Quickly making a name for himself as a young actor with the chops to hold his own in television and film, star Lance Lim has been working in such cool projects as Nickelodeon’s SCHOOL OF ROCK, ABC‘s FRESH OFF THE BOAT, FX’s ANGER MANAGEMENT and the film “Independence Day: Resurgence.” In an exclusive interview, Lance talks about working on SCHOOL OF ROCK and the funnest part of working on a musical live-action series.
What initially drew you to the role of Zack in SCHOOL OF ROCK? And what was attractive about the show?
LANCE: I find playing his character so intriguing and layered, which is what makes it so fun to tackle. To have the opportunity to play a part in a show that is inspired by a huge movie was one of the reasons I was attracted to the show, but the music that plays a part in the show was also a big factor because music is my other passion besides acting.
How would you describe Zack? What is Zack up to the second season of SCHOOL OF ROCK?
LANCE: Zack is a reserved child of overbearing parents who learns to walk the line between following his parent’s strict rules and embracing the independence that Mr. Finn and his friends encourage. Zack is figuring out a bunch of things this season and it’s hard to say exactly one point but he’s definitely more comfortable with the band and a lot goofier.
What is Zack’s relationship like with the rest of his classmates? Does he play favorites with any?
LANCE: Zack is really close to all of his classmates but, if he were to choose a favorite, it would definitely be Lawrence (Aidan Miner). They have been best friends since they were in grade school so it’s hard not to be biased towards Lawrence.
What kinds of teasers can you offer about this season?
LANCE: Well, there’s something to do with a gorilla. We have some rocking guest stars this season like Daya and Brec Bassinger from BELLA AND THE BULLDOGS. Also some cool stunts and even more music!
What has been the most fun part about working on the show?
LANCE: Definitely working with such great people. I mean, it’s always a bit of a worry to go into a new project and see the people you have to work with aren’t the nicest people. So thankfully everybody on our show is so sweet and warm, which makes working all the more fun and easier for everybody.
As a person and as an actor, what did you learn from this role?
LANCE: I learned many things. Every time I tackle a new role as an actor I always gain something from it and, in this case, I learned about a new personality who’s much more complex than other people perceive him to be.
If you could offer your character some advice, what would you tell Zack?
LANCE: Don’t be afraid to be yourself! It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you embrace them and take them as learning experiences. Also, to be nicer to Lawrence!
What has been some of the best advice you have gotten that you would share with other aspiring actors?
LANCE: I always say this but it’s because personally, I think it is great advice for actors. You have to remember that fame is a by-product. Don’t let fame be the only thing that drives you. Learn to appreciate the art for what it is, and really love what you do. After that, fame will come by itself.
What are the perks of working on a show like SCHOOL OF ROCK?
LANCE: A huge perk is being able to carry on the legacy from a popular movie, along with being able to experience so many different opportunities.
Then what are the challenges?
LANCE: Balancing school and working on the show is the only challenge. I just have so much school work, it sometimes takes away the time I could use to focus more on the show, but education is important as well!
What other projects have you been working on that you can talk about, such as your work on the film “Independence Day: Resurgence”?
LANCE: I have been a guest star on a couple shows like FRESH OFF THE BOAT and ANGER MANAGEMENT and, yes, I played a supporting role in the infamous “Independence Day Resurgence.” It was an amazing experience being a part of such a big film like that, and being able to work with such big actors like Jeff Goldblum and Judd Hirsch.
What for you is the best part of being an actor in today’s world?
LANCE: To be able to do what I love as a career is still mind-blowing to me. Especially today when there are so many more opportunities for us child actors to do what we love than there has been in the past. That is a blessing in itself.
To see more of Lance’s great work on Nickelodeon’s SCHOOL OF ROCK, be sure to tune in for new episodes Saturdays on Nickelodeon and follow him on Twitter @lancedaelim Lance also just released a cover of Jason Mraz’s “Live High” on his own YouTube channel.
SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER | Tiffany covers events such as San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon and press junkets, as well as covering events at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills. She has a great love for television and believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored. Tiffany is one of the newest members to the prestigious Television Critics Association and is happy to be able to share her passion for television shows with an even wider audience of fans and her fellow critics..
