Star Power Vol.31 by NYOTA Magazine

[NYOTA Magazine ]

star power

Christian J. Simon Volume 31

from the editor

HELLO THERE, READER! In this Star Power issue, we got to chat with actor Christian J. Simon who can currently be seen in Disney's Under Wraps. We also have a quick chat with up-and-coming actress Layla Crawford who plays Lynn Price in the highly-anticipated King Richard. As usual, I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams.

YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF @_CAROL_WRIGHT

contents 1. Editor's Letter 3. Get to Know Christian 4. Christian's Playlist

5. Star Power: Christian J. Simon

10. Christian's Top Picks

11. Quick Chat: Layla Crawford

#StarPower

Get To Know Christian

I love listening to 94.7 The Wave.

I’m a foodie and I love to cook.

When I was younger, I didn’t like onions, but now I love it on everything. I have two little brothers, Caden and Chance.

Every year for my birthday, I get together with my family & friends and play laser tag.

#NyotaMusic

Christian's Playlist

Mary Mary // Go Get It The Walls Group // My Life Tekno // Enjoy Kirk Franklin // Love Theory Chris Brown // Go Crazy DJ Khaled // To The Max John Legend // All of Me John Legend // Love me now Janet Jackson // Made for Now DJ Khaled // We going crazy

#StarPower

Christian J. Simon Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Ben Cope | Stylist: Patrick Lynere | Grooming: Eliven Quiros

Christian J. Simon wanted to start acting after watching That's So Raven on Disney Channel and things have come full circle as he can be seen playing Leo in Sydney to the Max and Gilbert in Disney's Under Wraps. Simon talked to NYOTA about how he has grown as an actor and his advice for aspiring actors. Last time we talked to you was in 2019. How have you grown as an actor since then? I’ve learned how to trust the process more and to believe in my instincts. I’ve learned how to balance my craft, school, and personal life better than in 2019. I’m a two-time Emmy nominee for my roles in Disney Jr.’s T.O.T.S. and Sydney to the Max, which was one of the goals I set for myself.

Can you relate to your character Gilbert in any way? Yes definitely! I think Gilbert is extremely relatable. He gets scared and is challenged to face his fears throughout the movie which we all can relate to. I also feel like we are similar in the way we treat our friends. We both are loyal and honest.

Tell our readers about Under Wraps. What about the film interested you? Under Wraps is a fun, family movie about a group of three friends who accidentally revive a 4,000-year-old mummy in their neighbor’s basement. They must rush to return him to his coffin before midnight or he will turn to dust. I loved that it was a Halloween-themed movie that’s relatable and fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Under Wraps is a remake of Disney Channel's first-ever television film from 1997. How did you all pay tribute to the original while carving a new path? Our movie still has all of the characters you’re familiar with from the original but with a twist. The mummy has a lot more personality. There are musical elements and the bad guys are seen more throughout the movie.

You play Gilbert in Under Wraps. What did you do to step into his shoes? Gilbert is an interesting character. I knew that Gilbert was a bit of a scaredy cat so I stayed true to that but I was able to create some differences with the character in other ways to help show his growth throughout the movie.

You initially were inspired to start acting because of the hit Disney show That’s So Raven. How does it feel to now be acting on Disney Channel? Acting on Disney Channel feels surreal, it required a lot of hard work and discipline to reach this point in my career, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I truly am living my dream. The thing I love the most is that I can share my journey with kids and encourage them to work hard and follow their dreams.

#StarPower

You have done voice-over work as well as work in films and televisions shows. Would you say that you’re using different acting muscles when it comes to voice-over versus live-action? Voice over vs. live acting definitely have their differences, but the goal for each is the same, bring a character to life. Personally, I am way more exhausted after a VO session than a liveaction role because the characters that I’ve voiced are high-energy and playful.

During the early days of the pandemic, how did you keep yourself feeling creative and motivated? I started an IG Live show called “Kickin’ it with Christian” that I am currently doing. I love hosting and connecting with people, so it provides an opportunity for that. I also started doing TikToks… like, a LOT of TikTok's.

Do you hope to get involved in other parts of the industry such as writing or directing? I still have a lot more that I want to accomplish on camera, but I would love to produce and direct at some point.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors? I would like aspiring actors to know that success does not happen overnight. Believe in yourself and what you have to offer. Train hard, be yourself, and don't let the rejection get you down.

"Train hard, be yourself, and don't let the rejection get you down."

Christian's Top Picks

Book: Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

Fashion Trend: Hoodies & Beanies

TV Show: The Masked Singer

Movie: Black Panther

#StarPower

#QuickChat

Layla Crawford Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Diana Ragland | Creative director: Claudia Greene | Mayhem Entertainment PR

Was there a specific movie or television show that sparked your interest in acting?

Did Will Smith or any of your other costars share acting advice on set?

I grew up with my eyes glued to the TV watching everything I could on Disney Channel. I used to rewatch episodes and memorize certain scenes to recite to my family. I also used to dance and perform in school plays. I’ve always had a love for performing, acting just aligned with my personality perfectly.

Will Smith and all of the other talented adults on set really guided me through the entire movie-making process. Will is very generous and thoughtful, but the biggest impression he made on me was through his actions, not his words. He was very kind to everyone on set and treated the cast and crew like we were all family. He made the filming experience so much better by just being there to film. I’m sure all of us girls are very grateful to have witnessed his grace on and off-camera. Will is truly a prime example of kindness and transparency getting you far in life.

What did you do to prepare for the role of Lynn in King Richard? I put a lot of pressure on myself for this role because I wanted to perfect this project due to the importance of the story. I was given information and did a lot of my own research on Lynn and the Williams/Price family. I utilized everything I had learned to help make sure my portrayal was authentic. I would say the main preparation was taking direction and guidance from the real Lynn Price, and allowing myself to truly step into her character for each scene.

Although people may not know Serena and Venus Williams sisters that well everyone in the family is quite successful in their own right. Were you able to meet Lynn during filming? Lynn and Isha worked on set with us girls, so we were able to spend a lot of time with them. We learned more about their personal stories and the family dynamic between the sisters directly from them. The entire family is an inspiration and I wanted to make sure I was displaying Lynn truly for the duration of the movie.

Outside of acting you’re very passionate about social justice issues. How would you recommend our readers educate themselves on issues such as BLM and prison reform? The best way to educate yourself about social justice issues is to stay informed about what’s going on and listen to the personal stories of those who are directly affected. Make sure you are genuinely passionate about the topics you are speaking on, otherwise it’s just performative activism. I think I do my part by spreading awareness on issues and donating to causes that need support. I also take part in protesting because being hands-on and doing my part fulfills me and makes me feel like I’m helping to make a difference. Of course, there is a long way to go, but we have to start somewhere.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors? My advice is to never give up and only surround yourself with supportive people. There will be hard days where your effort seems pointless and things in your career might move slow, but those days are a part of the process. The people around you should help build you up, not break you down. When you stay focused and don’t let anyone get in the way, you will go farther than you’ve ever imagined.

NYOTA Magazine STAR POWER TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CAROL WRIGHT

WWW.ISSUU.COM/NYOTAMAGAZINE

CAROL WRIGHT

HTTP://NYOTAMAGAZINE.COM

COVER ACTRESS

Christian J. Simon

CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER

PUBLISHING

Ben Cope Diana Ragland

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