teenLook #10 - Summer 2020 - Gabrielle Bonogofski Cover

An Exclusive interview with Jackson Dollinger
Jackson's Stats & Facts
Born in Southern California
June 19, 2007
•
Jackson is 13 years-old
•
Started his acting career at
age nine.
•
First voice over job was as
Charlie on 'Puppy Dog Pals'.
•
Avid skateboarder
•
Flipped a skateboard trick
over a Disney VP during his
final audition that landed him
the role as Max, in 'Sydney
to the Max"
•
Three seasons on 'Sydney to
the Max' to date.
•
His favourite episode was
'Nightmare on Syd Street'
•
Advocate for the elimination
of single-use plastics.
•
Music producer
•
Debut single out now!
"I'm Yours"
follow Jackson
IG - jacksondollinger
TL - Tell us about you as an actor vs your personal life.
JD - As an actor, I am continually developing my skill sets. I have learned how to act
professionally in the workplace and I have learned to manage and balance my time
between school, work, and friends. In my personal life, not much has changed. I still
do chores, hang out with my friends, and do school projects, etc. The only difference
is that my schedule no longer permits me to participate in team sports, so I took up
surfing.
TL - Was your journey into acting a difficult one? why or why not?
JD - My journey was not too difficult. It did take a lot of hard work though. I started
acting because of a friend and my first audition was for a Nissan Commercial and I
happened to have booked it. I booked several other commercials and wanted to try
theatrical acting. It took a good number of auditions for me to get my first guest star
project and then I got the role of Young Max on Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max.
TL - What are the ups and downs being a child actor?
JD - Great Question! It can be very stressful at times trying to bring your “A-game” to
school and “A-game” to work. I had previously attended regular school and I had to
transition to an independent study program when I started the show. It took me a minute
to get used to balancing the two. You sometimes work long hours and I have had
to give up things such as participation in basketball and soccer teams. But, I still love
being an actor and there are also many positives to the job. For example, I get incredible
opportunities that I would not otherwise get if I was not an actor. I get to meet a
lot of amazing people. I also get to travel to many places. I am learning so much as a
Series Regular and that is priceless.
TL - What are your thoughts on being so young during this difficult time of COVID19?
JD - This is a really scary time. I’m a little overwhelmed and I haven’t even quite processed
this whole thing yet, but I definitely know the best thing we can do is stay home
and that’s what my friends and family are doing. I feel fortunate that I am healthy and
have a home to stay safe in during this uncertain time in history.
TL - How have you remained busy during this self isolation period?
JD - I have been catching up on school work and spending some quality time with my
family and just trying to be as productive as possible. I try to do physical activity every
day and I have been spending a lot of time in my home music studio.
Jackson as Max on the set
of 'Sydney to the Max'
Watch 'Sydney to the Max' on Disney,
Friday nights at 4pm.