of comradery and trust within a cast has been really great.

Without giving away too many spoilers, what are some things we will see Gabriel go through this season? I think you are going to see him grow up. He will start a boy and end a man. I’ve actually discussed this a lot with some of the other people on the show: Gabriel’s soul is the most in this season. He really has the most to overcome, especially within himself. And a lot happens to him in this season, so that at the end you’re wondering if he will make it or not. So you definitely need to tune in and see if he gets through it all and if he has grown enough to make it.

I understand that you are also really involved in theater. Tell me a bit about that. I actually don’t get to do as much anymore. I just have no time. I can’t get to New York and there aren’t as many big theater companies here in California, so even if I did have the time it would be hard. There is definitely something exciting about Red Widow, you know? There is all this suspense about whether or not people will like it and continue to watch it. But at the same time, there is something about the instant gratification you get with theater; it’s such an amazing feeling to go on stage and say a joke and immediately hear your audience respond and laugh. And that’s just great and it’s different every night, which I love.

You volunteer with the Special Needs Hockey Team. What is that like? Sundays are the best day of the week for two reasons. One is that every week at 4:30 I get to work with the Special Needs Hockey Team. I’ve played hockey since I was 3 and I love it. It’s a great way to work out, to feel some release, and is a great outlet when your stressed or over-worked. These guys try so hard. They work so hard just to be able to play, way more than we do for anything. They appreciate so much what we do for them and are so happy to just have the opportunity to play and I love being a part of that and getting to see that much joy and appreciation and hard work. And the number two reason is that I get to go home and watch Red Widow.

Any other projects in the works? Anything we should be on the lookout for? I recently finished 3 films. There’s The Pretty One with Zoe Kazan and Arthur Newman with Emily Blunt and Colin Firth. Those two should be coming out soon. And I just finished Crawlspace. I’m really excited to see them finished and to see how people react when they see them.

Photographer: Vince Trupsin Stylist: Kenn Law Groomer: Angie Miller Interview: Janet Martin

“This is Me” is a self-styled online editorial featured exclusively on ZooeyMagazine.com

This is Me: Ashley Bell

Name: Ashley Bell Age: 26 | Occupation: Actress, “The Last Exorcism” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The Last Exorcism” was a big moment for you. How did it feel to return to the project and work on “The Last Exorcism: Part II?” What was it like returning to the character of Nell Sweetzer?

For me, “The Last Exorcism: Part I” was such an amazing film and Nell is such an amazing role; I was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and an MTV Movie Award and that was such an experience. The crazy thing is, when Part I first came out, horror and thriller fans came out to see it in droves! It really was a great project to be a part of.

When I came back on for Part II, I was rebuilding the character. I needed to piece Nell back together; she was so broken at the end of Part I, and going into Part II I had to figure out what I could mend. I mean here she is in New Orleans, the city of temptation and Mardi Gras, and there are so many things going on that she has to deal with after everything she went through in the first film. So I really enjoyed working with that and figuring out how Nell would handle all of these experiences.

“The Last Exorcism” is part of a long tradition of exorcism films. What is it like working within a genre with so much cinematic history to play off of?

It was cool filming the first one because Daniel Stamm, the director, sat me down and made me watch every exorcist movie ever made. And when I was done, he said “Don’t do that.” He really wanted to reinvent the genre and do something that nobody has ever seen before. That’s one of the great things about the horror genre, there is so much potential for something new and exciting. Every horror film wants to push things in a new direction and give audiences something different.

As an actress, it’s always about doing something that has never been done. Ed Gass-Donnelly, the director for Part II, wanted the same thing so it was great for me to get that opportunity again, to really push myself and create something new.

Filming of “The Exorcist” was supposedly full of bad luck and unusual occurrences. Any spooky stories from the set of “The Last Exorcism: Part II?”

I think the creepiest part is what we’re doing in the scenes. When you’re playing the devil, evil has no limits—nothing is too much. And having to portray that kind of evil requires a lot on both an emotional and physical level—it really tests your skills since you have to work within your limits to portray something that has no limits.

But that’s what’s fun for an actor, pushing your limits and doing something outside your comfort zone.

You’ve also done a lot of voice-over work for video games. How does that experience compare to filming a movie?

Voice acting is a skill; it takes your whole body to bring the character to life. What’s great about voice-over is you can show up however you want. But it still requires work, you still have to bring that character to life. You get to be a witch, or a teeny tiny butterfly, or a giant, monstrous ogre and you have to use your whole body to express that.

