Really now, really.

Really now, really.

Really now really Hello and welcome to really No Really with Jason, Alexander and Peter Tilden, who suggests that if you subscribe to our show, you'll swell with joy as you say out loud, did I do that?

Really now really Hello and welcome to really No Really with Jason, Alexander and Peter Tilden, who suggests that if you subscribe to our show, you'll swell with joy as you say out loud, did I do that?

And speaking of that famous line?

And speaking of that famous line?

Jaliel White is an actor, producer, author, and screenwriter who is best known as the speaker of that iconic line Steve Erkele on the ABC sitcom Family Matters. Erkell is a role he played from the age of twelve until he was twenty one. In this episode, Jialiel discusses his instant immense fame and how he dealt with the hostility it caused within.

Jaliel White is an actor, producer, author, and screenwriter who is best known as the speaker of that iconic line Steve Erkele on the ABC sitcom Family Matters. Erkell is a role he played from the age of twelve until he was twenty one. In this episode, Jialiel discusses his instant immense fame and how he dealt with the hostility it caused within.

His new TV family.

His new TV family.

He also explains the effect an all white writing staff had on an all black cast and his feelings about Seinfeld and what that sitcom meant to nineties kids of color. Julia also reveals why Family Matters could never exist again and what happened when a studio boss told him to con seal the man bulge in an aging Erkle's pants.

He also explains the effect an all white writing staff had on an all black cast and his feelings about Seinfeld and what that sitcom meant to nineties kids of color. Julia also reveals why Family Matters could never exist again and what happened when a studio boss told him to con seal the man bulge in an aging Erkle's pants.

Really no Really, here's Jason and Peter. So there are those I'm not one of them.

Really no Really, here's Jason and Peter. So there are those I'm not one of them.

There are those that would say in the pantheon of television icons. I might have a a small place.

There are those that would say in the pantheon of television icons. I might have a a small place.

Or you're playing my own little ship, playing the Huble thing little.

Or you're playing my own little ship, playing the Huble thing little.

I might have a small shelf between Carol O'Connor, you know, Alan all. But but I started as as an adult. We have a gentleman on today who you probably know his actual name.

I might have a small shelf between Carol O'Connor, you know, Alan all. But but I started as as an adult. We have a gentleman on today who you probably know his actual name.

But if I said Steve Arkle, I have a feeling, and here's what remedia among us would go, Steve Kle.

But if I said Steve Arkle, I have a feeling, and here's what remedia among us would go, Steve Kle.

And the thing's so fascinating about his career and how big he got and how he got big and how he got cast. I mean, it's so multi tier. But there really no really for me, was because everybody knows Erkele kees and icon in that pantheon.

And the thing's so fascinating about his career and how big he got and how he got big and how he got cast. I mean, it's so multi tier. But there really no really for me, was because everybody knows Erkele kees and icon in that pantheon.

It's one of those characters that well, the thing that.

It's one of those characters that well, the thing that.

Got me though I never thought of that there really not really was that he did that character from age twelve to twenty one, and I go, he was twenty one when he was doing Rkle and the network's giving him notes like cover up your balls, right, I don't think the network gives us. They never did that in the shows.

Got me though I never thought of that there really not really was that he did that character from age twelve to twenty one, and I go, he was twenty one when he was doing Rkle and the network's giving him notes like cover up your balls, right, I don't think the network gives us. They never did that in the shows.

We actually I was told to cover yes. In the eighth season of Seinfeld, they said, cover up your balls. I don't know why I love I.

We actually I was told to cover yes. In the eighth season of Seinfeld, they said, cover up your balls. I don't know why I love I.

Love your guy.

Love your guy.

We got it. Hey, there's so many questions I want to ask.

We got it. Hey, there's so many questions I want to ask.

It is remarkable. Here's the thing.

It is remarkable. Here's the thing.

It's remarkable to me on a number of levels, what Julia has been able to do. First of all, to maintain a character that began as a child. When you meet characters on television that begin his children, there's a certain charm that a child has right as the actor. It grows up more often than not the thing that made you attracted to that character kind of and also they outgrow.

It's remarkable to me on a number of levels, what Julia has been able to do. First of all, to maintain a character that began as a child. When you meet characters on television that begin his children, there's a certain charm that a child has right as the actor. It grows up more often than not the thing that made you attracted to that character kind of and also they outgrow.

As you grow older. You learned resentment, you learn so contracted.

As you grow older. You learned resentment, you learn so contracted.

The character had staying power for as long as it's amazing. That's one thing. Then we hear, unfortunately, just tragic stories of of to have the kind of stardom that that Juliel had at an early age. I mean I was in my thirties and it messed with my head to be a kid and undergo it.

The character had staying power for as long as it's amazing. That's one thing. Then we hear, unfortunately, just tragic stories of of to have the kind of stardom that that Juliel had at an early age. I mean I was in my thirties and it messed with my head to be a kid and undergo it.

It's a really.

It's a really.

Very off putting thing for most kids, and most people who have become child stars.

Very off putting thing for most kids, and most people who have become child stars.

Grow up and they have real emotional problems in life.

Grow up and they have real emotional problems in life.

Well, also, you saw The Troubles, the documentary The Dark side, which just Nickelodeon what went on there? But why am I talking to you if you're sitting right there because you're paid to not much. But I think it's audit. I think it is in order.

Well, also, you saw The Troubles, the documentary The Dark side, which just Nickelodeon what went on there? But why am I talking to you if you're sitting right there because you're paid to not much. But I think it's audit. I think it is in order.

Live Julia White, good to see you right here in this studio all the way.

Live Julia White, good to see you right here in this studio all the way.

From soon to be Why don't.

From soon to be Why don't.

You get that stock? Why don't you believe out? Is that we believe that out already? Thanks? Kay good. It's real smart and Jason who lives at and his daughter going to you know, it's I couldn't wait to get you. In the book, it's called grown Up with a Forward by Item Standler. Congratulations, thank you, so many questions first of all, but the interesting thing you were supposed to be on Cosby that started out as you were going to be, I mean to the point where you thought you were signed right.

You get that stock? Why don't you believe out? Is that we believe that out already? Thanks? Kay good. It's real smart and Jason who lives at and his daughter going to you know, it's I couldn't wait to get you. In the book, it's called grown Up with a Forward by Item Standler. Congratulations, thank you, so many questions first of all, but the interesting thing you were supposed to be on Cosby that started out as you were going to be, I mean to the point where you thought you were signed right.

Yeah, they named the character Rudy after you were going to play Rudy.

Yeah, they named the character Rudy after you were going to play Rudy.

The character was already Rudy.

The character was already Rudy.

There were only boys auditioning role and at the last minute, this little girl comes walking in and it was came down between me and her in front of Brandon Tartakov all people.

