12-year-old Evan Brinkman is a name you better start remembering. The young, Florida-born actor has a big upcoming role in this summer’s comedy flick, Trainwreck, by Judd Apatow, that also stars Amy Schumer and Bill Hader.
The Levity Ball sat down with Evan to find out more about his life and experience working with some of Hollywood’s biggest names…
Your dad is a surgeon and your mom is a nurse, so why not medicine for you?
I enjoy acting and would like to pursue it as a career. However, I also enjoy science and I can see myself becoming a doctor like my dad someday… I guess time will tell!
How did you first get started in the acting and how old were you?
My neighbor is involved with directing and producing plays at our local community theater. She suggested that my sister and I participate in a 3 week long summer camp. I did my first camp at the Orange Park Community Theater when I was 6 years old. The following summer I returned to the same summer camp and got the lead role of Rumpelstiltskin at the age of 7.
What was the feeling you felt when Judd Apatow called you up for a role in Trainwreck?
Overjoyed, ecstatic and thrilled. I even have that exact moment captured on video tape as my mom recorded me reading an e-mail that said I was chosen for the role of Allister. I was overwhelmed with emotion and teary eyed as I read the letter and realized that I got the role.
Were you nervous your first day on set?
Yes, I was nervous but also very excited. Fortunately I had my acting coach, Cindy Hogan, with me and she guided me through my first day.
Did Judd or any of the other actors in the film pass on any advice to you?
I learned a lot about acting and especially improvisation. I watched Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Mike BIrbiglia and Brie Larson improv their scenes effortlessly. I also had multiple occasions to improv my scenes under the direction of Judd Apatow.
What is your favorite/funny memory from being on-set of Trainwreck while filming?
A ten dollar bill was found on the ground by Judd. He gave it to me and said, “When you win an Oscar, you can’t say I never did anything for you”.
What do your family and friends in Florida think of your new fame?
Ask me after July 17, 2015 when Trainwreck premiers. Regardless, I know my family and close friends are very happy for me.
Do you see yourself eventually convincing your mom and dad to move you to Hollywood full time?
It’s a possibility because my entire family has been supportive of my acting.
You are still young, but if you could change one thing in the world today, what would it be?
I would rid the world of terrorism and wars.
And final question: Where do you see yourself in five years from now, besides being older?
Lead role in a TV sitcom.
Follow Evan on Twitter via https://twitter.com/BrinkmanEvan or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EvanBrinkmanActor
