Jordan Fisher is only 23-years-old, but he is already making a big name for himself in TV, music and theater. Not only will he release his newest single “MESS” on Oct. 6, but he is also a contestant on this season’s Dancing with the Stars with partner Lindsay Arnold Cusick.
Fisher is from Birmingham, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles after landing the role of Jacob in The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He has been seen in TV series Liv and Maddie and played Noah Patrick in Teen Wolf. He also had supporting roles in television films, Teen Beach Movie, Teen Beach 2 and Grease: Live. He is also featured on the Moana soundtrack. Last year, he began a four-month stint playing John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in the hit Broadway production Hamilton.
Fisher released three pop-soul songs on Radio Disney in 2014. In 2016, he released a single under the Hollywood Records label titled “Counterfeit.” In April 2016, he released another single called “All About Us.” His next single “MESS” will be available in early October. He is especially talented with music and plays guitar, bass, piano, harmonica, French horn and drums.
Jordan Fisher connected with Michelle Tompkins for TheCelebrityCafe.com about his life, work, what led him to be in Hamilton, something he hasn’t done yet but wants to do, what he likes best about Lindsay Arnold Cusick, who he hangs out with on the set of DWTS, what he likes to do for fun, what’s next for him, how he likes to connect with fans and more.
Michelle Tompkins: So, what have you been up to this summer?
Jordan Fisher: Staying Busy! What haven’t I been up to!
MT: Where are you from?
JF: Birmingham, Alabama
MT: Where do you live now?
JF: Los Angeles, California
MT: How did you know you wanted to be a performer?
JF: I fell in love with drama in 5th grade. I had a crush on a girl and followed her into drama club and the rest is history.
MT: How did you get the part of Jacob in the Secret Life of the American Teenager?
JF: I auditioned like many others and they felt I was the right fit. I had to learn a South African accent for that role which was challenging.
MT: What did you like best about that role?
JF: It was the role that moved to LA forever and I would say that role was the real beginning of my career.
MT: What did you do in the production of Grease Live? Do you think that prepared you for this season of DWTS?
JF: I played the role of Doodie. The rehearsal process, the work ethic and the conditioning really helped to prepare me for doing a live televised show. However, nothing can really prepare you for doing something you have never done in your life, every week in front of millions of people. This is a real challenge for me.
MT: So, you first worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda in a Moana project? Please tell me about that.
JF: I was in Hawaii with my family when Lin-Manuel called and asked me to be part of the project. I of course said yes and as I am a mixed guy with part Tahitian blood I was stoked to be of this project.
MT: Did your work on Moana lead you to Hamilton?
JF: Actually it was my work on Grease Live with Tommy Kail as the director which led me to Hamilton. Tommy Kail is the director of Hamilton.
MT: What was it like to be in Hamilton?
JF: It was a dream come true and one of my bucket list items fulfilled.
MT: How long were you in that show?
JF: Just under 4 months.
MT: What led you to be on Dancing with The Stars?
JF: I have wanted to be on the show for many years. I am a big fan and at last the timing was right for me to compete on the show.
MT: I interviewed Lindsay [Arnold Cusick] last Spring, she is lovely. What's your favorite thing about working with her?
JF: She is kind and sweet...She is a great at creating a safe fun rehearsal environment. Lindsay is grounded and genuine, but also so goofy. We are both goofy together and we have become firm friends.
MT: What is the rehearsal process like?
JF: This is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. I have to make peace with the fact that I am not going to be great at this from the beginning. It will be a learning process and I am ready to learn. I hope I am on the show for a long time as I am having the time of my life.
MT: Is there a dance or type of challenge you are most looking forward to? Least looking forward to?
JF: Most looking forward to the Cha Cha— no least—I’m up for them all.
MT: Who do you like to hang out with among the cast?
JF: Everybody. We have had only a few times when we are all together but for sure Lindsay is my safe haven. Everybody looks forward to seeing how each couple is progressing and we genuinely want the best for each other.
MT: Does anything scare you about being on DWTS?
JF: Not being perfect from the start! I have to make peace with that this is a learning process and not be so hard on myself.
MT: What is something you haven't done yet that want to do (in life or work)?
JF: I would like to be a father.
MT: What do you like to do for fun?
JF: Gaming, watching UFC and sports in general
MT: Are there any charities you wish to mention?
JF: The We Organization is very close to my heart. To quote their site, WE is a movement that brings people together and gives them the tools to change the world. Making doing good, doable. I have performed at their concerts and traveled to Ecuador and Kenya to aid in them in their great work around the world.
MT: How do you like fans to connect with you?
JF: Twitter is where I have most of my fan interaction and live stream on Instagram.
MT: What are your social media handles?
JF: Go to my site, JordanfisherOfficial.com and you can connect with me on all my social media platforms.
MT: Now, please tell me about "MESS?"
JF: "MESS" is about how women are so much smarter than men and they know it. Mess is based on my own personal experiences.
MT: Where can we get your next single?
JF: Everywhere! iTunes, Spotify, Pandora.
MT: What's next for you?
JF: Releasing new music, hopefully a tour and also a few projects coming up which I cannot talk about just yet….
MT: Good luck with everything, Jordan.
Learn more about Jordan Fisher by checking out his website here.
Which kind of dance do you want to see Jordan Fisher perform on this season’s Dancing with the Stars?