Have you watched Star Falls yet? It’s the new Nickelodeon show starring Siena Agudong who plays a teen that convinces a Hollywood star to move himself and his family into her rural house in order to set him up with her mom. Hilarity ensues as cultures clash.
One of its other leads is Jadiel Dowlin, from Toronto, Canada. He is an actor and scriptwriter (for Dino Dana) born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Jadiel started his career modeling and appearing in
commercials at the age of 12, followed up by a run on popular children’s television game show series Zoink’d and then a lead role in the Japanese-produced DVD series GrapeSEED. In 2013, he was cast in Annedroids, which earned him a 2016 Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Performer in a Children’s or Pre–school Children’s Series for his role as Nick Clegg. He has also won a 2015 Joey Award for Best Actor in a TV Action Leading Role and a 2015 Young Artist Awards for Outstanding Young Ensemble in a TV Series.
Other film and television credits include Rogue (DirecTV), Dino Dana (Amazon
Prime), The Swap (Disney Channel), The Stanley Dynamic (YTV) and Super Why! (PBS Kids).
Outside of showbiz, Jadiel loves comic books and playing soccer. He has also broken records as a sprinter in running events including the 4 × 100 metres relay.
Whew! This guy is talented and busy. Let’s get to know him better in our interview below!
Hi Jadiel, nice to e-meet you! Before we talk about Star Falls, tell us a little bit about yourself.
It’s great meeting you as well so we can talk about Star Falls and lots more. I’m a Canadian actor, writer, comic enthusiast, and I love track and field. It so happens that I’m fluent in Spanish as well and I fully embrace my Hispanic Afro-Caribbean heritage – thanks to my Panamanian parents.
Tell us about Star Falls and your character Phoenix Brooks
Star Falls is a unique TV series on Nickelodeon that airs on Saturday evenings. It’s about a celebrity movie star dad that has to move to a small town to shoot a movie and decides that he wants to take his three Hollywood kids with him. The local veterinarian’s daughter decides to perform some schemes to have her mom meet her idol, Craig Brooks, the movie star. Phoenix is Craig’s oldest son, and he’s not a typical teenager; he’s very wise beyond his years. A total philosopher! And with his quirkiness he provides a different element to the show.
What has been the most rewarding part about working on this show so far?
There have been so many rewarding experiences but since you asked for one… I would have to say working with the cast. I’m an only child so being able to perform a role that entails having a younger sister and little brother was very different and enlightening. It’s given me the opportunity to act as a role model and leader for them, while also keeping me on my toes since Bo and Diamond (Phoenix’s siblings) are a handful. Watch the show to experience the shenanigans and many adventures.
And the most challenging?
I don’t see situations as challenges; I’m the type of person that sees situations as an opportunity to learn. There’s one thing I’m glad that I won’t have to do any longer now that I’m 18, and that’s two hours of school time per day for each day I’m on set. That was difficult to juggle because young actors performing time has to be cut short by mandated schooling. So I’m definitely glad that’s over! But it’s a bonus because now that I’m 18, I get to play younger roles so production companies love it!
Funniest moment on set as an actor?
That would have to be scenes that involve animals. Those are the most fun because animals (like babies) bring a different energy to the set, and although they are trained, sometimes things don’t go as planned. I’ve experienced snakes, tarantulas, skunks, donkeys, dogs, birds, cats and many others. But there’s one scene in an upcoming Star Falls episode where we had a goat. Well, it so happens the goat decided to go the bathroom during a take! It simultaneously defecated and urinated at the same time, and I was inches away from it! We had to clear the set and it took a while to have everything cleaned.
You are a scriptwriter as well as an actor. How did you get involved writing for Dino Dana?
I became close to the creators and writers of Annedroids, which is produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment. Although it’s been a few years since the TV series, we’ve kept in-touch and I was provided with the opportunity to pitch episodes for Dina Dana, and I’ve written several episodes so far. I loved this experience because I’m able to learn another aspect of the film industry, and create art through another medium, e.g., production, writing, directing. I’m excited to keep growing and produce my own content.
Your parents are from Panama. What part of that culture are you most proud of?
I would have to say that I’m so happy that I’m able to speak Spanish because it opens up the world to me. It makes travelling a joy, and bilingualism allows you to connect to more people, cultures etc. Plus the flavourful Panamanian/Hispanic food and the variety of upbeat music gives me a sense of vibrancy and culture I can imbue in my acting. Like my favorite saying is: “Oye, que pasa?!” (Hey, what’s happening).
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Gosh, that’s an easy one! When people give spoilers about TV shows, movies, books. That drives me crazy. I actually mute my alerts and stay off media to ensure I don’t read anything by accident. Because it’s always best to experience climactic events firsthand in the cinema, not on your twitter feed!
Biggest guilty pleasure?
Being huge in the world of comics, I enjoy collecting these action figures called Hot Toys. Only thing is that they’re super rare to get and a tad expensive!
If you could do over one embarrassing moment on your life, what would it be?
That would be the time I tore my uniform pants in elementary school. It was a track and field day and of course there was a lot of running and jumping involved. I came in first for many of the events and was feeling pretty good about myself. But after the long jump event my friends starting laughing at me, and I turned and realized I had split my pants. My boxers were in full view of everyone! It was embarrassing to say the least.
Favorite movie?
Well, you know it has to be a comic book movie, so I’ll go with The Dark Knight. It’s able to tell a compelling story using interweaving subplot devices. It’s actually more than a movie; it’s an analysis of the criminal element, and juggles concepts like order/chaos, justice/injustice. It’s very ambitious and entertaining film.
Dream role?
Hmm I would like to do more drama and thriller roles. They’re lots of fun, and allow you to portray a different/darker side of characters. Superhero and Supervillain roles would also be on the list.
Favorite musical act?
My go to music is instrumental and my favorite composer is Hans Zimmer. He’s the composer for many terrific films, including Man-of-Steel, and The Dark Knight Trilogy, Interstellar, Gladiator, and many more. His usage of drums is bombastic and immersive.
Favorite book?
My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, but it’s a great read that takes the reader on a journey. It offers insight on what ones life purpose should be, and has an awesome twist. Everyone should read it at least once.
Most unique or surprising thing people don’t know about you?
People are always surprised that I’m fluent in Spanish, that I have the natural ability to wiggle my ears, and that I obtained Ryerson’s University President’s Entrance Scholarship, which is a “full-ride.” I’m pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Film studies.
What are you working on next?
Be on the lookout for three episodes I wrote for Dino Dana Including: Growing Up Dino, Dinosauroid Dana, and Flying Expectations. I have many other projects in the works, but unfortunately I’m not able to share the details as yet. Stay tuned!
Where can your fans follow you?
They can follow me on many social media sites:
Instagram: @jadiel_dowlin
Twitter: @jadieldowlin
Facebook: @jadieldowlin
IMDb: www.imdb.me/jadieldowlin
Website: www.jadieldowlin.com
Selfie time!