My dad was actually a voice-over actor, which means I had the best bed-time stories growing up. I recently got to work with him on his project “The LeBrons” which is this series about the family of LeBron James. And I was so excited to have the chance to work with him, it was something I had never done before and it is such an amazing series. I am really glad I got to be a part of that.

Do you enjoy playing video games? If so, what are some of your own favorite video games?

I actually don’t play a lot of video games. I was a part of the game “Sorcery” and that was a great project, but I’ve never really played any myself.

My parents always wanted me outdoors as much as possible growing up. And my summers were spent watching horror movies with my dad. I saw all the classics—“The Exorcists,” “Poltergeist,” all of these amazing films.

Part of what’s so great about filming is the locations for these films. In “The Last Exorcism: Part II” we filmed in these beautiful gothic houses in New Orleans, absolutely stunning architecture and so much history. And I just finished a project, “The Marine: Homefront”, which was shot in Vancouver. It’s an action film, so we were running all over and I got to see so much. It was very cold, but such an amazing experience.

So you are very involved in Elephants in Crisis. Aside from your love of the animals, what drew you to this project?

Yes, I am! It’s such a great organization. I’m a very close friend of Davis Casselman, who is the founder of the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary and the owner of Elephants in Crisis, and he helped me get involved. I actually knew about this problem ten years ago. I remember seeing these elephants and how they were being mistreated and there wasn’t much we could do. I feel like now we have enough evidence to really put an end to the violence and change the way people look at this issue. Our goal is to raise awareness and by doing so I feel like we really give a voice to the voiceless.

How is work on your documentary coming along?

The documentary is really incredible. Two weeks ago I was in Cambodia and I got to experience so many mazing things. We rode along the side of a helicopter, flew over Cambodia, walked elephants through the raw jungle, met monks, visited these sanctuaries, and just did so many things that I never would have imagined.

People need to be aware of the issue and see how these elephants are being treated and, more importantly, rehabilitated and given a second chance at life. I just feel like this documentary will show people the rebirth of Cambodia as the elephants are getting an opportunity at the rebirth of life.

Are there any other organizations that you support? Any other projects in the works?

There are a bunch! I’m coming out in a romantic comedy called “The Bounceback” which is premiering at South by Southwest along with an epic romance called “Chasing Shakespeare.” There is also “The Marine: Homefront,” which comes out on DVD March 5th, and “Sparks,” an action based on the comic, that comes out at the Cinequest Film Festival March 1st.

I also wanted to point out how much I appreciated the use of cruelty-free make-up at my shoot. It was Jouer, which is my favorite brand and it looked so beautiful. I am a vegetarian and a huge lover of animals, and I was really happy to use products that have not been tested on animals. I just think it is really important to use these cruelty-free products and put a stop to animal testing.

Photographer: Vince Trupsin Hair and Makeup: Amber Bruehl Interview: Janet Martin

"This is Me" is a self-styled online editorial featured exclusively on ZooeyMagazine.com

This is Me: Tim Jo

Tim Jo | Age: 28 | Occupation: Actor on "The Neighbors"

Tim, tell us about your entrance to the acting realm. How did you make the transition from Texas to Southern Los Angeles?

I was living in Warsaw, Poland at the time. My friends and I were skateboarding when we decided to crash the school's play auditions. Somehow I ended up getting cast as one of the leads and I distinctly remember seeing the pride in my fathers eye's after my first performance. That's when I told myself, "Hey, if my math grades don't go up, maybe I should get into acting."

Years later, I was getting ready to get an MFA in a graduate acting program when the school flipped the script on me and retracted my acceptance. I was crushed, but my mother pulled me aside, gave me her blessing, and told me to move my ass to Hollywood.

What were your expectations of the industry? What did you mostly want out of it, other than just booking jobs of course. How supportive were your family and friends?

It's simple, all I wanted was to make my parents proud. I was young, naive, and driven in this industry, I believe these are some of your most powerful weapons. Of course, my biggest source of strength came from my family. They never let the hard days keep me down and not once did they ever express any doubt in my aspirations.

Talk to us about your new show, "The Neighbors." What makes this different from things you've done before? What makes it different from other shows?

I am so damn lucky to be working on "The Neighbors. "The real magic about the job is that I know every cast and crew member feels the same way about our show. We were once the most hated new comedy of the fall television season and that united our cast and crew in a way that we knew we were going to prove them wrong. We are currently the highest rated new comedy and I think it's because we have always stayed true to ourselves, loved one another, and treated each other with the utmost respect. Dan Fogelman is also a genius, that may have something to do with it as well.

