Jet Jurgensmeyer is popping up all over the map. From starring as Boyd Baxter on FOX’s “Last Man Standing”, to a leading role in the hit Disney movie, Adventures in Babysitting, Jet shows no sign of slowing down. With a new movie, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave, set to premiere in June, the actor has his plate full but still manages to find success elsewhere. When he isn’t acting, the young artist is also making a name for himself in the music business. Fresh off his song “Real World” with Sabrina Carpenter, Jet is releasing a new single, “This Is Your Moment”.
I sat down with Jet to learn more about his most recent song and his role as a young actor in Hollywood.
Courtesy of Jet Jurgensmeyer
Ariel Zedric: How did you first get your start in acting?
Jet Jurgensmeyer: I started out on stage when I was 3 playing and singing at the restaurant my parents owned, The Nashville Palace. When I was 4, our friend Mary Mandrell, said that I was so natural performing my parents should have me try acting. They introduced me to one of my agents, Mark Block. I booked the first audition I ever went on. I loved it because I love talking to people and I just thought even the auditions were so much fun.
What made you fall in love with Hollywood?
I guess I would say I am more in love with what I get to do than just being in love with Hollywood itself. I like getting to do the job that I love and perform, but I also love getting to be at home in Tennessee and Missouri with my family too.
What’s been your most memorable day on the set of FOX’s “Last Man Standing”?
I would have to say the first day on set was amazing. I just couldn’t believe that every single person there was so nice and loved their job. Something else was when we were in rehearsals that day and it hit me that I was working with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). I leaned over to my parents and said: “I am freaking out a little bit right now cause Tim is Buzz Lightyear!”
You have a new movie, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave, out in June! What’s it about? What are you most excited for fans to see in this film?
This is a western/family movie. It was a lot of fun to do. There is a lot of action and a lot of love. It takes you from the late 1800s to 1929. Tommy (my character) and his Mom (Jill Wagner) are on their own. His Dad died the year before. Sam Barnes (Adam Baldwin) shows up and tries to help them get back on their feet. Little do they know, Sam has secrets that will change all of their lives.
Courtesy of Jet Jurgensmeyer
Tell me about your decision to pursue music as well!
Well, I have been singing and doing music as long as I can remember. That is really how I got started in entertainment. My parents are in the business and we always have been around entertainers. When I was really, really little, I can remember seeing our friends on stage and I would stand there and tell them I wanted to get up there. I was really lucky to have a good environment with great people who would get me on stage to sing at 4 years old. I was never shy about it. I would sing and play my little guitar just like I was one of them and I loved it!
Your previous song, “Real World”, was co-written by Sabrina Carpenter. What was it like working with her, both as actors on Adventures in Babysitting, and as musicians?
Sabrina is the coolest person! I love her like a sister. We met on “Adventures In Babysitting” and became really close. Our families get together a lot still. I remember when we filmed that movie I loved her energy. She is such a great actress and really professional, but she still was a kid too. She is focused on her work, but then after work, she is just a regular kid. I think that’s one of the reasons we became close is that our parents are a lot alike and make sure we have a very normal life. When she let me cut “Real World” and “Just Another Moment Away,” I remember that she was as excited as I was to hear the final mix. We were at her house playing them and she was like, “That’s my first song that someone else cut….this is so cool!”
Is there an actor or artist you’d love to work with that you haven’t gotten the opportunity to yet?
I always say, Tom Hanks. I think he is just such a great actor and I love the fact that he does a lot of voice-over work for animation. I do a lot of voice over as well as live action, so it seems like we would get along! I guess working with Tim Allen is pretty cool too!
What was the inspiration behind your new song, “This Is Your Moment”?
When I first heard the demo, I fell in love with it. I think it has a powerful message to people. Word hard, overcome hardships and don’t give up.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being young and in Hollywood and the music industry?
I guess the advantages are that you get to meet a lot of interesting and successful people who are in the industry. Maybe one of the disadvantages would be that people think that you are different and don’t know what it is like to be a regular kid, but really you are just a regular kid who has a different schedule.
Have you ever doubted your choice to pursue acting and music? If so, what’s kept you going?
Absolutely, 100%, no! I love what I get to do and know how lucky I am. My parents are who I owe everything to. They keep me grounded but also encourage me. They tell me if this is what I love and want to do, they will support me no matter what, but it takes hard work and dedication.
Tell me about a moment in your career that has left you extremely proud.
When I get to go to the Ryan Seacrest Studios at Children’s Hospitals around the country I can’t tell you how proud it makes me. I can see that these kids and families are going through a lot and for a little while we can kind of help them forget about their struggles.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
Again, I would have to say, my parents. They work so hard every day to make sure that I get to do what I love. They tell me that as long as I love it and it’s fun, then we are all in this together, but if I ever want to stop they are right there with me. I am really fortunate that my parents can free up their schedules and both be with me all of the time, so we can all enjoy this ride together.
Do you have any advice for aspiring actors or musicians in the field? How has your success story panned out?
You have to be passionate about whatever it is you want to do in life. It takes a lot of hard work. I would tell any young actor or musician to study hard. You need to learn about the business, study, and practice to always improve. I have always tried to work hard and appreciate that even auditions where I didn’t get the part might have taught me something. My story is just getting started. I have so much more I want to accomplish and I know that if I work toward my goals every day, I’ll be that much closer.
Any last thoughts?
It’s a good day!!! We just found out that “Last Man Standing” has been renewed for Season 8. We are all so very excited!!!
Courtesy of Jet Jurgensmeyer
Feature image courtesy of Jet Jurgensmeyer
