At only 13 years old, Ty Simpkins has assembled an impressive resume, appearing in films including “Insidious,” “Revolutionary Road” and “Iron Man 3.” Hollywood’s honorary moppet currently appears with Chris Pratt in “Jurassic World,” released June 12.
How did you get started acting?
These people from a soap opera (“One Life to Live”) called my (pregnant) mom and said, “We hear that you’re having a son. Could we have him for this role?” And my mom said “He’s not born yet.” And they were like, “That’s fine. We’ll wait.” My sister and brother did this kind of stuff, so why not add an extra one? So when I was three weeks old, I did my first soap opera, where I was born in jail.
You were really little when you were in “Insidious.” Were you allowed to watch it?
Yes I was, but I didn’t, because I was scared. I sobbed while filming the first one. I didn’t want to relive that.
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What was it like to work on “Jurassic World”?
It was so much fun. Hawaii was fun surfing big waves and hiking. And then with New Orleans, it was all about culture and music and food, and it was great. I ate a gator dog there, and that was pretty good.
Wait… what did that taste like?
I will say this… It didn’t taste like chicken. It actually kind of tasted like steak.
Are you one to give advice?
I do have advice for any kid actors. Just go in there and own it like you own the job already. You just have to say, “I’m going to get this, I’m going to get this.” Be optimistic about everything, and then believe what’s on the page.
