SJM_Interview_Dept_0822FINAL.qxp_layout 8 / 30 / 22 5 : 42 PM Page 1 Call to Action Activism - minded actor Leo Abelo Perry aims to entertain and inspire . BY DEBRA WALLACE ven at the tender age of nine , actor and activist Leo Abelo Perry knows how to make an indelible mark on the world . The Doylestown , Pa . native stars with Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union as fraternal twin Luca E Baker in the hilarious remake of the 2003 family comedy , Cheaper by The Dozen , currently available on Disney + . The uplifting story follows the Bakers , a multicultural family of 12 that navigates a chaotic home life , while running the family’s unique restaurant . In addition to his acting career , Perry is passionate about shedding light on social injustices through his podcast , The Activators ! He may be still in grade school , but this thoughtful and inspiring young man is already fighting for causes that are near and dear to his heart . Why did you want to make Cheaper by my uncle , mom and I acted as paparazzi the Dozen ? and snapped family pics , and I interviewed Having 10 kids around me was great . I had everyone by asking them , “ What are you the chance to hang out with more kids than wearing ? ” We made a Cheaper by the Dozen I’ve ever met before , so that was fun because trivia game and ate pizza . I have missed I love making new friends . I feel like we East Coast pizza so much . really bonded as a family . … I got to have more time with my [ on - screen ] twin , Mykal - Tell me about working with Zach Braff something called Dance for Justice . I love Michelle Harris , who played the part of and Gabrielle Union . dancing , and I wanted to do more for racial Luna , and I really connected with her . It was crazy getting to know him [ Braff ] . I equity . So , I combined my two passions in had watched , like , two episodes of Scrubs , hopes to raise money and awareness for What message do you think people barely . It was the funniest time working organizations like Black Lives Matter . I hope could get from your movie ? with Zach . He’s , like , the kindest person that my podcast will make a positive impact Don’t judge people based on what their ever . It was amazing to work with him ; it on kids and their families so they can get family looks like . It doesn’t matter if you was the best opportunity I ever had . … more involved when it comes to social in - have 10 kids or one , it’s still a family . … To Gabrielle Union was also great . She gave us justice . There’s a lot going on in the world me , family feels as if your heart was cracked a lot of advice , so I think I’m very grateful right now , and I believe that emotionally it open . I would say that family brings love . for her advice , and I think her advice made is hard to understand it all . me a lot better at acting . She helped us Did you watch Cheaper by the Dozen focus , which can be hard on set . What are your favorite places to go on with your family ? vacation ? We did ! … My mom and I ended up hosting Do you know what you are doing next ? We go to Long Beach Island for vacation a screening with a small group of friends My next project is The Activators ! , the pod - and hang out . It’s a family tradition that and family at my home in Bucks County . cast I have where I interview activists that we do every summer , and it is the most We really did it up . We got a red carpet , are changing the world by using what they fun ever . There are 20 family members , made a “ step and repeat ” [ backdrop ] , and love to spread more love . I have been doing and we go to the beach , ride bikes and made sure to add the names of two orga - it for one season and we just got the second play a lot of games . We are a game family . an nizations that are doing amazing work on season . The Activators ! is such a fun and It’s a blast . Jord the backdrop . The two I chose were Rain - inspiring project . I’m so grateful to work ron bow Labs , a storytelling and mentoring with the amazing company , A Kids Company What advice would you give someone me organization for LGBT - QIQ + youth , and About , that always speaks up for kids when who wants to become an actor ? Ca y Choose Love , a refugee organization that’s it comes to talking about real - life issues . Even if someone tells you that you can’t b to doing a lot of work with BIPOC Ukraine We interview kid activists , who “ do what do this , you can always follow your heart Pho ? refugees . As people walked on the carpet , they love , to spread more love . ” I also started and pursue your dreams . SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 19 issue 5 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 54 |