Munro Chambers has quickly made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His hard work and dedication to his craft are evident with the dynamic characters he has brought to life in film and television. From his breakout role as "Wilder" on the Canadian sitcom "The Latest Buzz" to his iconic portrayal of "Eli Goldsworthy" on "Degrassi: The Next Generation," Chambers has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor.
How did you get started on your journey into the entertainment industry?
It all began with my love for film. Even as a young child, I had a passion for performing and becoming different characters. I remember telling my father at a young age that I wanted to be a cartoon, and lo and behold, I eventually ended up being turned into one in an Alpha Bits commercial. From there, my love for performing continued to grow, and I knew that this was the path I wanted to pursue.
Who do you consider your biggest influence as a performer?
There are so many talented actors who have influenced me throughout my career. Some of my biggest inspirations include Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Robert DeNiro, and Jim Carrey. I have always admired their ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, and their versatility as actors has always been something that I aspire to.
Many people came to know you through your role on "Degrassi: The Next Generation." How did you get involved with the series and what were some of the highlights for you as an actor?
Being part of "Degrassi: The Next Generation" was truly an incredible experience. Growing up in Canada, I always viewed the show as iconic, and being given the opportunity to be a part of it was a dream come true. The cast and crew of "Degrassi" became like a family to me, and some of my closest friends to this day are people I met while working on the show. It was a place where I had the chance to tackle some really compelling storylines and grow as an actor.
What was the biggest thing you took away from your time on the series from an acting standpoint?
One of the major takeaways from my time on "Degrassi" was the opportunity to dive deep into complex characters and storylines. My character, "Eli Goldsworthy," dealt with a range of issues, including OCD, hoarding, and bipolar disorder. It was a chance for me to learn about these topics and bring awareness to them in a respectful and authentic way. I discovered a passion for portraying characters with depth and nuance, and it has shaped the way I approach roles ever since.
There has been a lot of buzz about your latest project, "TURBO KID." What can you tell us about the film and how you got involved?
"Turbo Kid" is an incredibly unique and exciting project. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the film follows the journey of "The Kid," a young scavenger who must face his fears and become a reluctant hero. The film combines elements of coming-of-age storytelling, superhero themes, and a dash of romance. When I first read the script, I was intrigued by the opportunity to take on a genre film and explore a different type of character. The directors and I had a great collaborative process, and we were all passionate about making something special.
What was it about the project or character that drew you in and made you know this was a role you had to take on?
The project had such a unique and original script that immediately caught my attention. The character of "The Kid" was unlike anything I had ever played before, and I was excited to bring the character's naivety and social awkwardness to life. But beyond that, there was also a touching love story woven into the film, which added depth and heart to the overall narrative. It was a role that challenged me as an actor and offered something fresh and exciting.
How did you prepare yourself for the role, both physically and mentally?
Physically, I embraced the action-packed nature of the film, drawing upon my athleticism and love for physical activity. Mentally, I tapped into the inner nerd within myself, as "The Kid" is a comic book enthusiast. I wanted to bring out his sense of wonder and excitement while also portraying his social awkwardness. It was a delicate balance, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed exploring.
The film is loaded with action. Were you involved with any of the stunt work for the film, and what was it like working with that part of the crew?
I had the opportunity to participate in many of the film's stunt sequences, which was a thrilling experience. While I couldn't handle all the biking tricks myself, I was heavily involved in the fight scenes and some of the falls. As a kid, I always dreamed of being a superhero and performing these types of stunts, so it was a dream come true to be able to bring that to life in "Turbo Kid."
Tell us about working with the directors on this project and what they brought to the table?
Working with the three directors on "Turbo Kid" was a unique and collaborative experience. Despite the challenges of having multiple directors, they were always on the same page and had a shared vision for the film. They were open to the input and ideas of the actors, creating a truly collaborative environment. It was refreshing to be a part of a team that valued everyone's contributions and worked together to create something special.
What do you consider the biggest challenge you faced as an actor with this project?
One of the biggest challenges during the filming of "Turbo Kid" was the freezing weather conditions. We shot the film in Montreal during March, which meant enduring extremely cold temperatures. However, the challenge of the cold was balanced by the joy of portraying such a fun and unique character. Overall, the experience was incredibly rewarding.
Have you had the opportunity to see the film with an audience at this point? If so, what was the experience like for you?
Yes, we premiered "Turbo Kid" at Sundance a few weeks ago, and it was an amazing experience. The audience response was fantastic, with laughter and cheers throughout the screening. It was incredibly rewarding to see people engage with the film and have fun watching it. The energy in the theater was electric, and it confirmed that we had succeeded in creating something special.
Whether it is this role or any other character, do you have a process you go through to bring a character to life?
When approaching a new character, I like to do extensive research. I dive into understanding their likes, dislikes, fears, and desires. I try to bring those elements to life through the script and find ways to make the character relatable and authentic. It's a process that involves immersing myself in the character's world and understanding their motivations.
What do you consider your biggest evolution as an actor?
One of the significant milestones in my acting career has been my time on "Degrassi." The show allowed me to explore complex storylines and challenged me as an actor. It provided me with diverse opportunities to grow and develop my craft. I have always sought out roles that push me out of my comfort zone and allow me to tackle a wide range of characters and genres. Versatility is something that I value as an actor, and I always strive to take on new and exciting challenges.
What can you tell us about the work you do for charity?
I have been fortunate enough to work with the incredible organization Free The Children for the past five years. Through this partnership, I have traveled to countries like India, Haiti, Ghana, and Nicaragua to help build schools, playgrounds, and water filtration systems for communities in need. It has been a humbling and eye-opening experience to be a part of this organization and make a positive impact in the world. I encourage everyone to visit www.freethechildren.com to learn more about their incredible work.
What is the best lesson we can take away from your story as an actor, so far?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to embrace and appreciate rejection. In this industry, hearing "no" is inevitable, but it should not discourage you. Instead, use it as an opportunity to grow and improve. View rejection as a chance to learn something new and find ways to become a better actor. Stay passionate and always strive for improvement.
Solid advice. When you aren't focused on your craft and busy schedule, how do you mellow out or relax?
I love spending time with my family and friends when I have some downtime. We enjoy watching movies, discussing films, and, of course, talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs. I am a huge hockey fan and love engaging in conversations about the sport.
Nothing wrong with that! I am a hockey fan myself!
That's great to hear! Which team do you cheer for?
I am based in Maryland, so I am a fan of the Washington Capitals.
Oh, nice! You guys have a good team. Ovie [Alex Ovechkin] is a force to be reckoned with!
Yeah, we've had our ups and downs, but we stay loyal to our team!
Absolutely! Thanks for chatting, Jason! I appreciate the support and look forward to what the future holds!
Be sure to connect with Munro Chambers on Twitter (@The_Munro) and follow the official Facebook page of "Turbo Kid" for more updates. Visit www.facebook.com/TurboKidmovie for all the latest news.
