An Orillia actor earned his first big break, landing a role in a baseball movie that features a trio of big U.S. stars.
Zachary Cox, 16, has been an actor for two years. He was persuaded to give the profession a try by a family friend who has her own children working in the industry.
Earlier this month, Cox was in Fort Worth, Texas for the premiere of You Gotta Believe. The sports drama follows a little league baseball team of misfits that dedicate their season to a player's dying father.
Cox plays Duke Elderson, a bully on an opposing team. To play the character, Cox worked with a dialect coach to perfect a Texas accent.
"After a bit of coaching it became natural and I could do it,' he said. "I was only on set for five days, so it didn't become a habit. "
During his limited time on set, Cox got to work with popular American actors Luke Wilson, Patrick Renna, and Greg Kinnear.
"It was really cool to be on a set with big stars," Cox said. "Working with actors like that motivates me to be better."
Walking the red carpet at the film's premiere was a "dream come true," Cox told OrilliaMatters.
"It was awesome," he said. "There were a lot of people and cameras there. It was an awesome experience."
Cox believes the experience could spark bigger roles in the film industry going forward.
"I've always wanted to be a film director when I'm older," Cox explained. "So, I figured getting into the film industry at a young age was important for that."
Cox has auditioned for about 50 roles since his career got started. While he's faced mostly rejection, he's secured roles in two feature films and one short film.
"Being rejected is just a part of the career," he said. "I have to stay patient and be ready to do what ever is asked."
The ÉSC Nouvelle-Alliance student has always liked being in front of a camera, which is why acting has come natural to him.
"I find it easy to remember my lines," Cox said. "I've always loved filming little movies and doing things like that."
Cox says he's developed a passion for acting. He's always working on improving his skills and applying for new roles.
"It's lots of fun," he said. "It's a good feeling when you get the part and being on set is a good time."
He hopes the good times continue.
"I'm hoping acting will eventually get me into film directing," he said. "I love being behind the scenes and filming stuff. I make my own short films right now, but I've always wanted to be a film director for a big audience."
You can watch Cox in You Gotta Believe now on Apple TV+ by clicking here.
