You started your acting career at a very young age, what inspired you to try acting?
My sister was signed with a casting agent who was interested in signing me as well. I was curious, so they signed me up. I knew I loved the school plays but after I did my first commercial I was hooked to acting.
What actors/actresses are you influenced by?
Ansel Elgort. I think he is an amazing actor who can play any kind of role. Also, Kevin Hart he is not only very funny, but he is also very stylish.
You first major TV role is on the Nickelodeon show “Hunter Street,” Can you explain the process of how you got this role?
One day casting agents in the Netherlands were asking for English-speaking Dutch boys to audition for the role of Sal. For the first round I tried to dress a bit nerdy and went to the audition. I was surprised to hear they would like me to come to the last round as well. Together with three more Sals, two Anika’s and two Daniels, we rehearsed some scenes to see which combination of us would fit best in the Hunter Family. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be the lucky one.
Can you explain the character you portray?
Sal is a funny super smart outgoing techie who has a solution to almost everything and adores his family. He is always up for an experiment and invents, usually, helpful gadgets. He can be a little naïve sometimes. All in all, Sal is the “brains” of the family.
What do you think makes this show standout from other shows that have been aired recently on Nick?
First of all, “Hunter Street” is filmed in the Netherlands at many different amazing locations. Secondly, it is a mixed cast from European and American actors which is different than other Nickelodeon shows. Although it is a show made for kids, adults love to watch it as well. We get a lot of reactions from parents writing in that they love to watch the show together with their kids. Also, the mystery makes it different. Every five minutes something new is happening which catches the attention of the viewers.
What’s it like having such an important role on the show?
It is like a dream come true. My first acting gig is an important role in such an amazing show. I feel very, very lucky!
What’s your favorite part about being on “Hunter Street”?
I love everything on Hunter Street and everything that comes with it. I love my cast members and the crew. I love the script, the places we shoot, it never gets boring. My favorite scenes are when we shoot as family together. They really are my second family.
Next to that I love all the support from our fans. Their Instagram posts, YouTube videos and snapchats. I really feel fortunate to have such an amazing fan base who are always there to support me. I also love meeting the other actors of the Nickelodeon Family from other shows.
What’s your favorite part about being on set?
I love the script and the places we shoot, it never gets boring
How do you and the other cast members get along? Do you guys have any rituals before filming?
We are all very close. They are all such wonderful, amazing and funny people. We laugh a lot on and off set, we keep each other on our toes, we have each other’s backs, I feel so comfortable around these people. They really are my second family. We don’t have any rituals as far as I know.
What’s an average week like on set?
It depends on the week. Some weeks we shoot 5 days in a row and sometimes less. The Netherlands is much different from the US and the UK. We don’t go to school on set, but we go to a regular school. So, the days we are on set we shoot most of the day. I usually am picked up at around 7.00, drive to the location, have breakfast, do hair and make-up (not so much for me), styling and then I am ready to go. Although it depends on the day how many scenes I shoot back to back, we almost always have lunch together. If I have a break I go to my dressing room to chill and others have a break as well, we play games in the greenroom. Around 6.00 pm we are done shooting and I am brought home where I start my homework.
Did you always want to be an actor?
As far as I can remember YES!
Have you ever been star struck by anyone you’ve met so far?
No not really, not yet.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
Not yet, but hopefully I can tell more you soon. Keep you posted!
What are your friends and parent’s thoughts on your career in acting?
They are all very supportive. They see that I do what I love most and have always encouraged that. My parents, grandparents and my 4 siblings are my biggest fans.
Overall, how has this whole acting experience been for you?
It has been more than I ever could have hoped for. I love every single moment!
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to make it as an actor?
Keep trying and never give up on your dreams. There is a lot of competition, so you have to be patient, but it is all worth it in the end. Keep believing in yourself and your instincts!
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?
I mostly use Instagram and apart from that I tweet and post on my Snapchat story.
How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?
I hope I can inspire them with my acting and with posts on social media. I hope they will continue to support me because they like who I am and what I am doing.
Do you have any other talents or passions other than acting?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it talent, but I love to play basketball and put cool outfits together. I also like to sing but I will keep that for under the shower for now
Do you plan on acting your whole life?
At this moment, I would love to act the rest of my life. I don’t know what the future brings but I am very hopeful.
What goals do you have for your acting career?
Land a role in a new project soon. I hope to land a role in a blockbuster movie in the future. I would love to use my acting as a platform to address global issues.
What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
Happy, determined, energetic, honest, talkative
Do you have any last things you want to tell your fans?
Thank you all very, very much for your support. It means the world to me. THANK YOU!!!!!
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview!
My pleasure, thank you.
Photo Credit: Sanna Zoe Prins
