Disney Star Paxton Booth Is Not Afraid to Take Risks
At just ten years old, Paxton Booth is redefining what it means to be a Hollywood actor. The well-rounded tween is known for his series-regular role on Disney Channel’s Coop and Cami Ask the World, but you can also catch him doing his own stunts, serving as an anti-bullying advocate and supporting animal rescue. Booth has appeared in several other TV shows as well: NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, ABC’s The Real O’Neals, Amazon’s The Romanoffs, TV Land’s Teachers and ABC’s The Toy Box. Above all, Booth defies gender stereotypes: he’s a strong believer in removing labels when it comes to fashion, citing David Bowie as his main inspiration, yet also vocalizes his passion for Hot Wheels (he has collected over 1,400 of them) and riding BMX bikes. Booth, a force to be reckoned with both on and off the screen, talks acting, inspiration, and more.
When and how did you first get into acting?
I got into acting when I was three years old, so I don’t remember too much. My parents thought it was a good idea to try doing a few auditions, and I’ve been lucky enough to have been busy ever since.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the acting industry?
Jim Carrey is definitely someone I look up to because he’s hilarious. I’m also a big fan of Bill Murray—his dry humor is so perfect. But honestly, I get inspired by just about every movie and TV show I watch. There’s always something new to learn.
What was the audition process like for Coop & Cami Ask the World? Were you always a Disney fan?
It was about a six-month process. I had to keep going back in to try out for the part over and over again. It felt like I had read the script a dozen times. Finally, I booked the role of Ollie for the pilot, but I had to do the audition process all over again once the show got picked up. It was a long and stressful process, but it all worked out in the end. What I remember most is being in the Disney building waiting to be called in and seeing all the posters of previous shows. It totally freaked me out that I could be on one of the posters someday! Growing up, I watched movies way more than TV, so I was and still am a big Disney movie fan. I did watch Jessie on Disney Channel, though. That was my favorite show.
What's your favorite part about being on set?
The fact that I get to spend time playing pretend with my friends. Every day is a different story with a different setting.
How do you tap into your character?
Ollie is kind of the opposite of me, so when I read the script, I start by acting in the opposite way that I would in the situation. He’s very flat and straight-forward, so sometimes I need to really focus on not using too many emotions.
Who is your favorite cast member to work with, and why?
I’m lucky to work with a cast that all gets along, so I can’t pick a favorite. I do have a ton of scenes with Rebecca Metz, who plays my mom. During downtime, we shop for shoes on her phone, which is so much fun!
Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments you can share from Coop & Cami Season 2?
There’s an upcoming episode where I’m covered in green slime. We didn’t think it would soak through my clothes, but it did! My skin was dyed green for days. Thankfully, it didn’t get on my face!
What is your endgame? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish in the future?
I’m only ten, so I don’t have an endgame yet. I just know I want to be an actor and a good person when I grow up.
Follow Paxton on Social Media:
Instagram: @paxtonbooth
Select Photo Credits: Disney/ABC Press
Additional reporting by Gabriela Vascimini.