At 12 years old, Owen Asztalos has already started a stellar acting career. He’s had roles on the dramatic series Jessica Jones and Shades of Blue, played a game of Marco Polo in a funny Geico commercial and starred in big Hollywood films alongside celebrities like Alicia Silverstone and Adam Driver. His growing resume aside, the Wyomissing tween is a regular kid, enjoying sports, hanging with pals and spending time with his parents, Amy and Gyula. When he’s not doing schoolwork or getting up early to be on a set, Asztalos likes to play hockey and rock out to oldies, especially Elvis Presley, to whom he attributes his love of performing.
Q. Your biggest role yet was Rowley in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, which is a big deal. What was that like? It was awesome, even though some days were long. We’d start at 7 or 8am. My dad and I would meet up with Jason – who played Greg – and his mom, and we’d sit with our tutor before work. It was summer in Atlanta, so we had air conditioned tents to keep us cool, and we’d do work and school for like 10-14 hours a day.
Q. That’s a packed schedule. Is it tough? We were there shooting for about two-and-a-half months. The schedule kept me busy, but my dad and I went on this great hike up Stone Mountain. You can take a lift and do a guided tour, but we hiked it on our own. We met cool people on the way and it’s a great memory. I also tried vegan food when we went out for dinner with Alicia [Silverstone], and it wasn’t bad. Trying something different is like acting because you have to be adventurous and have passion to do this kind of life. But I have it, because it’s what I want to do.
Q. I heard that Elvis was your inspiration when you were only 2. Is that true? Yes. I love Elvis, his music and his movies. My mom says she knew I’d be a performer because I did the perfect Elvis impression even at 2. I will never not be an Elvis fan. And Nancy Sinatra, I love her. When I was 6, I named our Thanksgiving turkey after her!
Q. Favorite Elvis songs and movies? Movies…Speedway – because race cars — and Blue Hawaii, then Easy Come, Easy Go. Songs…Are You Lonesome Tonight, followed by That’s Alright Mama and Peace in the Valley.
Q. What do you do when you’re not studying or acting? I play hockey, shoot pucks outside or roller hockey inside in winter. I hang out with my best friend, Evan, who lives next door, and my cousin, Aiden, who I’m really close to. And my dog, Lucy, she’s an angel.
Q. You’re already doing great things, but what do you see in your future? I want to move to LA; I’ve been there for work and really like it. I’d like to keep acting but really enjoy behind-the-camera jobs and writing, so I want to move into those areas later. I think my dream job is a sitcom, so I could go to the same set with the same people every day and develop relationships with my co-workers. Writing and starring in a sitcom would be even better.
