MY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KENTON DUTY CAST MEMBER OF DISNEY”S HIT TV SERIES “SHAKE IT UP”
KENTON DUTY: “Always just go for it. You’ll never find out what could happen. I always say dream big. If you think the door is closed then God maybe have opened a window for you instead. If you can’t find an opportunity create an opportunity.”
If you have ever watched an episode of “SHAKE IT UP”, you may have noticed, Gunther has a really unique sense of style which includes an affinity for “Be- Twinkling” his attire. Something else I noticed that makes Gunther stand out from the crowd is his very unusual accent. To me, it sounds like a mixture of German and Russian. Weird huh! How did I get this once in a lifetime opportunity to interview the talented actor who literally brought Gunther to life by coming up with a blend of accents to create Gunther’s unique European inspired speaking voice? Keep reading to find out!
This is the magical story of how I met actor Kenton Duty. I was invited to walk the red carpet at the Starlight Foundation Toy Drive Charity Event at a roller skating rink hosted by fellow actress Gabriella Holland. Of course, I had to say yes once I found out that the event was to raise toys for sick children in need of some holiday cheer. Keeping with the true holiday spirit of giving, I was more than happy to bring several toys for the kids including a Princess Board Game. As I was waiting in line for my turn on the red carpet, I spied a really tall blond guy standing behind me. I thought to myself that looks like Kenton Duty from one of my favorite Disney shows “Shake It Up!” It turns out that it was him. I really wanted to meet him since, I had so many questions I wanted to ask him about the show. Such as, how did he come up with Gunther’s accent and about Be-Twinkling. You know how much I love sparkly things! But, first I had to walk the red carpet and be interviewed myself by a bunch of Press and Media. Luckily, Kenton stuck around to roller skate and sign autographs for the children, so I was able to ask him if I could interview him for my blog. He was nice enough to agree, but I was only able to ask him a couple of questions, since he wanted to help hand out the toys to the Starlight Kids. He told me to ask his dad to set up a time to continue the interview.
We set it up for the very next day at my parent’s music law firm located in a pretty cool loft, perfect for a fun interview. Kenton arrived on time, and he and I had a very relaxing time hanging out on my mom’s comfy vintage red velvet settee. I asked him questions while typing on my laptop and he was surprised that I could type really fast! (I never noticed until he pointed that out). I found out a lot about Kenton Duty that day, and I truly was in awe at what an amazing person he is. Not only does he have a big heart by spending most of his free time attending charity events to help sick or underprivileged kids, but he is also extremely intelligent. I found out Kenton can create other accents for Gunther, which he demonstrated in Spanish and Japanese. He also sang part of the B-52 song “Roam” to me. Now that’s what I call an unexpected magical moment!
After spending time with Kenton, I believe that the key to his success is in the optimistic philosophy that he has chosen to live his life by (see above quote). I find it so amazing that he turned theater lessons to improve his public speaking skills just for school into a passion for acting and being an all around entertainer as well as a director in training and a soon to be released recording artist. He likes to keep himself busy! In fact, he was off to attend another charity event so I offered to walk Kenton downstairs to his car which gave us a chance to chat even more about stuff we had in common. We both love Japan and milkshakes. He loves The Counter’s apple pie milkshake. I would love to try it! And don’t forget to hit that follow button on Twitter. I am sure he would love to hear from you! @kentonjduty
P.S. If you are curious as I was about what Kenton Duty wears in real life when he’s not on set, then you are in for a real treat! Check out these really cool photos of me hanging out with Kenton Duty while he’s off duty for a sneak peek of his personal wardrobe. Did I mention he has one of the coolest watches ever? It caught my eye right away. It’s made by Diesel and the time scrolls across the screen. It looks kind of futuristic. I definitely want one for Christmas, so I hope Santa is reading this!
Princess Kisses XOXO
Tatiana Mclane Queenie4ever
Well it's not the style I'm wearing now (in reference to his neon colored shirts). Urban musician mixed with preppy jock.
2. Do you give the wardrobe department any creative input for Gunther's clothing?
I get enough input as in the clothing are too tight, baggy, or uncomfortable. They will fix it so that I can live in it.
