Luke Benward - March 16, 2008

Tommy: Lets talk about the movie you just stared in, the Disney Channel Original Movie "Minute Men". I want to know if that was a lot of fun?

Luke: It was a ton of fun. Me and the cast just totally bonded. Were all like brother and sister now. My favorite part of the whole thing was the stunts, I love doing the stunts! I loved jumping off the diving bored and into a bunch of mats, we'd do flips and bends and land weird. It was a lot of fun.

Tommy: Now in that you played the role of Charlie, do you share any similarities with him?

Luke: I'm not really a straight A student, I'm more of a A/B student. I'm definitely not as smart as him or in high school, but I think he really has the desire to have a friend and I think that's true in everyone's life. So I think I relate to him in the way that he really needs a friend and wants a friend.

Tommy: One interesting part with you was the kissing scene. What was that like?

Luke: It was only my second on screen kiss so I was kind of nervous but I was kind of use to it. It's kind of a mixture of both but I think i'm getting a little better at it.

Tommy: What was it like to work with Jason and Chelsey?

Luke: It was really cool. Chelsey is like my big sister, we just really bonded and she is like part of my family now. Jason is a great guy to be around. Every time I go to California I love to hook up with him and have dinner or something. Like I said earlier the whole cast just really bonded.

Tommy: You mentioned acting and going out to California. How did you get involved in acting?

Luke: Ever since I was born my mom was on a tv show called Hit Trip. She was a cohost with two other people so she was an actress when I was born. I would go with her to auditions if they needed a mother and a baby boy. But I got my first movie when I was five! Then I did Because of Winn Dixie which really got my name out in the movie business.

Tommy: So as far as upcoming projects do you have anything that we can look forward to?

Luke: Not yet, I keep going to auditions once in a while but I'm actually going to California for spring break so hopefully I'll get some auditions in there.

Tommy: Your actually from Nashville, TN. I like to visit there every now and then so I was wondering if you could give me some pointers of where I might like to visit next time I go there?

Luke: A hotspot for me and my friends when we hang out is actually the movie theaters to go and see movies. So I guess that's a place I would go to hang out. Eat popcorn, see my movies.. (giggles) just kidding. Starbucks here is a great place to hang out. I know there are starbucks everywhere but I just like starbucks. Downtown Franklin, the battle of Franklin was there and there are monuments. Also some little stores lined up so its fun to go walk around. There are places to eat, clothes stores, and all that kind of jazz.

Tommy: Do you have any local performers that you like that are from around Nashville?

Luke: There is this one band, Paramore that are from around here. They were nominated for a grammy which is pretty cool since they are from my home town. Then there are some local school bands that perform at open mic night and stuff. But Paramore, there good.. I like them a lot!

Tommy: Outside of Nashville what are your favorites?

Luke: I like Chris Brown, I like his kind of music. I also like Maroon5. Oh I love the Beatles, my favorite song is between "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude".

Tommy: In addition to your acting, your also a singer right?

Luke: Yes, I go to the studio every once in a while after school to work on the next song that I have. My dad writes all my songs that I have, and its so much fun. I love to do it!

Tommy: So is that something your looking to pursue as well as acting?

Luke: Yeah

Tommy: People looking to check you out and hear the song "Get Up" on your website. Why don't you tell us about that?

Luke: Its about people who see other people getting bullied or other people in poverty, and they just walk past when really you need to step up and make a difference in those lives. You can change them so much but just ministering them in Christ or giving them money so they can get back on their feet. Your really just making a difference in their life. I think its a great lesson because so many times there are guys on the street and people walk by like they are invisible. Its just sad.

Tommy: When your talking about the lyrics in that song I just got a hint of your faith there. Is that a very important thing to you?

Luke: Faith is a very important thing to me. To me it matters most of all! Jesus has helped me through life, he has all the answers, he knows everything, he is amazing! Its amazing that I can go to him and pray and worship him. He helps me in general life and its just amazing.

You can visit Luke's website at: LukeBenwardOnline.com