photography by Andrew Werner
Jaime Cepero plays Ellis Boyd on the hit show Smash, which will be airing this month on NBC for a second season. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jaime about his role on the show, and what to expect from his unpredictable personality.
Young Adult Mag: When did you first get into acting?
Jaime Cepero: I was really young. Around 4th grade I did this Christmas play and since I was one of the only ethnic kids at school they had me play a Jamaican Christmas character named Jon Canu. I sang a solo at the end of the show and a bunch of moms cried. The bug had bitten.
YA: Was your family supportive?
JC: I think our Parents jobs are to worry – so in retrospect – no – but for a good reason. Acting is not a very stable or reliable job. There are a lot of ups and downs and I can see why a parent would worry about their child being able to fend for themselves and deal with the emotional baggage that comes with constant no’s. However, my family has always encouraged me to be the best I can be at whatever I choose to do – so I am grateful to have had the support in that way. Some kids don’t even get that.
YA: What has been your favorite part of the job?
JC: The Paycheck! No I’m kidding. Honestly getting to work with Emmy/Tony/Oscar winners… It’s a mind trip – but the best part has been the realization that all of us are the same. We are just human beings coming to work and doing our thing. Everyone is so respectful and Professional. It’s been a nice change.
YA: How did you manage to snag the role on Smash?
JC: Well, NBC was nervous about taking a chance on a new kid – so its was pretty stressful. The abridged version is that I came in for my initial audition – got an immediate callback the next day – didn’t hear anything for 3 weeks – got called in again – didnt hear anything for 3 more weeks – got called in to read with Condola (who winded up playing my girlfriend on the show) – didn’t hear anything again for about another week – then I had a work session with Bernard Telsy and Theresa Rebeck – and two days later I was at a table read sitting between Megan Hilty and Debra Messing.
