Actor and Scriptwriter Jadiel Dowlin stars in the highly-‐anticipated new live-‐action television series Star Falls that premiered on March 31st, 2018 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Nickelodeon.
Created by George Doty IV (Scooby Doo, iCarly and the Loch Ness Monster), Star Falls centres on Sophia Miller (Siena Agudong) a strong-‐willed teen who persuades a Hollywood movie star, Craig Daniels (Dion Johnstone), and his family to live in her house while he shoots a movie in town, all with the hopes of setting him up with her mom. But the star’s three kids find their new rural life is a drastic change from the L.A. lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Everyone’s lives are hilariously turned upside down as the kids struggle to help their parents find love and adjust to what could be their new life.
Jadiel plays the role of Craig’s son Phoenix Brooks, a deep and thoughtful kid who grew up with his father’s stardom. Phoenix is fearless and is often trying to experiment with his own personality – one minute he is a poet, the next he is a songwriter. A cool kid who is well-‐liked, Phoenix is also very opinionated and has established himself as the sage leader to the rest of the kids.
Star Falls also stars Elena V. Wolfe, Kamaia Fairburn, Tomaso Sanelli, and Marcus Cornwall.
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Jadiel Dowlin started his career modeling and appearing in commercials at the age of 12. His first introduction to the world of television came when he was cast as a judge in the popular children’s television game show series Zoink’d spotlighting the weird and wacky talent of adults rated by a panel of four kids. The show gained Jadiel legions of fans and followers. Shortly after, he discovered his singing skills when he auditioned and landed a lead role in the Japanese-‐ produced DVD series GrapeSEED.
His breakout moment came in 2013 when he was cast in the critically-‐acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Prime original children’s series Annedroids, about a genius scientist who has invented and built her own robots in a secret junkyard laboratory. His role as Nick Clegg earned him a 2016 Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Performer in a Children’s or Pre-‐school Children’s Series. He has also won a 2015 Joey Award for Best Actor in a TV Action Leading Role and a 2015 Young Artist Awards for Outstanding Young Ensemble in a TV Series. Other film and television credits to his name include Rogue (DirecTV), Dino Dana (Amazon
Prime), The Swap (Disney Channel), The Stanley Dynamic (YTV) and Super Why! (PBS Kids).
Passionate about story-‐telling, Jadiel is also a scriptwriter and is a regular writer for the children’s television series Dino Dana, a spin-‐off of Sinking Ship’s Emmy nominated Dino Dan and Trek’s Adventures. Dino Dana tells the tale of a 10-‐year old paleontologist-‐in-‐training who embarks on a series of adventures with dinosaurs.
Outside of acting, Jadiel is a big comic books fan and an avid sports enthusiast enjoying sprinting and playing soccer. He has broken records as a sprinter in running events including the 4 × 100 meters relay.
He is also proud of his unique cultural background. His parents emigrated from Panama, instilling the importance of speaking Spanish fluently, while also embracing his Afro-‐Caribbean heritage. Jadiel has a great appreciation of multi-‐ cultural music, flavourful foods, and his affinity for learning new accents.
We had the amazing opportunity to chat with Jadiel. Check it out below!
Hi, Jadiel! Thank you for granting the interview. You play a character on Star Falls by Nickelodeon. Congrats! Tell us about your role and character.
Thanks! My character is on Nickelodeon’s new TV series Star Falls. I play Phoenix Brooks, the eccentric, deep, philosophical and thoughtful older son of a movie star who moves to a small town to shoot a movie. Phoenix grew up with his father’s stardom and is open to new experiences…including moving to a small town! Although he’s a bit “out-there,” he’s liked by others and he’s looked-up by the rest of the kids.
You play a strong-willed teen. How did you prepare for your role?
I’ve always been strong-willed growing-up, so it’s wasn’t too difficult to bring Phoenix to life. Plus I’m studying philosophy and was able to truly get a grasp on why Phoenix was so passionate about the subject. Also, being an only child I had no idea how to act with my siblings on the show. Luckily, my dad is the oldest of three, and my mom, the youngest of 6, so of course they had plenty of knowledge to pass down on what it’s like having several siblings! This insight helped me to create a whole bio about Phoenix that described his personality, upbringing, relationship with my brother and sister, and anything that influenced who he was.