Tell us about your character Reggie. What made you feel attracted to the role?

I like to think Reggie Jackson is the embodiment of everything that is pure. He has an honest soul, he is profoundly curious, and he simply wants to understand his place in the world. Not to be too dramatic, but playing Reggie is quite cathartic - ever hear about those studies that say a fake smile induces real happiness? Playing Reggie is the same.

So far, what has been your favorite project to work on and why?

Hands down, "The Neighbors." I've never felt safer, more loved, understood, and encouraged in any other job I've had thus far. Plus I get to work with the most beautiful women in this industry: Jami, Toks, Clara, and Isabella.

You're also in a band. Tell us about that! What is your position in the band? Where can we hear your music?

I'd been casually writing music with my bandmate Ryan Donowho for about two years. At the constant insistence of friends and family, we decided to form a band and take the music on the road. We've been performing as Animals of Kin for less than a year, so things are in the embryonic stage right now. Our webpage should be up soon and will have links to our music video and a few songs.

You also love to sculpture. That's an interesting hobby! Could you let us in on that? What kind of things do you create?

I love working with every type of medium. I started with clays and epoxy but also recently discovered felting. I just made a felt version of a Zabvronian alien as a wrap gift for my executive producer on The Neighbors. For Dan, I custom made a diorama of my entire alien family and our home in LEGO form. I even made a custom UFO and golf cart.

Are there other things you've mastered? Other hobbies? Sports?

Reggie Jackson solves a Rubik's cube in episode three. The writers didn't know it at the time, but I happen to be obsessed with puzzles. So fortunately I was able to scramble and solve the cube for the scene several times without holding up production. My times average between 35-50 seconds.

So you say that you didn't truly connect with your Korean heritage until high school. What changed your mind about your own culture in general? You say you got into acting, because you wanted to connect with your Asian heritage. We'd love to learn more. How do you want to see the acting industry change to promote diversity? What can WE do as an audience to help that as well?

My mother sent me to Korea for a summer against my wishes. Previously, I had never been around many other Koreans and didn't feel any desire to connect with that side of my culture. However everything changed when I was in my home country, surrounded by people who looked like me, sounded like me. It's hard to put into words, but there was a sense of belonging and discovering a part of myself that I didn't realize was missing. The lack of representation of Asian Americans in the media had a large part to do with why I never felt completely American. Growing up, I'd always be asked if I could speak English or participated in martial arts. This happened because the only image of Asians in popular culture were foreign Kung Fu stars. I feel my greatest contribution as a minority actor is to show kids that we don't need to be wearing glasses, throwing punches, or speak with an accent. We belong here and we're all just normal people.

At the moment, what are some things you're truly obsessing over? The news? Hobbies? Etc.

I LOVE kabocha squash. It's a green pumpkin that is sweet and nutty when cooked correctly. I like to bake it in the oven, without any type of oils or seasoning. I love to cook it pure. I'm also really enjoying these Afghani flatbreads I found in my local farmers market, called Bolani. My favorite flavor is the pumpkin. I recommend you check both of these out.

It's already the ending of the the second month of the New Year. What were your resolutions? Are you meeting them so far?

My resolutions were to fight for happiness, stay driven, and always be kind. They seem to be panning out as of now, so that's a good thing. I think I should also probably spend a little less money on toys this year. I may have already failed at that.

And Valentine's Day is coming up! What are your plans so far?

I have a lovely girlfriend and she deserves to be treated nicely. She's been my source of strength and happiness during the past year of work and stress. I should do something very nice- just haven't figured out exactly what yet. Maybe it'll involve horses.

So in the next 5 years, where do you see yourself? What are your plans? And goals?

I've always looked forward to being a father and a husband. So if I'm working and able to support other human beings, that would be the goal. I'd be happy with all daughters. I'm not really a man's man, don't think I'd be able to teach my son how to throw a baseball.

Photographer: Vince Trupsin Groomer: Angie Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Adeel Khan

First Look Blazer: Zara V-Neck Tee: John Varvatos Jeans: Hudson Boots: John Fluevog

Second Look Tweed Jacket: Yoko Devereaux Button Up: Zara Jeans: Joe's Jeans

Third Look Blazer, Button Up, & Jeans: Zara Shoes: John Fluevog