There were only boys auditioning role and at the last minute, this little girl comes walking in and it was came down between me and her in front of Brandon Tartakov all people.

He rest in peace.

He rest in peace.

You came in as a one time shot like an episode thirteen on a show that wasn't chuggling along was okay? One was okay and you popped? But could you talk about if you can get back into your twelve year old head? What did that feel? What was that like? How did you find out that it wasn't going to be one? What exploded? Was it at the table?

You came in as a one time shot like an episode thirteen on a show that wasn't chuggling along was okay? One was okay and you popped? But could you talk about if you can get back into your twelve year old head? What did that feel? What was that like? How did you find out that it wasn't going to be one? What exploded? Was it at the table?

Read?

Read?

Was there audience response? Because that I don't understand how that all of a sudden took off and they when the.

Was there audience response? Because that I don't understand how that all of a sudden took off and they when the.

Light bulb lit up, it was audience response.

Light bulb lit up, it was audience response.

But the thing I love about it when I look back on it and I talk about it extensively in the book is I had no expectation and I'm trying to get back to that now as an adult, I wanted to say a genesis, that's it.

But the thing I love about it when I look back on it and I talk about it extensively in the book is I had no expectation and I'm trying to get back to that now as an adult, I wanted to say a genesis, that's it.

My dad made it.

My dad made it.

My dad made a deal with me that whenever I booked a job, I could get one of anything I wanted.

My dad made a deal with me that whenever I booked a job, I could get one of anything I wanted.

And now that I'm a parent, what a genius move.

And now that I'm a parent, what a genius move.

Because I didn't like going on auditions anymore because they were starting to become too infrequent and they were disrupting my basketball practices. And as a black kid with braces at five foot four, the calls just weren't coming in in the in the seventh grade, so I didn't get an audition like maybe once every six weeks. And so I'm like, you know, my mom didn't like me having one foot in and one foot out because auditions come up, you gotta go like tomorrow. You know, they don't give you a lot of time to go on an audition, even back then. So my dad said, Gail, he doesn't see what's in it for. Because my parents never told me how much money I ever made from any of my jobs. I didn't find out how much money I was earning until I was fifteen. So I did seventy episodes of that show and never knew how much money I was ever making.

Because I didn't like going on auditions anymore because they were starting to become too infrequent and they were disrupting my basketball practices. And as a black kid with braces at five foot four, the calls just weren't coming in in the in the seventh grade, so I didn't get an audition like maybe once every six weeks. And so I'm like, you know, my mom didn't like me having one foot in and one foot out because auditions come up, you gotta go like tomorrow. You know, they don't give you a lot of time to go on an audition, even back then. So my dad said, Gail, he doesn't see what's in it for. Because my parents never told me how much money I ever made from any of my jobs. I didn't find out how much money I was earning until I was fifteen. So I did seventy episodes of that show and never knew how much money I was ever making.

So my dad said, Gail, just give him something. You know he needs something.

So my dad said, Gail, just give him something. You know he needs something.

And he said, well, what if you ever book a job, you get one of whatever you want.

And he said, well, what if you ever book a job, you get one of whatever you want.

And so think about it.

And so think about it.

Back then, right in Circuit City, Fedco Radio Shack, Toys of Rust, these are my places foot locker that I want to go buy something at the top of the shelf. One hundred ninety nine bucks absurd, right, a lot of money to spend, you know, when you translate that to the initial pay, the residuals. It's nothing. So I was fired up. All I wanted was the saga genesis I do the show. A fraternity shows up that week for our taping and chance my character's names and in between all the scenes that I wasn't in. And what's what I really love about that memory was we filmed at the Lorimar Lot which is now the Sony Lot, and we parked our car at the main structure where all of the crew parks because we weren't cast, so we didn't give one of the fancy parking spots. And I remember walking back pretty much with members of the audience. They were like, man, you did a great job man, because they're walking back to their cars that I was walking back to my car, and you know it was.

Back then, right in Circuit City, Fedco Radio Shack, Toys of Rust, these are my places foot locker that I want to go buy something at the top of the shelf. One hundred ninety nine bucks absurd, right, a lot of money to spend, you know, when you translate that to the initial pay, the residuals. It's nothing. So I was fired up. All I wanted was the saga genesis I do the show. A fraternity shows up that week for our taping and chance my character's names and in between all the scenes that I wasn't in. And what's what I really love about that memory was we filmed at the Lorimar Lot which is now the Sony Lot, and we parked our car at the main structure where all of the crew parks because we weren't cast, so we didn't give one of the fancy parking spots. And I remember walking back pretty much with members of the audience. They were like, man, you did a great job man, because they're walking back to their cars that I was walking back to my car, and you know it was.

It wasn't any greater of an exercise.

It wasn't any greater of an exercise.

Then I hit my mark and I made them laugh and I got my sake genesis, and that's it.

Then I hit my mark and I made them laugh and I got my sake genesis, and that's it.

I wish it were deeper.

I wish it were deeper.

And then they reached out to your family right away that oh.

And then they reached out to your family right away that oh.

The negotiation was basically taking place.

The negotiation was basically taking place.

That Saturday and snow and then I was in class at Huntington Junior High in sam Ma Reno and I got called out of class and it was my mom telling me get home work because for the week they're bringing you back.

That Saturday and snow and then I was in class at Huntington Junior High in sam Ma Reno and I got called out of class and it was my mom telling me get home work because for the week they're bringing you back.

So okay. So the next thing I want to ask is this. I heard you talk about how they put this together. There was the Jefferson so there were a hit black show or a couple of black shows. So they started pulling people in to try and form the show. And these people are all I think you said, they were all told they're going to be the start.

So okay. So the next thing I want to ask is this. I heard you talk about how they put this together. There was the Jefferson so there were a hit black show or a couple of black shows. So they started pulling people in to try and form the show. And these people are all I think you said, they were all told they're going to be the start.

Well that's kind of my theory when I look back on it, and I realized why certain feelings might have been hurt in the beginning. Now that I understand what the TV development process is, I usurped all of that. Right, some people resent when you've done that, But I was a kid.

Well that's kind of my theory when I look back on it, and I realized why certain feelings might have been hurt in the beginning. Now that I understand what the TV development process is, I usurped all of that. Right, some people resent when you've done that, But I was a kid.

But how does a twelve year old kid then got a twelve year old kid who's in a whatever, we pick a number one to ten, hostile environment, they're not happy?

But how does a twelve year old kid then got a twelve year old kid who's in a whatever, we pick a number one to ten, hostile environment, they're not happy?

Yeah, it was how did.

Yeah, it was how did.

You handle that? Did you know it at the time?

You handle that? Did you know it at the time?

Oh?

Oh?

You know, it was.

You know, it was.

