Charles Vandervaart – Lost in Space

By starrymag | December 16, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “Lost in Space” and where Liam fits in for those that haven’t watched yet?

 

A) Well, I don’t want to spoil too much, but a love triangle forms in Season 3, Liam makes some waves and drama inevitably follows. Outside of the trials and tribulations of young love, the situation for our fellow astronauts is dire, lives are at stake and Liam has to do all he can to save the colony. That may involve some totally awesome rock climbing…maybe.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the series?

 

A) I mean who doesn’t want to save humanity by becoming a rock-climbing astronaut action hero! Surely that’s everyone’s dream job, right?

 

Q) How was Liam originally described to you?

 

A) I like to think Liam spent some time surfing in Malibu before going to space. I actually think that idea originated in the writing room. I heard it from the wardrobe department, apparently that was how my character was described to them. I think it fits perfectly. He’s a laid-back kind of guy but he also has a strength to him.

 

Q) Before filming did you catch up on the previous two seasons of “Lost in Space” for reference?

 

A) Yes! I already watched the show before booking the role and I thought it was just great. Going to set the first day and meeting everyone was surreal since I already spent hours watching them all on TV. It’s a funny feeling meeting someone for the first time that’s already been in your living room on your television.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this series?

 

A) None! But it felt like I knew them my entire life after a week. I’m somewhat introverted and I was expecting the six months of filming to be pretty lonely. I met Ajay [Friese] (who plays Vijay) on the first day I arrived, and we hung out for the whole day. I was expecting him to go home afterwards and to see him on set, but he came back the next day and then the next day and we basically spent the whole six months together climbing mountains, playing music and eating pizza.

 

Q) What did you find the most challenging aspect of your portrayal?

 

A) Well, the rock climbing while acting part was pretty interesting. I rock climb all the time as a hobby and was sooo excited to combine two of my passions in acting and climbing. I went into it a little overconfident and, once I got up on the wall, for some reason I could barely grip anything! I felt like an absolute beginner all of the sudden. Turns out the little communication wrist band that us astronauts wear was a little too tight and it was stopping me from closing my fist. I managed to loosen it up and climbing was much easier after that. Definitely a lot to think about when you’re climbing a rock and trying to act at the same time!

 

Q) The costumes on the show are incredible! Talk about what you loved or didn’t love about putting it on.

 

A) I loved my costumes. One of the first days I showed up on set I was wearing an orange/beige T-shirt with dark grey cargo pants and black boots. I took a look at my wardrobe in the trailer, and it was literally an orange/beige T-shirt with dark grey cargo pants and black boots. I thought, “Wow! I won’t even need to act for this part. He’s literally just me.” However, I must admit I’d never worn a space suit in real life before so that was pretty awesome.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming or standout episodes for you?

 

A) It’s gotta be when Mina [Sundwall] (Penny Robinson) and Ajay (Vijay Dhar) surprised me with a birthday picnic. The show films in Vancouver, Canada and although I’m also from Canada, I’m from Ontario which is thousands of kilometers away. I didn’t know anyone in Vancouver where they filmed. Plus, it was near impossible to meet people because of the COVID lockdowns. I landed in Vancouver a few days before my birthday. Mina and Ajay found out my birthday was coming up and surprised me with a little picnic party and birthday cake. It was a blast. Even though we only just met, they knew I was new to Vancouver, and they went out of their way to make my birthday special.

There are countless stories like this. Ignacio [Serricchio] (Don West) taking me rock climbing, Max [Jenkins] (Will Robinson) showing me his gaming setup on PC or Ajay showing me some cool hikes around Vancouver. Filming thousands of kilometers away from home could have been a very lonely experience for me but the cast and crew took good care of me. That’s what made this experience so memorable.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming the series?

 

A) “Lost in Space” is filmed in British Columbia, with beautiful mountains and rainforest. Whenever I wasn’t filming, I would take my bike and ride out to a new mountain or valley to explore. It was a very pleasant way to clear my mind and relax. Plus, it was also great exercise!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’re going to be receiving to the episodes?

 

A) I’ve already had a good dose of that already. Pretty much right off the bat Vijay and Liam butt heads, so I’ve been getting quite a few people on social media picking sides between the two of us. It’s all in good fun and I mean, how could you not love Vijay?! But now that fans know we’re friends in real life, I think they’re on board with team Liam AND Vijay… “Lijay” or maybe “Viam?”

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Lost in Space” series that has made it such a fast fan favorite?

 

A) I think the loving dynamic of the family really brings people in. It feels good knowing that the Robinsons would do anything for each other. And of course, fighting robots in space is absolutely epic.

 

Q) What has it meant to you, personally, being a part of such an iconic series?

 

A) It’s been a really special experience. I’ve had a few people come up to me and tell me they love the show or that the show got them through a tough time. It’s beautiful knowing that my work can have a positive impact on others. It’s very scary, but it also makes me deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been given. It’s truly an honor to work on a show like this, that so many people enjoy.

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) Funny enough, around the same time Season 3 of “Lost in Space” came out, the third season of another show I am on called “Holly Hobbie” came out too! It’s written with such empathy, and I felt that translate to the set. The show was filmed in a very short time span, so the cast and crew worked very hard every day, but I always felt lucky to contribute to the show and I’m happy to put the work in. Other than that, if anyone reading is a “Murdoch Mysteries” fan, I may be back sometime this season! Oh, and if anyone has kids or just loves “Paw Patrol,” look out for Sid the Pirate. You might recognize his voice!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

 

A) I truly appreciate the support. I wouldn’t be able to live my dream without you. It means a lot to know that I have made a positive impact in some of your lives. That’s the kind of stuff that keeps me passionate about my work.