The series features shooting a movie. Was it weird to shoot a film about shooting a film?
Sure it was complex, but I enjoyed it since it definitely kept the series interesting. I remember one time when I confused a pretend background actor disguised as a set assistant with an actual assistant. That was hilarious! I asked her, “Could you please get me some water?” She was like, “Umm are you talking to me?” It was a bit of a misunderstanding, but we laughed it off. At the same time shooting a movie within a movie was interesting because I got to experience a different type of writing. Since I’m also a scriptwriter, it taught me how to write a story in which smaller stories are taking place within that story.
There are so many! We had a scene where there was a sausage food fight that was a blast to shoot. The cast also played pranks on each other on set when we weren’t shooting, and we used to ask each other riddles that we’d, in turn, try to solve. Right now we have this awesome Star Falls chat going on via Instagram, and throughout the day we just send hearts with no text added, just to say to that we’re thinking of each other! It’s pretty cool we keep connected after all these months.
Is there a particular role you would like to play in your career?
Definitely; playing a superhero would be first and foremost because I am a big comic book fan. I’d also love to do more roles that are heavy in thriller, mystery, and drama. For some reason I am really passionate about those genres, they truly speak to me.
If you could play a superhero, who would you be, and why?
Static Shock would be my first choice!!! Not only do I have a soft spot for DC Comics, but I’ve been told that I have a electrifying energy that’s contagious! I could use my powers to shock others to live their lives more fully. Plus my electrical bill would drop considerably since I’d basically be a walking fuse box! Not to mention that I’d never need a charger for my phone.
You’re also a scriptwriter and you are a regular writer for a children’s television series called Dino Dana. Tell us more.
That was a dream come true! First, I owe it to my parents for instilling the love of storytelling, playing make-believe with me, especially my dad! Then J.J. Johnson and Christin Simms of Sinking Ship Entertainment for believing that there’s no such thing as being too young to become a TV and Film writer and producer. They created the opportunity for me to submit pitches and complete script drafts. Most importantly they’ve taught me that writing is a process of constant editing and perfecting until it’s just right… I’ve learned a lot from their mentorship and insight, such as collaboration, patience and having business lunches!
Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the industry?
There are so many. Definitely learning different aspects of the industry, meeting new people and being recognized for your art, without expecting it, such as the Daytime Emmys and being invited by Nickelodeon to attend the Kids’ Choice Awards to prepare for the premiere of Star Falls. It’s the biggest entertainment event I’ve experienced thus far and made me realize just how many kids were psyched about the premiere of Star Falls. But probably the coolest experience I’ve had working in the industry has been interacting connecting with fans through social media, either because they love the TV series or my role as an actor. It’s a great feeling to know that what you’ve created brings happiness to so many people. There’s one other indirect best experience that came about because of my role in the acting industry, I believe. And that’s being awarded Ryerson’s President’s Entrance Scholarship. It’s a “full-ride” award and as a Hispanic and Black/Caribbean youth, it allows other young men like me to see that they can also succeed in their personal goals.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
The major one is Star Falls, but I’m also a lead voice actor for a new CBC animation project that I cannot reveal the name as of yet! I’ve also got two very unique upcoming episodes of Dino Dana that I wrote, which I think kids and parents alike are really going to enjoy. Plus some awesome new production ideas I am looking forward to developing.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
If I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would ensure that the characters I play and the stories I create for films and TV series touches people’s lives in a manner that inspires them and makes them feel more fulfilled, through genres of drama and comedy. That and skydiving!
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONFXBcLqo_E”]
It was fun being interviewed. Thanks. I may be reached at:
IMDb: www.imdb.me/jadieldowlin
Instagram: @jadiel_dowlin
Twitter: @jadieldowlin
Facebook: @jadieldowlin
Website: www.jadieldowlin.com
About Author