Like I said, it's well documented that I wasn't well received by the adults in the beginning. However, I just I like to give them some props because you don't do two hundred and fifteen episodes and it's all through hostility, you know, they came around. I made them laugh like I made anybody else laugh on set. We had great memories. I think one of my greatest memories of at least being with the adults, particularly with Reggie and who played Carl and Joe Marie, was when we shot two episodes in Paris in nineteen ninety six. We were the first black show to ever shoot episodes in Europe, and that was that was a big deal, and.

Like I said, it's well documented that I wasn't well received by the adults in the beginning. However, I just I like to give them some props because you don't do two hundred and fifteen episodes and it's all through hostility, you know, they came around. I made them laugh like I made anybody else laugh on set. We had great memories. I think one of my greatest memories of at least being with the adults, particularly with Reggie and who played Carl and Joe Marie, was when we shot two episodes in Paris in nineteen ninety six. We were the first black show to ever shoot episodes in Europe, and that was that was a big deal, and.

So we were there for ten days.

So we were there for ten days.

I was I was there for a little bit longer because the producers brought me in so I could have some fun in Paris first because I was in every scene.

I was I was there for a little bit longer because the producers brought me in so I could have some fun in Paris first because I was in every scene.

So once we started working, they had whole days. I had no whole days.

So once we started working, they had whole days. I had no whole days.

But that was the time, I remember where that was the height of our bonding, you know, that was our whole cast, the top of Jules Verne twelve thousand dollars meal saying like there was no there was no infighting going on back and so sometimes I like to help them even remember you had a good time making this.

But that was the time, I remember where that was the height of our bonding, you know, that was our whole cast, the top of Jules Verne twelve thousand dollars meal saying like there was no there was no infighting going on back and so sometimes I like to help them even remember you had a good time making this.

Great and we came around when most young actors are casting as something. They're cast for an essential thing that they bring to the table. You know they're not They're not They're not becoming chameleons. They're not transforming into a character that they don't walk around in. But you know you ain't hercle and you never were. How did you what made you think I need to do something for this? And how did you find that guy that voice, that persona, that Sega genesis?

Great and we came around when most young actors are casting as something. They're cast for an essential thing that they bring to the table. You know they're not They're not They're not becoming chameleons. They're not transforming into a character that they don't walk around in. But you know you ain't hercle and you never were. How did you what made you think I need to do something for this? And how did you find that guy that voice, that persona, that Sega genesis?

I just I'm telling you I but.

I just I'm telling you I but.

Did you actually think, Oh, if I just walk in even though I'm five for him, that's not going to be.

Did you actually think, Oh, if I just walk in even though I'm five for him, that's not going to be.

So the essence of me, Jason is I'm a little amateur athlete and I love to find ways to just win. I don't care if we're playing ping pong or board game whatever. It's like, we got we gotta win, huh. And And I so when I saw the character description called for a nerd, I knew I was on the shorter end of life. And I literally I had a growth spread on the show that saved my life. I grew nine inches between fifteen and seventeen. And when I would get called to play, you know a kid who stole something, or a tough kid or something like that, was like they were looking at me and like, get out of here, kid, John Singles is about to make some movies to take care of that.

So the essence of me, Jason is I'm a little amateur athlete and I love to find ways to just win. I don't care if we're playing ping pong or board game whatever. It's like, we got we gotta win, huh. And And I so when I saw the character description called for a nerd, I knew I was on the shorter end of life. And I literally I had a growth spread on the show that saved my life. I grew nine inches between fifteen and seventeen. And when I would get called to play, you know a kid who stole something, or a tough kid or something like that, was like they were looking at me and like, get out of here, kid, John Singles is about to make some movies to take care of that.

For us in the next few years.

For us in the next few years.

I really felt like I could get this role, and so that fired me up. I just I looked on the page and like, I can do that. So then my character references actually were where I was starting to at that point just look at other people and just try to impersonate them. So I had a VHS tape of the Best of Saturday Night Live, and Martin Shortt was on that doing Ed Grimley. So I popped in that tape and I just started borrowing his mannerisms. And so the reality was, and I didn't think about this at the time, but because I was black and because it was the nineties were then like we have today, nobody really caught on to this kid doing a bad Ed Grimley or and pee Wee Herman mashup, and so it became my own. And also, quite frankly, nobody would even give me the intellectual capacity to even think to reference that.

I really felt like I could get this role, and so that fired me up. I just I looked on the page and like, I can do that. So then my character references actually were where I was starting to at that point just look at other people and just try to impersonate them. So I had a VHS tape of the Best of Saturday Night Live, and Martin Shortt was on that doing Ed Grimley. So I popped in that tape and I just started borrowing his mannerisms. And so the reality was, and I didn't think about this at the time, but because I was black and because it was the nineties were then like we have today, nobody really caught on to this kid doing a bad Ed Grimley or and pee Wee Herman mashup, and so it became my own. And also, quite frankly, nobody would even give me the intellectual capacity to even think to reference that.

And do it.

And do it.

So me, I love and I've always loved hearing when when an actor had an actual reference, like like Johnny Depp the pick the guy from the Rolling Stones Richard. So like, when I heard that story, I was like, Yo, that's what I did.

So me, I love and I've always loved hearing when when an actor had an actual reference, like like Johnny Depp the pick the guy from the Rolling Stones Richard. So like, when I heard that story, I was like, Yo, that's what I did.

With ed River.

With ed River.

There's another layer that in at that point in television history your writing staff, you have black shows with all white writers. Did that help the ercle character because they're writing a nerd from their experience of in the white world what a nerd would be.

There's another layer that in at that point in television history your writing staff, you have black shows with all white writers. Did that help the ercle character because they're writing a nerd from their experience of in the white world what a nerd would be.

So I think that's part of the the frustration examining the show.

So I think that's part of the the frustration examining the show.

Looking backwards.

Looking backwards.

You have to respect what television was, and you have to respect how much we've grown, you know, and there's no need to castigate it back this just no, it is what it was, and you know it was. If ABC wanted a family show, they didn't say, oh, we want white producers. They just went to the most proven producers they actually go to, and they just would happen to be white at that time.

You have to respect what television was, and you have to respect how much we've grown, you know, and there's no need to castigate it back this just no, it is what it was, and you know it was. If ABC wanted a family show, they didn't say, oh, we want white producers. They just went to the most proven producers they actually go to, and they just would happen to be white at that time.

Got it.

Got it.

Now we've evolved to a different era where oh, nobody would think to put on a black show that didn't have black writers because that would be authentically insulting.

Now we've evolved to a different era where oh, nobody would think to put on a black show that didn't have black writers because that would be authentically insulting.

But at the time that wasn't the thinking.

But at the time that wasn't the thinking.

