Josh Erenberg is one to watch. After holding his own as the young Seth Rogen in The Green Hornet, the young actor has appeared in series like Suburgatory and YA favorite Deadtime Stories, not to mention more film work. Now, YA Mag catches up with Josh to discuss his new role on the hot new TV actioner Crisis, for which he received a rave review in the LA Times.
YA: Describe your character Anton. Who is he? What about him most resembles you?
Josh Erenberg: Anton is very intelligent, having skipped multiple grades. He also would rather deal with adults than children. I would like to think I am smart, but nothing like Anton. I definitely like solving mysteries like Anton. We are both very curious.
YA: What does it feel like to be singled out by the review in the LA Times?
JE: Wow!!!! That was so cool. We all work so hard to make the show great, but I admit reading that article and being singled out in a positive way makes me realize that others appreciate what I do.
YA: Any fun stories to happen off camera? What’s it like working with this group of actors?
JE: There were a lot of funny things that happened off camera. Lance Gross is so funny. He had me laughing all the time. He should do voiceovers for cartoons because he can do so many great voices to keep you in stitches. Living in Los Angeles my entire life, I have never been around snow, so when we were shooting in Chicago, Lance hit me with a snowball. I got revenge by bringing a shovel full of snow to his trailer, knocking on the door…Lance wouldn’t answer. We have a lot of fun when we’re not shooting.
YA: You’ve been involved in some of out favorite programs, like Deadtime Stories and Suburgatory. Which has been your favorite experience so far?
JE: I have loved and learned from all the programs I have done. I loved the Suburgatory episodes where I give marital advice to the guys. My favorite experience was working with Seth Green on the show DADS. I got to push and slap him around all day because I played a bully. Not only was he hysterical, but I got to do some great physical comedy.
YA: What has been the best acting or professional advice you’ve received?
JE: Michel Gondry, the director of The Green Hornet, told me not to drink coffee. In his thick French accent he said it was not healthy and it is addictive. Wait a minute, that was not acting advice, but was still a life lesson (I was drinking milk out of a coffee cup).
YA: If you had to pick only one word to describe you, ACTOR or KID, which would it be and why?
JE: Kid….I like to do what every kid does. My family makes sure that I keep it real. I love comics, video games, movies, and still have to do my homework. I hate vegetables and would rather have pizza and a milkshake whenever possible.
YA: If you could play any role from any film or TV show in history, who would it be and why?
JE: Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy is everything I would want to be in one film. I would be an animated character, famous comic book character, and able to work with a BBC talent.
YA: What would you say is your favorite YA story, book or film?
JE: This is a tough one! I would say The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and I can’t wait to see the next one.