By Sarah Burbank-Douglas
Jacob Hopkins may only be 9 years old, but don’t mistake him for a typical kid. This vivacious, intelligent young man enjoys acting and all of the elements that go into it. Friendly, with a growing maturity, Jacob will add True Blood to his resume as he plays Alexander Drew, a chancellor in the authority. TheCelebrityCafe.com had the opportunity to talk to this comical, adorable young actor as he told us what it was like to play a vampire, and what types of shows he enjoys watching.
TheCelebrityCafe.com: Your character on True Blood is Alexander Drew. What can you tell us about him?
Jacob Hopkins: Well, he’s part of the Authority and he was turned at the age of 9 and basically a trouble maker. Alexander is a feisty, and a really strong vampire. And, I may look young, but looks can be deceiving. I’ve been around for a while, I’m a chancellor in the authority so obviously I wasn’t made yesterday. I’m like this old man in a kid’s body! Let’s just say, he wants to make himself heard, he always has his own opinion. Looking like a kid is not the importance, that’s in the Authority.
TCC: How were you able to get prepared for your role on the show?
JH: Well, I’m not allowed the watch the show, so my dad is an actor and my acting coach and he helped me prepare.
TCC: Who were your favorite actors to work with on the program?
JH: I liked to work with Christopher Heyerdahl because I really got to know him by sitting next to him in a lot of the scenes. He was a really funny and nice guy and we would joke around between takes. I just really liked him so much. He was a really cool guy.
TCC: How powerful is your character in the show?
JH: Well, I don’t know for sure… but you want to talk authority, I’ve got authority! Oh yeah, I get to talk to the big guy. So, Alexander, for the relationship with Roman, he respects Roman A LOT! And, he behaves as much as possible around him.
TCC: What’s the best part about playing a vampire?
JH: I really liked the fangs because I got them molded to my teeth and they look so ridiculously real! I had my eyeliner, my wardrobe and I’m like, 'hmm there’s something missing around here.' Then, the make-up artist comes up to me and they’re like, “Here’s your fangs dude,” and I put them in and I look and the mirror and I’m like, “Woah! I really look like a vampire!” And they look so real.
TCC: The episode you’re in airs June 17, is there a chance we’ll get to see Alexander Drew in the future episodes?
JH: Umm, well you have to surprised. I mean, I love my job, so you’ll have to wait and see!
TCC: What’s your favorite part about acting?
JH: Making friends. Every time I book a job there’s not a single person that’s mean, and they’re all really nice and we joke around a lot and they’re funny. I just really like making friends on set.
TCC: What actors/actresses do you hope to work with in the future?
JH: I guess it would have to be Johnny Depp. We have a lot in common and he’s a hilarious guy. He has done so many characters, and he’s a really good actor. I like what he does in Pirates of the Caribbean as Jack Sparrow because he’s really sarcastic and he’s funny. I just can’t wait to see him in the new movie he has, Dark Shadows. He’s a really cool guy and I’d love to work with him sometime.
TCC: Since we know you are too young to be watching True Blood what shows do you watch?
JH: I like to watch Shake It Up, Good Luck Charlie, SpongeBob, those funny shows because they really crack me up! I guess the funniest show I’ve seen has to be Good Luck Charlie because the mom is like, she wants to be a star in this thing, so she’s just pretty funny and I just like to watch all of the funny shows.
Watch Jacob in True Blood Sunday, June 17 at 9 p.m. on HBO.