So getting back to your something you brought up about the adult leads, I feel like when they conceived the show, they went to Miller Boy at ABC and they said, all right, we need a black family show.

So getting back to your something you brought up about the adult leads, I feel like when they conceived the show, they went to Miller Boy at ABC and they said, all right, we need a black family show.

So they did the the tried.

So they did the the tried.

And true thing, pick a character off of an existing show and let's do the spinoff. So they went to Joe Marie and she was the elevator operator on Perfect Strangers, and so of course that's a big moment. Further, this is your show, your show, just your show, Oh my god, my own show. She's thinking, okay, but then behind the scenes, executives being executives, trying to reduce risk and hedge their beds.

And true thing, pick a character off of an existing show and let's do the spinoff. So they went to Joe Marie and she was the elevator operator on Perfect Strangers, and so of course that's a big moment. Further, this is your show, your show, just your show, Oh my god, my own show. She's thinking, okay, but then behind the scenes, executives being executives, trying to reduce risk and hedge their beds.

We need some more star power though. We got to add to her, you know.

We need some more star power though. We got to add to her, you know.

But they gotta be careful going out getting too big of a star because now that star is gonna want to change maybe aspects of the show that mill Boy would.

But they gotta be careful going out getting too big of a star because now that star is gonna want to change maybe aspects of the show that mill Boy would.

So they got to go and hire an actor and not a star.

So they got to go and hire an actor and not a star.

So okay, and even back then, you know what, what black actors or stars are you going to get the short list? They get Reginald vel Johnson from Diard. Right, oh, this makes perfect sense. But to show you their lack of creativity, they actually make the guy wear the same uniform that he wore and die hard on our shot. Right, you're kidding me, right, I don't know what that conversation was. I'm exhibiting it like a professor, not looking back, and I'm going, oh, I see exactly what took place here. So you throw them all on the set and now and now for the big cherry on top. You give them all white writers who don't understand much about black nuanced comedy at all.

So okay, and even back then, you know what, what black actors or stars are you going to get the short list? They get Reginald vel Johnson from Diard. Right, oh, this makes perfect sense. But to show you their lack of creativity, they actually make the guy wear the same uniform that he wore and die hard on our shot. Right, you're kidding me, right, I don't know what that conversation was. I'm exhibiting it like a professor, not looking back, and I'm going, oh, I see exactly what took place here. So you throw them all on the set and now and now for the big cherry on top. You give them all white writers who don't understand much about black nuanced comedy at all.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

So they get on the set and they start quarreling with each other, right, like I wouldn't say it.

So they get on the set and they start quarreling with each other, right, like I wouldn't say it.

There's literally an episode of Family Matters.

There's literally an episode of Family Matters.

I went back during pandemic and I started watching the early episodes. I wasn't in because obviously during pandemic you only have time to watch yourself. So so an early episode wasn't in and Tema Hopkins enters the door as Aunt Rachel. She throws up in the front door. She says, after a long dad work. She goes oivey, not authentic.

I went back during pandemic and I started watching the early episodes. I wasn't in because obviously during pandemic you only have time to watch yourself. So so an early episode wasn't in and Tema Hopkins enters the door as Aunt Rachel. She throws up in the front door. She says, after a long dad work. She goes oivey, not authentic.

Wow, And I'm like.

Wow, And I'm like.

And I say this like, I had to play it back again. I was like, are you serious? He throws up at the door, just like this guy right.

And I say this like, I had to play it back again. I was like, are you serious? He throws up at the door, just like this guy right.

Over here, Jason.

Over here, Jason.

She says, ohivey and Listen.

She says, ohivey and Listen.

She put her heart and soul into that oid Vey you could tell too, like Teba was a company woman.

She put her heart and soul into that oid Vey you could tell too, like Teba was a company woman.

Wow, was working on a lot of levels. I was working on a lot of levels for her, right, wow, wow.

Wow, was working on a lot of levels. I was working on a lot of levels for her, right, wow, wow.

Wow.

Wow.

When I talk about the show and how I've gone back and taken it apart, like like Legos, I'm like, I was just the last guy that made sense out of Oise.

When I talk about the show and how I've gone back and taken it apart, like like Legos, I'm like, I was just the last guy that made sense out of Oise.

Yeah, oh my god.

Yeah, oh my god.

But the writers must have found it easier to if somebody during an episode doesn't deliver the way they think they should, the entire writer's room goes let's now write more for that when it diminished that they punish people behind the scenes, and people don't realize that that goes on.

But the writers must have found it easier to if somebody during an episode doesn't deliver the way they think they should, the entire writer's room goes let's now write more for that when it diminished that they punish people behind the scenes, and people don't realize that that goes on.

It's my faith. Listen, it's are you kidding me?

It's my faith. Listen, it's are you kidding me?

Of course, I mean it's it's it's one of the bigger jokes that most people would never be privy to. But a lot of the writers' rooms don't even think a lot of the actors are.

Of course, I mean it's it's it's one of the bigger jokes that most people would never be privy to. But a lot of the writers' rooms don't even think a lot of the actors are.

Good, right right, Oh yeah, I've heard there'll.

Good, right right, Oh yeah, I've heard there'll.

Be a regular cast member and it's like, oh, she's awful, she can't deliver that line.

Be a regular cast member and it's like, oh, she's awful, she can't deliver that line.

Okay, make it something different. But they keep that to themselves and that's how a lot of you know.

Okay, make it something different. But they keep that to themselves and that's how a lot of you know.

Unfortunately, I think kids who grow up as being a family member on a show grow up with an overinflated idea of their acting ability. And that's because they had to be pacified to be in episodes of the show. But nobody ever pulled them aside and said, hey, don't you take some classes in the off season. Do you want to continue to act? You want to act in theater? Do you want to do this on Broadway? Don't you get with this person? Nobody ever thinks to elevate their skills or ask them if they want to do this long term, beyond just this show?

Unfortunately, I think kids who grow up as being a family member on a show grow up with an overinflated idea of their acting ability. And that's because they had to be pacified to be in episodes of the show. But nobody ever pulled them aside and said, hey, don't you take some classes in the off season. Do you want to continue to act? You want to act in theater? Do you want to do this on Broadway? Don't you get with this person? Nobody ever thinks to elevate their skills or ask them if they want to do this long term, beyond just this show?

And what was How did that relate to you?

And what was How did that relate to you?

Were you aware that that you wanted to continue to forge a path in this and how? Because I'm sure I invite you, and I'm sure you will correct me if I'm wrong. You seem to have come out of child's stardom more intact than most child actors do, not only intact spiritually, but as you have a I think you have a pathway in this business that's wide open to what.

Were you aware that that you wanted to continue to forge a path in this and how? Because I'm sure I invite you, and I'm sure you will correct me if I'm wrong. You seem to have come out of child's stardom more intact than most child actors do, not only intact spiritually, but as you have a I think you have a pathway in this business that's wide open to what.

