Aidan Gallagher – The Umbrella Academy

By starrymag | February 15, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) “The Umbrella Academy” is the only acting project, but I’m working full time on recording songs for my upcoming EP, Blue Neon. Acting and music are my passions. I’m also heavily involved in my work with the United Nations to help save the world from pollution.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for “The Umbrella Academy.”

A) This is a new series that has been developed for Netflix based on the Darkhorse Comic by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba. Our show is about dysfunctional superheroes, but it’s very different than other types of typical superhero comics or shows. The show captures a quirky sense and the drama and character development is intensely interesting. The show centers on strange children who were raised and trained to save the world by an eccentric billionaire, but that is where the comparisons to other superhero genres stop. The story is about what happened to each of those children when they went off the rails and how they end up coming together and it’s complicated and edgy with lots of great action and surprises. The show was shot with a very rare camera and high production values and every episode feels like a film rather than a tv series.

 

Q) How was your character Number Five originally described to you?

A) I already knew about Five because I was a fan of the comics. So, I came to the role with a lot of great source material already in my mind. In our TV series they’ve been able to expand and unravel the backstories of the characters and it’s great for the comic fans as well as those new to the story.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to this role that wasn’t initially in the breakdown for him?

A) I like to think that I bring some of myself to Five, but most importantly I wanted to honor the character as Gerard and the fans have envisioned him. One thing that varies is that in the comic Five is only ten years old and the Five I play is thirteen. Gerard told me I nailed it and that’s everything to me.

 

Q) What did you do to physically prep to play a superhero?

A) I studied how Five’s posture is shown in the comics and also the difference between how someone in their fifties might move and walk compared with a teenager. Also, facial expressions and tone.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before joining them to work on “The Umbrella Academy?”

A) Of course, I knew Ellen Page and it’s been really amazing to work with her. I feel really lucky to be a part of this cast, they are all such talented actors and it’s inspiring.

 

Q) What did you find the most challenging about portraying Number Five?  

A) Well, Five is really grumpy and I’m really happy! My normal personality is always joking. So, at first, I had to find a mental place to go to before each take. After a while I become so familiar with Five that I found it easy to do, but before each take, I go into that place. I find that putting on his costume helps, too. Once I’m in costume I start to get in character and stay there between takes, too, unless someone jokes and pushes me out of character. Since I’m acting, I think some of the outtakes on this show might be really funny when I break character.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming the series, either behind the scenes or on screen?

A) As I said, working with Ellen Page. The very first scene of the first day that I did was with Ellen and she made me feel comfortable and it was not difficult, but really intense and multi layered and set the bar high for the rest of the production. I came out of that scene thinking wow I can really do this and then Gerard pulled me aside and said, “You nailed it.” I also really enjoyed when I had the fight scenes and working with the stunt department to figure out the choreography of it. Action scenes are always fun!

 

Q) What makes Netflix the perfect home for a show like “The Umbrella Academy?”

A) This is a binge worthy show! It really took ten episodes to bring out the multiple layers and dimension in the show. It’s very immersive and I think people are going to be hooked!! There is no way you could wait a full week for the next episode like on other networks. You’d go crazy. Luckily, with Netflix you can watch them all at once or two or three at a time – whatever you can handle.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to the series?

A) I love to share what I’m doing and it’s always nice when there’s positive feedback. However, for me the actual acting and doing it is the most fun. I love being on set and interacting with the other actors. I love learning about film production too. I originally got into acting simply by wanting to be on set to learn about directing. I wasn’t actually interested in acting and just thought I’d do a guest star here or there. Luckily, I got stuck on a series for four years and ended up loving it.

 

Q)  We loved watching you grow up through all your roles on Nickelodeon. What did you personally take from your time working on the network?

A) It’s fun to work on a four-camera comedy. After four seasons I feel like I got a great education and I’m grateful for the experience it gave me. Now I know when I’m on set what is professional and what is goofing off and I am always first on my mark and ready to go. I learned that from Nickelodeon because they would not put up with any kids goofing off. Of course, I’m really excited that I’ve moved on to drama as it allows me to express my acting abilities in a different way. I think I was good at comedy and got a few nominations for it even, but I feel much stronger at drama and will stay here now.

 

Q) We’re so proud of the work you’re doing on behalf of the environment and wildlife. Why are these causes so important to you?

A) I think these causes should be important to everyone. Our Earth is in a dire crisis and I’m doing everything I can to get the word out while there is still time. So many people have a huge following on social media and do nothing but selfies with it. We should all be wondering why corporations and politicians are standing in the way of making our air breathable and our food safe. I think everyone should know about and try to help stop the massive species extinction that is happening right now. The world has already lost almost 60% of all animal and marine species. I want to know why more isn’t being done about this for future generations and that means my generation and our children. I mean, I know why. It’s profit and greed. I want to know why more people aren’t stopping this.

 

Q) You’re also an accomplished singer/songwriter. How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as honest. I’m currently recording and producing the original songs I’ve written and in the process kind of discovering my sound as a new artist, but I can say it’s definitely got an honest groove I think people are going to remember. It’s very guitar based. I play guitar, piano and sing and the music has a multilayered quality. I’m doing it mostly at home in my home studio so it’s really true to myself.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Although I get into a new band every week, I am highly inspired by John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. Those are my two biggest. I really like MCR, Jack White and classic rock. For a while I was into Elton John, then Foo Fighters and it’s changing every single day. Lately Mac Miller.

 

Q) When can fans expect an EP or album from you?

A) I’m hoping to release my original singles later this year. I’ve got a team now and they want to release it all on a schedule and then plan out a big tour.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work that you do?

A) I would just say thank you for all the support. I’m truly grateful. I love people and want to save the planet and take care of each other.