Jesse Camacho is anxious to get back to work on the show’s sophomore season on Netflix.
Out of Montréal, Québec, Canada, this talented young actor/writer is best known for his role as Doug Brazelle in Netflix’s series “Locke & Key.” “Shadowhunters” will also recognize him from his season three spot as Leo. Acting in his blood from parents Mark Camacho & Pauline Little. Find out what Jesse has been up to during the pandemic.
Colleen Bement: “Locke & Key” is a creative and entertaining TV series. Two questions:
1.) What was life on the set like? Was there any fun in between the work?
Jesse Camacho: Life on the set of “Locke & Key” was nothing short of a joy. I feel like it never sounds authentic but we had THE. BEST. TIME. Every single person got along and it was all smiles and laughs. Usually, on set there is tension at some point or another. You’re on the clock to get a shot or a scene done and there are a LOT of people with different opinions. It’s just part of the creative process, but I don’t know what was in the water on the set of “Locke and Key,” because everyone was on the same page and it was a blast. I can’t remember a single moment of tension of any kind.
It’s a dream job in every sense of the word. I mostly worked with the Savini Squad and we got along super well, it was always fun to watch Emilia Jones, Griffin and Petrice interact. Tons of practical jokes and Petrice sort of made it his side project to scare Emilia in all hours of the day. Such a fun group. I was also thrilled to have my partner in crime Asha, we both started the shoot a little later and so we came in kind of blind in terms of the vibe of the set, but they were incredibly welcoming to us and immediately made us feel like family. But I’m forever grateful that I had someone as awesome as Asha to go in there with on my first day!
2.) Take us back to your audition and tell us what that experience was like?
JC: My audition was pretty standard. I got the sides (part of the script they require actors to read) and it was all the Savini Squad scenes in episodes one and two. The scenes were fantastic but since they are big group scenes, I had to find something to do while I wasn’t speaking. So I went to the store and bought a small bag of Goldfish crackers that I ate throughout the scenes. I also wore my Pennywise the Clown t-shirt to show I could be a horror buff (shoutout to my sister Sarah for buying it for me for Christmas). I heard about a week later that I was being strongly considered and then was officially booked a few days after that.
CB: Although COVID has pretty much dragged filmmaking to a standstill, can you tell us about the projects that you have in the works?
JC: Yeah COVID has definitely put a bit of a pause on the industry, but safety first. The biggest thing is obviously season two of “Locke and Key.” We’re not sure when we’ll be able to get back at it, but hopefully soon! I’m also working on developing a television series called “Heavy” with my buddy Chris Sheasgreen. It deals with a lot of issues that are very close to me such as anxiety and morbid obesity, but with a bit a comic tilt. So I’m really trying to get that off the ground.
CB: Many of our readers are big fans of “Shadowhunters.” In season three you had a guest role as a character named Leo. What stories can you share from the set?
JC: “Shadowhunters!” What a fun time that was. It’s funny I remember getting the sides for Leo, my poor ill-fated blood bank worker, and almost passing on the audition. Not because I didn’t like the show, I LOVED IT, but because as an overweight, nerdy looking guy, I didn’t think I stood a chance. I just don’t see people like myself on a lot of those types of shows (again, I adore them). But I thought what the hell and put it on tape and, alas, I was lucky enough to be booked. Super fun little role as I got to turn into a Vampire and have a fun fight scene with Katherine McNamara and Emeraude Toubia, who were super kind and awesome to work with. I also got to do some fun scenes with my buddy Tessa Mossey which was super cool. The stunt team over there took really good care of me. It was a bit of a dream come true to play a vampire, plus I got stabbed through the back of the head….EASILY my coolest death scene so far. Long live “Shadowhunters!!!”
CB: You already have a “mile-long” filmography. Take us through your journey of how you found your passion for acting at such a young age.
JC: I’ve been super fortunate in my career to have had the experiences I’ve had. I think my journey is a little different because my parents (Mark Camacho & Pauline Little) were both actors. So I came out of the womb really wanting to join the fun. They were a tad hesitant at first because I’m a little sensitive and this industry can be super negative and shallow, but once I made the decision they were nothing but supportive. So I was lucky enough to get my foot in the door through them and since then it’s been a really fun hustle and I’m so lucky to have had the success I’ve had. It’s really a family affair as my sister, Sarah, is now an actress as well (she’s better than me, but don’t tell her I said so).
CB: Do you have any hobbies that have been keeping you sane during this pandemic?
JC: It’s been a tricky lockdown for me. I’m someone who needs stimulation or my anxiety rears its ugly head, but it’s been good. I’ve been doing a lot of writing, working out (down 25 pounds since lockdown started, WOOOHOOO), and reading. I came back to my hometown of Montreal when things started shutting down to hang with my parents which has been lovely. Starting to slowly see people again but keeping the circle small and safe.
Check out “Lock&Key” on Netflix.
After their father is murdered under mysterious circumstances, the three Locke siblings and their mother move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, which they discover is full of magical keys that may be connected to their father’s death.
Written by Colleen Bement