You want to do.

You want to do.

And you know, thank you, well, you have to do what we all have to do these days is we can't sit and wait for somebody to do annoyingt this.

And you know, thank you, well, you have to do what we all have to do these days is we can't sit and wait for somebody to do annoyingt this.

We have to create something and bring it to them.

We have to create something and bring it to them.

But you're actively doing that and it feels like the doors are wide open, and that would make you sort of breathing rare air. How did you How did you chart that course with family or on your own?

But you're actively doing that and it feels like the doors are wide open, and that would make you sort of breathing rare air. How did you How did you chart that course with family or on your own?

You know, I'm not going to pretend like it wasn't difficult at times. Talk about those times specifically in the book, like I didn't feel like I became an adult and I started learning about people in the world to the show inded the day the show inded, there were certain individuals that delighted in letting me know you've been canceled and we don't have to treat you that way anymore. So, like I said, man, at the at the end of the day, I got it. I got a great mom and dad who, for all of their shortcomings not knowing certain aspects of the business, they had one instinct that's just a miracle if it lands in your life, and that was we're gonna protect our son. And my mom she was obsessed with not leaving me alone on a movie studio lot, so she was a hover MoMA, and you know, I'd be in a bathroom sneaking a donut before table reading because.

You know, I'm not going to pretend like it wasn't difficult at times. Talk about those times specifically in the book, like I didn't feel like I became an adult and I started learning about people in the world to the show inded the day the show inded, there were certain individuals that delighted in letting me know you've been canceled and we don't have to treat you that way anymore. So, like I said, man, at the at the end of the day, I got it. I got a great mom and dad who, for all of their shortcomings not knowing certain aspects of the business, they had one instinct that's just a miracle if it lands in your life, and that was we're gonna protect our son. And my mom she was obsessed with not leaving me alone on a movie studio lot, so she was a hover MoMA, and you know, I'd be in a bathroom sneaking a donut before table reading because.

She didn't like me to have sugar on the set.

She didn't like me to have sugar on the set.

And these were what I was worried about, is my mom lurking around the corner seeing me eat a donor.

And these were what I was worried about, is my mom lurking around the corner seeing me eat a donor.

She was always there, oh, because she was the kids and the kids who in watching that. It was hard to watch The Dark Tide. I don't watch that if I felt like though that the kids who got abused were the ones whose parents.

She was always there, oh, because she was the kids and the kids who in watching that. It was hard to watch The Dark Tide. I don't watch that if I felt like though that the kids who got abused were the ones whose parents.

Weren't around bingo. And it's like, I don't say bingo. Also we're here having a conversation. But I don't say that to diminish what that is. I just say that to say, you know, I really wish our media would sometimes just let up off of the kids that had a harder time, because would you make fun of somebody else who came from an alcoholic parent background or a background where they had to overcome parents who quite frankly, just didn't have it in them.

Weren't around bingo. And it's like, I don't say bingo. Also we're here having a conversation. But I don't say that to diminish what that is. I just say that to say, you know, I really wish our media would sometimes just let up off of the kids that had a harder time, because would you make fun of somebody else who came from an alcoholic parent background or a background where they had to overcome parents who quite frankly, just didn't have it in them.

Well, and also I can see it in this business. It's so addicting and talks. You know that a parent would think when you take your kid to a set, there's a teacher there there's adults around. Oh, I don't need to be here because I feel pretty comfortable that my child will be in good hands, not knowing at all the agendas and who those people are in their backgrounds and what's going on.

Well, and also I can see it in this business. It's so addicting and talks. You know that a parent would think when you take your kid to a set, there's a teacher there there's adults around. Oh, I don't need to be here because I feel pretty comfortable that my child will be in good hands, not knowing at all the agendas and who those people are in their backgrounds and what's going on.

So about the background checks they didn't do back then, Oh my god, I absolutely know. We worked around predators and people who had records in rap sheets and what do you are you kiddy? Darius told me one of the funniest stories. He doesn't mind, by the way, the guy who play Eddie Winslow. I will never call people by our character names. But Darius told me one of the funniest stories. Had no idea that the prop master, at least one of our early prop masters, would just leave beers for him in the prop room, because I guess he had walked in on her doing something she should have been doing, and her way of rewarding him was, Hey, if you want.

So about the background checks they didn't do back then, Oh my god, I absolutely know. We worked around predators and people who had records in rap sheets and what do you are you kiddy? Darius told me one of the funniest stories. He doesn't mind, by the way, the guy who play Eddie Winslow. I will never call people by our character names. But Darius told me one of the funniest stories. Had no idea that the prop master, at least one of our early prop masters, would just leave beers for him in the prop room, because I guess he had walked in on her doing something she should have been doing, and her way of rewarding him was, Hey, if you want.

A beer, I always leave you one.

A beer, I always leave you one.

Wow.

Wow.

And so he always had car bloss and go get beers out of.

And so he always had car bloss and go get beers out of.

The proper room, because yeah, he had a deal going all.

The proper room, because yeah, he had a deal going all.

Right here, I am trying to dodge my mom sneaking donuts, and.

Right here, I am trying to dodge my mom sneaking donuts, and.

You're taking all this in by the way you ended up. You ended up writing writing an episode or several two episodes.

You're taking all this in by the way you ended up. You ended up writing writing an episode or several two episodes.

I'm so proud of those episodes that they were both the highest rated episode for each respective see.

I'm so proud of those episodes that they were both the highest rated episode for each respective see.

Which is incredible. And also because there was no internet there. Do you remember. I remember Mickey I interviewed Mickey Donalds and the monkeys were huge whatever, And I said, when did you realize how big they were? I said, well, there's no internet. I didn't know, he said. I went Christmas shopping from my family at the mall and I'm looking, I'm wondering, who's here that people are running to, and I realized they were running to me, and I had to run out to my car because I had no idea that it spread. Did you have any idea?

Which is incredible. And also because there was no internet there. Do you remember. I remember Mickey I interviewed Mickey Donalds and the monkeys were huge whatever, And I said, when did you realize how big they were? I said, well, there's no internet. I didn't know, he said. I went Christmas shopping from my family at the mall and I'm looking, I'm wondering, who's here that people are running to, and I realized they were running to me, and I had to run out to my car because I had no idea that it spread. Did you have any idea?

So that's how you you know, that's how you know you're famous. Back then, you were the last one to know you were famous. You stepped off a plane, you checked into a hotel. I remember the first, the first inkling that things were different was I did Regis and Kathy Lee and I stayed at the Park Regency on on Park Avenue, and for our family that was a big deal.

So that's how you you know, that's how you know you're famous. Back then, you were the last one to know you were famous. You stepped off a plane, you checked into a hotel. I remember the first, the first inkling that things were different was I did Regis and Kathy Lee and I stayed at the Park Regency on on Park Avenue, and for our family that was a big deal.

You know, you only heard.

You know, you only heard.

About Park Avenue from different strokes at that point. Now here we are where we're staying here, and we checked into our room. The phone rang and my dad answered, and my mom's putting away our clothes and my dad just like, uh huh. He's having this long conversation and finding My mom's like, who are you talking to? And he's like, yeah, it's it's a fan. He's really a big fan of Jalil's. And somebody had found out that this is where I was going to be staying for the appearance on the Regis the next day and called our room and wanted to talk to me, and my dad gave me the phone, and my mom freaking lost it.

About Park Avenue from different strokes at that point. Now here we are where we're staying here, and we checked into our room. The phone rang and my dad answered, and my mom's putting away our clothes and my dad just like, uh huh. He's having this long conversation and finding My mom's like, who are you talking to? And he's like, yeah, it's it's a fan. He's really a big fan of Jalil's. And somebody had found out that this is where I was going to be staying for the appearance on the Regis the next day and called our room and wanted to talk to me, and my dad gave me the phone, and my mom freaking lost it.

She's like, could my dad get my dad's brain?

She's like, could my dad get my dad's brain?

At that time, he's just like this man is just saying all these wonderful things that my son should hear about himself.

At that time, he's just like this man is just saying all these wonderful things that my son should hear about himself.

He's not thinking dead. You've been stocked and again, and he gave me the phone. I talked to the guy for a couple of minutes and thank you very much. And my mom's like, don't you ever you hand that phone again?

He's not thinking dead. You've been stocked and again, and he gave me the phone. I talked to the guy for a couple of minutes and thank you very much. And my mom's like, don't you ever you hand that phone again?

Do it?

Do it?

Well?

Well?

You know, because that that transitional moment, You're right, I clocked mine. I was doing entertainment tonight, just barely in our third season entertainment tonight. I said, yeah, we'll interview you'll be our fourth guest or whatever. And they're shooting b roll on the street, just me and the whoever the person interviewing me was. And this van drives by, and they're shooting b roll on the.

You know, because that that transitional moment, You're right, I clocked mine. I was doing entertainment tonight, just barely in our third season entertainment tonight. I said, yeah, we'll interview you'll be our fourth guest or whatever. And they're shooting b roll on the street, just me and the whoever the person interviewing me was. And this van drives by, and they're shooting b roll on the.

Street, just me and the whoever the person interviewing me was.

Street, just me and the whoever the person interviewing me was.

And this van drives by. It's a black family and a girl I put her at nine years old, ten years old, leans out the window and shouts, I love you, George, And I went, how was she watching? How are well? I'm doing a show first of all that appeals to a black family and a nine year old child. What is happening here? And that's when I went old, I'm not aware of quite what, and and then that change. But for you, what I have never been able to understand is I would not have handled child stardom well. I had all kinds of complex ego issues to figure out, personality issues to figure out took years and years of therapy.

And this van drives by. It's a black family and a girl I put her at nine years old, ten years old, leans out the window and shouts, I love you, George, And I went, how was she watching? How are well? I'm doing a show first of all that appeals to a black family and a nine year old child. What is happening here? And that's when I went old, I'm not aware of quite what, and and then that change. But for you, what I have never been able to understand is I would not have handled child stardom well. I had all kinds of complex ego issues to figure out, personality issues to figure out took years and years of therapy.

I'm still in therapy trying to figure out all out. But how did it? I know you had a good you had good parents, and they stayed at your side.

I'm still in therapy trying to figure out all out. But how did it? I know you had a good you had good parents, and they stayed at your side.

But that kind of notoriety, that kind of power on a set for a young person can set them off in away, and then it's not reality. And then reality hits in. When the show gets canceled, the world changes. How did you navigate this journey?

But that kind of notoriety, that kind of power on a set for a young person can set them off in away, and then it's not reality. And then reality hits in. When the show gets canceled, the world changes. How did you navigate this journey?

It's not just good parenting, I'm telling you though, It's all about intentions. And also, you just brought up something that I absolutely have to throw into this conversation that it was a shock for you for a black girl to say George in your mind, a black girl couldn't be watching. Let me tell you, let me tell you something screw with these TV networks. Tell you when you syndicate. First of all, that's a big, big, big deal. That's a far bigger deal than just streaming. Okay, your show appealed to far more minorities and blacks than you realize.

It's not just good parenting, I'm telling you though, It's all about intentions. And also, you just brought up something that I absolutely have to throw into this conversation that it was a shock for you for a black girl to say George in your mind, a black girl couldn't be watching. Let me tell you, let me tell you something screw with these TV networks. Tell you when you syndicate. First of all, that's a big, big, big deal. That's a far bigger deal than just streaming. Okay, your show appealed to far more minorities and blacks than you realize.

As a matter of fact, I.

As a matter of fact, I.

Used to get in trouble with my own showrunner because you guys came on Thursdays. That was our block and tape today. So we did our we tape, we filmed our show, and we were a film show. We actually had thirty five million film, a three camera film. We filmed our show on Fridays, so we came to work on Fridays on Seinfeld highs. Oh Man, this fool is selling muffins without the top man. Oh Man, it was like and George, George and Steinbrenner last night. Oh man, it was like, so I'm coming. I'm literally coming to work every day partially in my in my like age sixteen seventeenth, that's when you gots are just killing. And it was like, I'm looking at Kramer now as my role model. Wow, because I'm seeing the spastic nature of his character, and I'm also watched the evolution of his character because it wasn't nearly as spastik in the beginning, and neither was mine. And that's something that just kind of happens once the audience starts to hang on to every word because they love you before you've even spoken. He was just hitting the door and there is just you know, he could just start twitching and they would just starting and guess what, I could do the same thing. So I saw that in him, and I fell in love with Seinfeld and I would watch you guys religiously. But as I got older, and even being in college, I found it annoying that people would think, oh, you watched Seinfeld.

Used to get in trouble with my own showrunner because you guys came on Thursdays. That was our block and tape today. So we did our we tape, we filmed our show, and we were a film show. We actually had thirty five million film, a three camera film. We filmed our show on Fridays, so we came to work on Fridays on Seinfeld highs. Oh Man, this fool is selling muffins without the top man. Oh Man, it was like and George, George and Steinbrenner last night. Oh man, it was like, so I'm coming. I'm literally coming to work every day partially in my in my like age sixteen seventeenth, that's when you gots are just killing. And it was like, I'm looking at Kramer now as my role model. Wow, because I'm seeing the spastic nature of his character, and I'm also watched the evolution of his character because it wasn't nearly as spastik in the beginning, and neither was mine. And that's something that just kind of happens once the audience starts to hang on to every word because they love you before you've even spoken. He was just hitting the door and there is just you know, he could just start twitching and they would just starting and guess what, I could do the same thing. So I saw that in him, and I fell in love with Seinfeld and I would watch you guys religiously. But as I got older, and even being in college, I found it annoying that people would think, oh, you watched Seinfeld.

