RAINE MAGAZINE Volume 16 | Innovate

Photographer: Brett Erickson
ENTERTAINMENT | FILM/TV
MEET DAVID LAMBERT
A FACE ON ABC’S THE FOSTERS
By Rochelle White
RAINE: You are a versatile actor, what acting method do you find works best
for you when on set?
LAMBERT: I usually like to read the scene with the other actors involved.
It’s important for me to understand the flow of the scene, but each job is
different for me in terms of preparation. For example, right now with The
Fosters, I tend to read the full episode instead of just focusing on the scenes
I’m in. It helps me understand my character’s arc overall.
RAINE: We see you have lived in a myriad of places like Louisiana, England,
Taiwan, Texas, and Georgia, out of all these places, which one influenced
you the most?
LAMBERT: I went to Taiwan when I was only about 10, so seeing the other
side of the world and a completely different culture at such a young age
really humbled me once I got back to the states. It just stuck with me how
different things were in Taiwan and really made me develop a love for
traveling, and trying new foods and seeing new places. Traveling is now one
of my favorites perks that comes with acting and I believe everyone should
get out and take a trip or two!
RAINE: Out of the numerous roles you play on TV, which type of role do you
enjoy the most?
LAMBERT: My favorite roles are the ones that cause you to think and map
out. A role where it challenges you as an actor and forces you to step up
to the plate and really see if you have what it takes to pull it off. I believe if
you’re not being challenged then you can’t grow. Growing in this industry
and pushing the limits is very important in the long run.
RAINE: What is it like working with Executive Producer Jennifer Lopez on
The Fosters?
LAMBERT: Jennifer Lopez is fantastic! She is a very down to earth woman,
very nice and considerate. She’s done things like send cupcakes and other
goodies to the set while we’ve been filming. She’s also just come by at
random times to check in on how the shooting is going as well as see the
sets - definitely a very cool boss to have!!
RAINE: Is there anything about your character “Brandon” on the Foster’s
that relates to your own personality?
LAMBERT: Brandon and I definitely have things in common. We both play
piano and really have an overall passion for music in general. We also both
are the oldest in our families so I definitely can relate to Brandon feeling
protective over his siblings and his moms. There are definitely enough
similarities between Brandon and I that make him such a close character to
me. He’s definitely a character I play, but I also definitely have a lot to pull
from just in my personal life.
RAINE: Which cast member, if any, is most like any of your own
real life family members?
LAMBERT: Cierra Ramirez who plays Mariana has actually been
friends with my real sister far before we even started doing the
Fosters together, so I’ve seen her around just hanging with my
sister, it’s really funny how she and I now play siblings on a show
together after probably a few years of just seeing her randomly
so it definitely wasn’t a stretch to view her and treat her as family.
RAINE: Are there any upcoming projects that you are excited to
give the public an inside glimpsed on?
LAMBERT: I did an independent movie last summer that ended
up going to Sundance, which was an amazing experience. It’s
called The Lifeguard and it was a really special project for me. It
was written and directed by Liz Garcia and stars Kristen Bell. I
must admit it’s definitely a more mature themed movie but just an
amazing experience for me at the time. everyone involved was
so great and I walked away learning a lot.
RAINE: Though you are pursuing your acting career fulltime, do
you have any other passions you would like to share with us?
LAMBERT: Mainly music and I’m also interested in screen
writing, maybe writing movies someday but for now I just read
a lot of books about it and learn as much as I can. It’s definitely
a very interesting side of the business creatively to me though.
RAINE: With your rigorous schedule, how do you balance work
with fun?
LAMBERT: I think the key with that is finding your work to be fun,
which I luckily do. I love all the people I work with, including all the
cast and crew. Everyone is so gracious and hard working and just
amazing. It’s hard not to feel so grateful, and to be surrounded by
good people all the time. They really make it worthwhile for me,
so I guess I just find my work to also be my fun.
RAINE: Are there any specific activities or hobbies that you enjoy
when not working?
LAMBERT: My friends and I like to go on random adventures,
road trips, trips to the lake, trips out to Big Bear; we also see a
lot of movies but really it’s constantly changing. It’s just whatever
we feel like doing at the time. I know a lot of musically talented
people though so we do our fair share of jamming as well.
RAINE: Last but not least, is there any advice you can give to
young aspiring actors and actresses that want to pursue a full
time acting career?
LAMBERT: I would say if you have a clear idea of what you want
do - never doubt yourself, you will make it. It won’t happen over
night. It takes many years of dedication, so it’s just one of those
things where you have to stay dedicated and find the good in
every step of the way. It’s a journey for sure.
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