You might recognize Ethan Wacker‘s friendly face as Bernie from Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark, but there’s a ton you probably didn’t know about him too!
The 15-year-old recently chatted with us about what it’s really like to be a teen in the industry. He gave us the inside scoop on Bernie — who Ethan describes as “foolish, kind-hearted, loyal and funny, without meaning to be — also, what it’s really like on set of a TV show and what his hopes and dreams for the future are!
Want to know more about this totally crushable Hawaii-native boy-next-door? Scroll on for the ten things you didn’t know about Ethan!
1. Growing up, he was always a huge Disney Channel fan!
“I really loved Disney Channel when I was younger and watched endless hours of content. I’ve watched every episode of MANY of the series and I would always wish I could be on Disney someday.”
2. He’s just as upset about Jake Paul leaving the show as you are!
“We are a very tight cast. I understand why Jake left after season two, but it was also very sad for me as a character and in my personal life, as I hung out with him every day.”
3. He’s really close with the rest of the cast, and even the crew too!
“We spend so many hours together each week during the season and like to have fun and get to know each other. I’m always interested in what the crew does so I can understand the whole process and everyone’s role in making the episodes happen. It takes a lot of team work.”
4. If he had to choose a dream guest star, it would be…
“Stephen Amell from Arrow. I would love to do an archery episode with him where somehow Bernie ends up good at archery!”
5. His role model is actor Steve Carrell and he loves The Office!
“I just finished binge watching all the series of The Office and I really admire Steve Carell. The Office, as a show, was a game changer and his character Michael Scott was the greatest comedic character in the history of television, for me. I met him once in Deer Valley and he was incredibly nice to me. I’d love to work with him someday.”
6. In the future, he wants to play more serious roles!
“I’m really trying to deliver the best character episode after episode for Disney right now. If I do that, other opportunities may arise. I’d love to be in a movie in a dramatic role. For example, I’d love to play a Navy Seal or some other action hero. I definitely want to go to college because I want to learn more about the technical aspects of whatever I will do.”
7. Even though being on Disney is his dream job, if he wasn’t an actor, he’d be a…
“…A great academic student who is very active in sports and clubs. Hopefully I would make the tennis and paddling teams. I would love to be on a debate team or start a club.”
8. He was inspired to start a YouTube channel after seeing Jake’s content!
“My YouTube channel is still a work in progress. The content will be all around, many different types of themes. I started it as I was inspired by Jake Paul. He is the master of YouTube when it comes to content.”
9. If he had one piece of advice for young people, it would be…
“My advice would be: it doesn’t HAVE to be you so don’t feel entitled BUT it just might be you so GO for your dreams and goals every time. And go for them in a memorable way.”
10. If Bizaardvark gets renewed for a third season, we should expect a lot more laughs!
“Lots more physical comedy. The writers like the Bernie character and write fun material for him week after week. He will definitely miss his best friend Dirk played by Jake Paul!”
QUIZ: Only Disney Channel super fans can ace these trivia questions!
