Graham Verchere – Stargirl

By starrymag | March 13, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) Nothing I can talk about right now except for Stargirl, but there’s always something to look forward to.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Stargirl.”

 

A) Stargirlis about a girl named Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal) and a boy named Leo Borlock. Leo, my character, is totally fine with doing his best not to stand out. Stargirl, a student who had been homeschooled her whole life, is the polar opposite. The story sees what happens when Stargirl makes friends with Leo at a school with a lot of pressure to fit in.

 

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

 

A) I absolutely loved reading the book and when I read the script I really felt it captured the same feelings and lessons. On top of that, I really loved and felt a strong connection to the role.

 

Q) How was Leo Borlock originally described to you?

 

A) From the original audition:

 

“A junior at Mica High who’s just trying to fit in. When he was young, Leo was freer, less afraid, but after one too many bullies put him in his place, he retreated into conformity. He thinks he’s trying to figure out who he is, but the truth is, he’s just hiding it, even from himself.”

 

Leo always takes the jobs that shy away from the spotlight. He keeps his head down and sticks to himself, until he meets Stargirl.

 

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

 

A) I hadn’t worked with anyone on that set before. Of course, I had seen Grace’s first “America’s Got Talent” audition and I had seen Karan in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but I didn’t know much else about them, or anyone!

 

Q) Did you all spend much time together off set when you weren’t filming?

 

A) As much as possible. All of the kids hung out in the on-set school, but otherwise we just tried to see each other as often as possible!

 

Q) What are some of your favorite moments from filming or moments to look out for?

 

A) It’s hard to pick a favorite moment when I can’t just say “all of them.” I’m excited for people to see all of the musical moments – both the marching band and singing!

 

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

 

A) We had a fire pit in our apartment complex that almost never worked, but it was a great place to hang out. Other than that, if I had a long day I would probably go home and sleep as long as possible!

 

Q) What makes Stargirl the perfect fit for the Disney+ network?

 

A) It’s a great and important message for anyone watching and I think it’s one of those movies that anyone can get something out of.

 

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 can’t wait to see what people think. I love that I’ll be able to see reactions right away and sometimes even respond and talk to people about it!

 

Q) What advice would you give up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) Have fun!! And even though it might be a pessimistic outlook, keep in mind most successful people in this job are also very lucky. It’s a tough industry and I’ve been incredibly lucky as is. Aside from that, it’s absolutely crazy to me that the things you get to do, the places you get to see, and the people you get to meet is actually considered work. It might be long hours most of the time, but enjoy the amazing things that come with it!!