I'm like, dude, don't do that.

I'm like, dude, don't do that.

Don't put I know New York Undercover was on at the same time, and Martin and Living Single, and I catch those shows.

Don't put I know New York Undercover was on at the same time, and Martin and Living Single, and I catch those shows.

How I catch them too.

How I catch them too.

But I've always thought black culture is treated very monolithic in Hollywood.

But I've always thought black culture is treated very monolithic in Hollywood.

Yeah, and it's a delight to hear you note that.

Yeah, and it's a delight to hear you note that.

That was a black girl, because I'm here to tell you there's a lot of black girls and Hispanic girls and Puerto Rican girls that grew up loving some George canstinno oh.

That was a black girl, because I'm here to tell you there's a lot of black girls and Hispanic girls and Puerto Rican girls that grew up loving some George canstinno oh.

And I've met him.

And I've met him.

It was just a I had assumed I had underestimated my own show. I thought, yep, we had a very niche on It's very specific. I said, it's not going to appel the women. It's going to be guys who live in big cities and they're from like twenty one to thirty five years, so they're the only ones that they're going to get.

It was just a I had assumed I had underestimated my own show. I thought, yep, we had a very niche on It's very specific. I said, it's not going to appel the women. It's going to be guys who live in big cities and they're from like twenty one to thirty five years, so they're the only ones that they're going to get.

I could see it in the formula. You guys hit your stride once they got rid of the stand ups. Well, yeah, that's when they determined that they got rid of the stand up. That's when the show took off. But again, people don't understand what we go through. The stand up is how you sold the show.

I could see it in the formula. You guys hit your stride once they got rid of the stand ups. Well, yeah, that's when they determined that they got rid of the stand up. That's when the show took off. But again, people don't understand what we go through. The stand up is how you sold the show.

Right, That was the idea, that was the whole anchor.

Right, That was the idea, that was the whole anchor.

He'll extend the story from his stand up and not even realizing dude, that's just slowing it down.

He'll extend the story from his stand up and not even realizing dude, that's just slowing it down.

Yeah, that's right.

Yeah, that's right.

The premise of the show, the early premise was how does the stand up create this material?

The premise of the show, the early premise was how does the stand up create this material?

I would care we'll.

I would care we'll.

Show the day and then the stand up it'll be a bump.

Show the day and then the stand up it'll be a bump.

And then they realized, well, first of all, Jerry said, I'm doing stand up I've never done in a club.

And then they realized, well, first of all, Jerry said, I'm doing stand up I've never done in a club.

I don't like this, then feel good.

I don't like this, then feel good.

I wouldn't. I wouldn't perform this material. And that's really what it was. He said, I didn't write the stand up. I wouldn't do this stand up. Okay, but that's how it. But then they had confidence that the show could stand on it.

I wouldn't. I wouldn't perform this material. And that's really what it was. He said, I didn't write the stand up. I wouldn't do this stand up. Okay, but that's how it. But then they had confidence that the show could stand on it.

By the time you guys finish, your suckers were doing like twenty two scenes.

By the time you guys finish, your suckers were doing like twenty two scenes.

I was like, this is what I want to to get into it with you next is what was very clear from our interaction outside but also in just you know, reading what you're up to. So you're you're now a builder you're building stuff, You're making stuff.

I was like, this is what I want to to get into it with you next is what was very clear from our interaction outside but also in just you know, reading what you're up to. So you're you're now a builder you're building stuff, You're making stuff.

I mean, you're doing exactly what I tell all the.

I mean, you're doing exactly what I tell all the.

College students that go check out in New York or la I go just go home and build something.

College students that go check out in New York or la I go just go home and build something.

Make them come to you. What what's all the stuff you got? You got the book? I know you have a cannabis company or.

Make them come to you. What what's all the stuff you got? You got the book? I know you have a cannabis company or.

So yeah, I started a the streets, created a strain called Purple Oracle, and I even saw myself name checked on Billions and all these different shows, and people would go to dispensaries and they would send me, you know, you know, they would send me text message and be like, hey man, you're getting paid money off this. Because people's idea of what we get paid off of and what we don't is absolutely insane. All right, So I formed a company called It's Purple Right, and it was actually kind of a joke. It's purple on and when people see us, they think they're being discreet, but they're not. They're staring and they're whispering, and it's hert cole.

So yeah, I started a the streets, created a strain called Purple Oracle, and I even saw myself name checked on Billions and all these different shows, and people would go to dispensaries and they would send me, you know, you know, they would send me text message and be like, hey man, you're getting paid money off this. Because people's idea of what we get paid off of and what we don't is absolutely insane. All right, So I formed a company called It's Purple Right, and it was actually kind of a joke. It's purple on and when people see us, they think they're being discreet, but they're not. They're staring and they're whispering, and it's hert cole.

Look, it's hert cole.

Look, it's hert cole.

It's tricle.

It's tricle.

And so I just wanted to have something to say back if I ever caught them and be like, it's not oracle. It's purple, and.

And so I just wanted to have something to say back if I ever caught them and be like, it's not oracle. It's purple, and.

That was just the.

That was just the.

Cannabis cover.

Cannabis cover.

We profess to make the best purple Oracle, and I'll be damned if I'm prevented from selling purple Oracle as a strain off.

We profess to make the best purple Oracle, and I'll be damned if I'm prevented from selling purple Oracle as a strain off.

This this drive. So there's the book, there's the cannabis line, what else, what else you got?

This this drive. So there's the book, there's the cannabis line, what else, what else you got?

We talked about it a little.

We talked about it a little.

Bit about it flip side. I'm a game show host on the flip side. I love flip Side. It's it allows me to connect with an older demographic. And then after that, I'm doing some fun stuff online. I started this little talk show it's just called Just a Minute with Julie White, and it's it's just we do a whole entire late night show in less than a minute.

Bit about it flip side. I'm a game show host on the flip side. I love flip Side. It's it allows me to connect with an older demographic. And then after that, I'm doing some fun stuff online. I started this little talk show it's just called Just a Minute with Julie White, and it's it's just we do a whole entire late night show in less than a minute.

That's it, and it's funny.

That's it, and it's funny.

It was really fun.

It was really fun.

We watched it with John Sally and because as you know comedy and you know timing and you know cutting, you managed to do a good setup. You managed to then give whatever joke you were doing content. Then you went to a mini commercial. You've got a commercial in the minute and half. The boat and fantasy organically kind of fit the tone of the thing, and then you closed it out because if it's viral, who needs the show? Just cut out, cut out the middleman.