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| Gabriella Holland's Starlight Foundation Celebrity Toy Drive Skate Depot Cerritos, California December 4, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer & Actress Tatiana Mclane waiting in line to walk the red carpet wearing an aqua Asian inspired dress from the Queenie4ever Holiday Collection Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
3. If you owned a Be-twinkler, what would you do with it?
I'd Be-twinkler everything. I might even hide it in my sock like Gunther.
4. What made you decide to become an actor?
It was long story. In 3d grade, I took classes where I had to give powerpoint presentations. Then my dad put me in a theater camp over the summer just to help with hand motions and diaphragm usage to avoid pressure from being in front of peers.
5. What were you like when you were younger?
I was like the nerd/jock of the school cuz I was in all of the honor classes but played all of the sports.
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| Gabriella Holland's Starlight Foundation Celebrity Toy Drive Skate Depot Cerritos, California December 4, 2011 Actor Kenton Duty cast member of Disney Show "Shake it Up" on the red carpet. Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
6 6. What kinds of games did you use to play at school?
My friends and I would take three hula hoops and toss them in the air, then we’d try to see if we could dive through any of them.
7. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I was really into gameboys. I had a lot of Pokemon games.
8. 8. If you like Pokemon does that mean you watch anime or read manga?
I do watch anime like Naruto and some others. Some of my friends keep up with watching like 10 series at a time. I don’t know how they do it. That’s kind of crazy. I keep my manga in the book library in my dad’s office.
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| Gabriella Holland's Starlight Foundation Celebrity Toy Drive Skate Depot Cerritos, California December 4, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane on the red carpet. Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
9. 9. In the episode where your character, goes on a date with the head cheerleader, why does Gunther take her out to eat a muffin and drink apple juice boxes?
They were originally going to have us eat chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa but I’m allergic to chocolate so they had to give us a bran muffin and apple juice.
10. How do you deal with being allergic to chocolate?
Avoiding sweets that are made with cocoa beans like red velvet. It easier to avoid than other foods.
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| Gabriella Holland's Starlight Foundation Celebrity Toy Drive Skate Depot Cerritos, California December 4, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane interviewing Actor Kenton Duty Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
11. I hear you like to cook. Do you have a signature dish?
For Thanksgiving and Christmas I make a gooey butter cake.
12. Do you have any daily rituals?
Everyday at 1:00 cuz it's around lunchtime I always listen to music.
13. If Disney was going to make a Shake It Up movie, what would you want the plot to be?
Any kind of plot for the movie would be good but maybe go back to having CeCe and Gunther dating.
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| Gabriella Holland's Starlight Foundation Celebrity Toy Drive Skate Depot Cerritos, California December 4, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Deisgner and Actress Tatiana Mclane with Actor Kenton Duty Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
14. How do you decide what type of accent you are going to use for each line in the script? Why did you decide to say baby in that manner?
It's all the same accent. What he's feeling decides the inflections. How fast Gunther is speaking. It's become Gunther's catch phrase in a way which is cool. They had it in the script as just baby and I just drew it out. Its not something you'd normally hear someone like Gunther say. I just had fun with it.
15. Do you have a favorite charity?
Right now I just try to do just as much as I can. I hope to one day have my own charity. I want to get out there and make as much change as I possibly can.
16. What has been your favorite fan experience?
One of my favorite fan experiences was at the Cars 2 Premiere. Across the streets I'd yell to the crowd everybody scream and they would.
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| Gabriella Holland's Starlight Foundation Celebrity Toy Drive Skate Depot Cerritos, California December 4, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane with Actress Gabriella Holland. A big shout out to Gabriella for hosting this event to benefit seriously ill children! Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
17. Can you tell me an interesting story about one of your castmates?
I had just texted Bella Thorne "hey how's CityWalk?" She replied 15 minutes later that they had to shut down CityWalk because one of her fans saw her which lead to a hoard of people causing her to become trapped in the Jamba Juice until Security could escort her out.
18. How fast can you sign an autograph?
I haven't tried to time myself, but I might try to race with a friend or cast mate.
19. Are you selling any merchandise?
I’m not but, I saw this girl at the mall wearing a T shirt that said “I like guys that sparkle”. So I asked my dad if Disney made that shirt for Gunther, because it seemed like a perfect shirt for Gunther fans. (They didn’t; it’s a Twilight shirt. I had to explain this to him and why vampires sparkle. He replied that "now it makes so much sense").
