Jesse Ray Sheps, star of Such a Funny Life, talks about his small screen beginnings, working with talented new filmmaker Oliver Mann on his new film, and why he loves Seth MacFarlane.
Zach and Quacks. What an experience that would have been. Can you tell us what you learnt working on the series?
Jesse Ray Sheps: Yes that was such an amazing experience for me, especially as a young actor. First, I really love animation and getting to bring characters to life in the story was just so rewarding and so much fun. I learned so much from working several years on the show- not only from just the acting side, but also it was my first introduction to the production side of things. I love that I can come home on any day and catch a fun episode on television and be part of the adventure.
RELATED: Read Our Review of Such A Funny Life
And did a lot of doors open for you as a result of working on the show?
JRS: Absolutely. There is a great amount of exposure working on a well loved show for Nickelodeon. It really got me on the path to start to work on more dramatic roles as well.
How did you get the series, initially?
JRS: Well I was first a model for larger international companies such as H&M when I was five. I did a bunch of commercials as well and eventually I landed the role of Fluffy on the show. It was really tons of fun.
Has it been a far different experience working on feature films?
JRS: I have been fortunate enough to work on several films. This past year I starred in the movie All Square opposite Michael Kelly and Pamela Adlon. The movie won best film at the SXSW film festival. Working on that film with such talented and giving actors was really a dream come true. There is a tremendous excitement on the set when you create a film making the words from the page come to life. Whether its been working in various movies or on other television shows like Blue Bloods, Bull and Orange is the New Black, I have always managed to have a great time and learn something new from the various members of the cast and crew. Everyone is an important part of the team on the set.
You’ve worked with some very big names – can you tell us about your favorites?
JRS: I guess I have been pretty blessed so far considering my age getting to work with so many amazing actors. Not only did I get to work with Michael and Pam, but on All Square there were just such talented actors like Isiah Whitlock, Tom Everett Scott and Yeardley Smith. When I was in Collateral Beauty I worked with the legendary Kate Winslet. That was a treat for sure. I have even gotten a chance to spend some time with Robert De Niro in an audition – getting to sing a song with him. He was super cool too. And I can’t end this list without mentioning about all the fun I had working with Donnie Wahlberg on Blue Bloods. He is so much fun, super nice, and a really great actor, too.
When did Such a Funny Life come along? And how?
JRS: There was a larger audition process and I went down and met with the Director/ Writer Oliver Mann. We went through the script and we did a bit of improv also at the time. This was a couple of years ago.
What was it about David Gutierrez that appealed to you?
JRS: This is a really a unique sort of character that had so much potential for an actor to portray. The movie is about David who eventually becomes a comedian – but his life is anything but fun growing up. I think audiences love genuine characters that they can root for and the film hopefully captures that. Despite all of the tragic events in his life – David gives back to everyone the gift of laughter. No matter how challenging things become- David overcomes to become a comedian that brings joy to so many people. What I found most appealing is getting into the heart of a character that is so tragically wounded but has to still be brave enough to bring joy to everyone.
Did you work a lot with director Oliver Mann on getting the character down?
JRS: I really prepared quite a bit before filming took place on my own in my room at home. I am obviously always open to any direction on the set. In this case, Oliver really gave me the chance to make David my own which was really cool.
Whose career do you admire the most? Who would you like to emulate?
JRS: I think for me it would be Seth MacFarlane. I am a huge fan of Family Guy. It’s just the one thing that always gets me dying of laughter every time. But I know that Seth started drawing and creating animated characters when he was younger, and I have a similar passion. Seth has the kind of amazing diverse career which I want. He is funny, he is a filmmaker, he acts, he sings, he creates. There are not a lot of guys who can write so wickedly funny, create legendary material, be able to act, sing and even host the Oscars. I want to try to be like Seth and do it all. I love to write and create movies – this past year a comedy short I wrote won two film festivals. I also love making music – playing guitar, writing songs and singing. I love how Seth has been able to really do so many different things and would love to meet him someday!