We watched it with John Sally and because as you know comedy and you know timing and you know cutting, you managed to do a good setup. You managed to then give whatever joke you were doing content. Then you went to a mini commercial. You've got a commercial in the minute and half. The boat and fantasy organically kind of fit the tone of the thing, and then you closed it out because if it's viral, who needs the show? Just cut out, cut out the middleman.

Let's just do the clip. What where are you? Ten years from now?

Let's just do the clip. What where are you? Ten years from now?

Oh wow, ten years from now, I'd like to be producing a lot more.

Oh wow, ten years from now, I'd like to be producing a lot more.

At this point, I'm just as excited about identifying talent as I as I was about being talent when I was young. It's fun to see somebody that's younger than you, that's faster than you. That's it's they got it. They got the you know what I'm saying message they did, They're gonna. You know, it's fun to look at Wimby coming to the NBA. It's fun to look at this kid Cooper Flag got a duke and no he'd be like, oh, he got it. You know.

At this point, I'm just as excited about identifying talent as I as I was about being talent when I was young. It's fun to see somebody that's younger than you, that's faster than you. That's it's they got it. They got the you know what I'm saying message they did, They're gonna. You know, it's fun to look at Wimby coming to the NBA. It's fun to look at this kid Cooper Flag got a duke and no he'd be like, oh, he got it. You know.

That's what I'd really like to be doing, is just paying it forward at a huge level.

That's what I'd really like to be doing, is just paying it forward at a huge level.

So curiously, I know why people write books because they it makes you. You go through a process and the book has a lot in there. What do your hope happens to flow when you go on the book tour? What do you want the outcome to be for the book? What do you want the takeaway?

So curiously, I know why people write books because they it makes you. You go through a process and the book has a lot in there. What do your hope happens to flow when you go on the book tour? What do you want the outcome to be for the book? What do you want the takeaway?

Well, you know, the dream for me was.

Well, you know, the dream for me was.

Everybody's talked about reboots, and I was never officially offered a reboot. I just want that to be I was never officially offered. I was offered an opportunity to sign a blind contract with the studio and then they would go off and make the reboot. Okay, so that's be clear about that. And I said, no, I'm not turning down the opportunity to work with you guys, because executives come and go.

Everybody's talked about reboots, and I was never officially offered a reboot. I just want that to be I was never officially offered. I was offered an opportunity to sign a blind contract with the studio and then they would go off and make the reboot. Okay, so that's be clear about that. And I said, no, I'm not turning down the opportunity to work with you guys, because executives come and go.

For me.

For me.

The show that I want to make is inspired by the book. I feel like they've missed an opportunity to make a great wonder years that's said in the nineties. I just want to be a conduit to talk about all the things in the nineties and what my childhood was like. I don't think you can get a kid to the Emmys or the Golden Globe by playing Steve Verkle Junior. Because Laura and Steve had a kid. That's a Twitter pitch. It's corny, that's not that that that's that's right, that's low grade. But to have a kid who wanted to get a Sega Genesis, went on an audition, grabbed a VHS for inspiration, got nervous at the end because he saw other boys that stole his outfit and started dressing like him for the callback and said, I'm gonna go in here and add and raise the bar another level. And I'm just never gonna let him meet jal Ill. That's what I did on my callback for for Steve Verkle. I walked in, I introduced myself as Steve Verkle to Bill and Michael because I just.

The show that I want to make is inspired by the book. I feel like they've missed an opportunity to make a great wonder years that's said in the nineties. I just want to be a conduit to talk about all the things in the nineties and what my childhood was like. I don't think you can get a kid to the Emmys or the Golden Globe by playing Steve Verkle Junior. Because Laura and Steve had a kid. That's a Twitter pitch. It's corny, that's not that that that's that's right, that's low grade. But to have a kid who wanted to get a Sega Genesis, went on an audition, grabbed a VHS for inspiration, got nervous at the end because he saw other boys that stole his outfit and started dressing like him for the callback and said, I'm gonna go in here and add and raise the bar another level. And I'm just never gonna let him meet jal Ill. That's what I did on my callback for for Steve Verkle. I walked in, I introduced myself as Steve Verkle to Bill and Michael because I just.

Wanted an edge.

Wanted an edge.

I was just a I just wanted an edge. I'm like, that's an awesome pilot man, and it's it's weird to have to say it out. It's fun to say it to you guys, but it also is a little insecure where it's like, is.

I was just a I just wanted an edge. I'm like, that's an awesome pilot man, and it's it's weird to have to say it out. It's fun to say it to you guys, but it also is a little insecure where it's like, is.

This because you're ready to get kicked the teeth?

This because you're ready to get kicked the teeth?

But I know that works, and I know that works because the character serves as a conduit for revisiting nineties values what they were and what they are not any longer. And my two parents also, who have such an amazing story of what it is to have a a a child star just land at the center of their universe.

But I know that works, and I know that works because the character serves as a conduit for revisiting nineties values what they were and what they are not any longer. And my two parents also, who have such an amazing story of what it is to have a a a child star just land at the center of their universe.

Thank you for coming on. I think the books you've been called cover your balls, but that's that's okay. I just think it says so much about the network about how you had says it all.

Thank you for coming on. I think the books you've been called cover your balls, but that's that's okay. I just think it says so much about the network about how you had says it all.

Yeah, I could talk to you guys all day of day.

Yeah, I could talk to you guys all day of day.

What a what a cool guy, you know, interesting personality and very small art and very aware of what he did, what he was and what he wants to beat.

What a what a cool guy, you know, interesting personality and very small art and very aware of what he did, what he was and what he wants to beat.

And you know it.

And you know it.

I don't know why it's so banal to say, but it makes the work he did as that character even more spectacular because you go, he's nothing like that character. This was a guy who figured out at twelve, Oh, if I do a little bit of Marty Short and a little bit of this, I can make them. I'll wear the glasses and I'll do the thing. I mean, this is a really sharp, sharp kid man.

I don't know why it's so banal to say, but it makes the work he did as that character even more spectacular because you go, he's nothing like that character. This was a guy who figured out at twelve, Oh, if I do a little bit of Marty Short and a little bit of this, I can make them. I'll wear the glasses and I'll do the thing. I mean, this is a really sharp, sharp kid man.

Yes, and also, like he said, he's competitive. I know we didn't get to it, but he was playing he was playing basketball at the lot with George Clint. He can pick up games and he's not that tall. Like he said, he just wanted to win. He wanted to win and really competitive. And while he was here he's shooting stuff. There's like no downtime with him now that he doesn't for the joy of doing. He really enjoys it.