I’m not but, I saw this girl at the mall wearing a T shirt that said “I like guys that sparkle”. So I asked my dad if Disney made that shirt for Gunther, because it seemed like a perfect shirt for Gunther fans. (They didn’t; it’s a Twilight shirt. I had to explain this to him and why vampires sparkle. He replied that "now it makes so much sense").
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| Mclane & Wong Entertainment Law Firm Loft North Hollywood, California December 5, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane relaxing on a vintage red velvet settee interviewing Actor Kenton Duty Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
20. If you were asked to be a contestant on dancing with the stars, would you accept
Heck yes. I would love to do that. I've been watching the show for a while and my two favorite contestants were Kyle Massey and Emmitt Smith. I think Cheryl Burke is a good partner. She's definitely worked a lot of people hard. Whoever they would put me with I think I'd be able to work with.
21. In the Monster Mash video, is the choreography suppose to look like dancing monsters?
The choreographer was Rosero McCoy. I don't know if that was his intention but it was really cool and I enjoyed it a lot.
22. Will you be doing any more music videos with the cast of Shake It Up?
We did Roam by B52. Disney had us do a cover of that. Adam and I hold that part w/ the background vocals. And Caroline does the lead vocals, high alto. We did a video that will go with the next Spooky Buddies called Treasure Buddies.
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| Mclane & Wong Entertainment Law Firm Loft North Hollywood, California December 5, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane with Actor Kenton Duty Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
23. If you released an album would you go out on tour? If so who would you like to tour with?
I would definitely want to go on tour as soon as possible as a solo artist. I'd want my opening act to be maybe one of the new ones like Mindless Behavior because they seem like cool guys. I have songs that are acoustic and the ones that are more upbeat.
24. Can you tell me about your song writing process?
It's whatever. If I hear a rift or a lyric in my head it just branches out from there and becomes a blossoming tree.
1. 25. Have you ever introduced a band on stage before?
I’m presenting one of the bands at a charity event tonight. It’ll be my first time doing that, so it’ll be fun.
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| Mclane & Wong Entertainment Law Firm Loft North Hollywood, California December 5, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane with Actor Kenton Duty. Notice Kenton's cool watch? Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
26. Are you interested in any behind the scenes work?
I went to the president of Disney and said each season I want to learn under a new department each season. I've been interning underneath Joel Zwick to learn about where the lighting. The amount of info I've gathered is incredible. I've had a few directors take me under their wing. In Lost the director shot through a threading machine. The fact that he came up with this idea is incredible.
27. Your dad told me that you went to a preschool for young Asian children in Texas. What was that like? What kind of foods did they serve? Can you still remember how to speak any Japanese?
I can't remember any of my Japanese. The food was American and you could bring your own lunch. I spoke Japanese at the time, but I've lost it. I could probably pick it up again, but I’d have to devote some time to it.
28. How do you make the women in your life feel like princesses?
Just treat them the way they're supposed to. Like Nigahiga's song Nice Guys Finish Last do the opposite of what their lyrics tell you to do.
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| Youth Rock Awards Avalon Hollywood Hollywood, California December 7, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane with Actor Kenton Duty on the red carpet at the Youth Rock Awards. Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
29. What advice would you give to an aspiring actor or musician?
Always just go for it. You'll never find out what could happen. I always say dream big. If you think the door is closed then God maybe have opened a window for you instead. If you can't find an opportunity create an opportunity.
30. What's next for Kenton Duty?
Just my music right now and I recently filmed a movie called Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea. The character is named Steve. He's the kid of guy who everyone thinks he's going to be a pastor in the future. He holds the group together and wants to guide everyone to help the new girl fit in. It was fun to be apart of because we shot up in the mountains and we all became a family.
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| Five-Star PR Holiday Party Benefit for A Place Called Home Rubix Hollywood Hollywood, California December 10, 2011 Queenie4ever Teen Fashion Designer and Actress Tatiana Mclane with Actor Kenton Duty at the Five-Star PR Holiday Party to benefit A Place Called Home. Photo Credit: Venice Wong |
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