Kyle Massey
Kyle Massey has mixed and matched his TV & movie work in recent years but he is back with new film Beethoven's Christmas Adventure.
I caught up with the actor to talk about working on the movie, his stint on Dancing With The Stars and what lies ahead.
- Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure is about to be released on DVD, so can you tell me a little bit about the movie?
The movie is fun and heart-warming for the entire family. There are friendships, adventures and it really puts you in the Christmas spirit with America’s favourite dog, Beethoven.
- You take on the role of Henry in the movie so what was it about the character and the script that drew you to the project?
First that it was family/holiday movie and second, I am a dog-lover. I have a Great Dane named 'Domino'. Henry is a fun, comic relief character which is the type of role I really love.
- The film sees you working alongside some great comic talent such as John Cleese and Tom Arnold so how did you find working with them?
It is so amazing to be even mentioned in such A-List company. We all had a great time on set, which you can see on the bonus footage.
- And the film is directed by John Putch so how did you find him as a filmmaker?
He and the producer actually hand-selected me for the role. My mom loved 'All In The Family' and when she found out that John was Edith Bunker’s son she went crazy!
- There is a well-known saying don’t work with children or animals - in this project the main character is a dog - so are animals as tricky to work with as everyone says they are?
It’s not really as bad as you would think. Working with animals forces an actor to work harder because you have to be quick when it comes to improvisation and you can’t break character - at all.
- Beethoven is a long-standing comedy franchise so how familiar were you with the earlier movies?
When I was younger I loved Beethoven! It’s so cool that I watched him growing up and now we’re in a movie together.
- You are best known for your TV work with the like of 'That’s So Raven' and 'Cory in the House' so is TV where you see yourself staying for a while or are you looking to progress more into movies?
Beethoven is actually my second dog movie. I love movies and yes, I want to do more feature film work because neither movie was a feature film.
But I love TV because it gave me this amazing career that I’m so grateful for.
- And you have been acting from a very early age so how difficult was it juggling work as well as school?
It was tough my junior and senior years in high school when classes were harder, but it’s no different than if I had played sports instead.
I would still have had school and had to work hard at my extracurricular activities if I wanted to be good at them both. I simply chose acting over sports.
- How did you get into acting in the first place?
My brother, Chris Massey from 'Zoey 101', was acting first at a young age. I just followed in my sibling’s footsteps.
- We also saw you on 'Dancing with the Stars' last year so what made you want to take that challenge?
I wanted to do something different. I took a risk. It was highest-rated show on television at the time and they offered me a shot to participate.
I learned a lot about myself - it was amazing to say the least!
- You were a runner-up in the series so where you surprised by how well you did or did you feel that it came quite naturally?
I was so surprised! Even now I still can’t believe I am saying my name in the same sentence with the word 'dance'. It’s nuts!
- 2011 is drawing to a close so what movies and performances have you been enjoying this year?
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a great movie this year.
- Finally, what’s next for you?
Feature films. I just came back from South Africa and Madagascar with Starkey Hearing Foundation.
My brother and I fit people around the world (literally) with hearing aids who aren’t able to afford them.
It was an incredible experience. Also my brother and I have an album coming out soon, so stay tuned for that!
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure is out on DVD now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw