Introducing Jackson Schaffer

     Jackson Schaffer is one of the most interesting young adults I have the pleasure of knowing. He is an acclaimed professional actor, an all-star athlete, has a great personality, infectious sense of humor, stylish, and the best part? He adores his family and is very supportive of his parents and his siblings who are also very talented in their own right. Whether it’s on a photoshoot, fishing with his family in Yellowstone for Rainbow trout, or cheering his sister and brothers on in their chosen fields, when it comes to being around Jackson, it’s hard to be in a bad mood because he’s always the first one ready to cheer you. He’s always the first one ready to lift your spirits.

Professional Actor 

    Based in Southern California, 14-year old, Jackson, is a member of SAG-AFTRA and has been professionally acting since he was a young child. Before he knew it, he booked his first acting job and everything just fell into place. With the help of his mom and dad, Jackson’s journey continued. Before he knew it, he was armed with headshots and was booing auditions that proved to be a success. His impressive resume includes motion picture films, television, commercials, print, and online programming. As of press time, Jackson is currently in the pre-production stages of his newest show, Matt Lewis. 

     But has acting and fame changed him? Not in the least. Sure, he may be recognizable, gets to attend fabulous events, and can call a few famous people good friends, but he is fully aware that this is his career, and everyone deserves respect even if their name isn’t rolling in the ending credits. A quick glance at his Instagram gallery validates this. He also mentions: 

“Besides the creative side, one of the best reasons for acting are the people you meet and learn from. My close friend Lonnie Chavis, plays young Randall on the hit series, This Is Us, and he has taught me so much. I like spending time [with him] hanging out.” 

    The two boys crossed paths a few years ago and immediately connected and became buds. Despite these two stars colliding, when it comes down to it, they are just boys being boys. 

All-Star Athlete 

   But whatever you think, don’t second guess for one moment acting takes up all of Jackson’s well-spent time. Both on and off the field, you can find a national-born leader. Excelling in everything he does, he’s determined to work hard and be the best he can be. Whether it is on the lacrosse field, playing football, running cross country, surfing in San Diego, riding the fresh powder slopes in Mammoth, or just simply being the best big brother imaginable, Jackson is unstoppable. 

All in The Family 

Jackson may be the oldest child, but he comes from a very hard-working family that supports each other in beautiful ways. Dylan (his sister,) and his brothers, Roman and Boss Baby Brody, are an extremely close-knit family with four dogs! Trust when I say they do not allow the grass to grow under their feet. While he loves acting, he also feels a great sense of pride for and from his mom, Danielle, (author, lifestyle content creator, brand ambassador, her children’s #1 fan!) and his Navy Veteran dad who has two prominent dental practices in the San Diego area. His sister, Dylan, studies dance, and Roman is also an exceptional athlete, but the breakout star of the Schaffer family is without a doubt, 4-year old, “Boss” Baby Brody who is an internet sensation, bringing smiles across the globe. 

Interview with Jackson Schaffer 

SPEAKERS: Courtney Standley (Editor-in-Chief), Jackson Schaffer (Actor) 

Jackson Schaffer 

Hey Coco. Thank you for having me. 

Courtney Standley 

Hi Jackson, thanks for making time for me to interview you for our journalism course. We are all excited to find out more about you, especially what attracted you to acting, and is it something you always wanted to pursue growing up?

Jackson Schaffer 

My earliest memory of wanting to act was when I was a little kid. I remember my mom asking me if I’d be interested in trying out acting. Shortly afterward, I secured a part in the movie “Safe Haven.” That’s where it all began, and there’s been no stopping since. So even at a really young age when I had no idea what I was doing or what acting entailed, I really enjoyed it and wanted to keep doing it. Now? I love it and filming is a blast. So yeah, it’s true to say it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue. 

Courtney Standley 

Having starred in various films, television, and online web series, which would you like to see yourself do more of? Do you have a preference? 

Jackson Schaffer 

My mom is my biggest supporter and believes my acting really shines on film, but if I’m being honest, I think I would enjoy being on set, working on a television series because I am always watching TV. Then again, maybe my mom has a good point, but I’m not sure yet, so I can see myself being happy doing either. 

Courtney Standley 

Acting takes a lot of preparation with familiarizing yourself with the story plot, directions, and memorizing lines. Which parts or what part of your craft do you find most difficult or demanding? 

Jackson Schaffer 

The most difficult part of preparing for rehearsal and table reads are definitely memorizing pages and pages of storylines. It’s the most demanding part because you have others in the scene depending on you. It’s not fair to improvise lines when a team of talented writers spend so much time writing and rewriting screenplays to make the film a hit. So be sure to memorize those lines, and get familiar with the screenplay. By doing so, you are showing the crew, and actors you’ll be working on scenes with that you respect the hard work everyone is pitching in.

Courtney Standley 

Jackson, who are some of the actors you most admire and look up to? Do you see yourself one day being a leading man in a more dramatic series or more of a comedic actor entertaining your fans with laughter? 

Jackson Schaffer 

I love Adam Sandler. That’s the guy who I love to watch perform and I have huge respect for him. I think his clever wit, timing, and ad-libs are comedic genius. In fact, I’d say, comedies, in general, are my favorite film genre. I like making people laugh and leaving them to feel good about what they just saw. 

Courtney Standley 

Who has been a major influence and support system in helping you achieve your goal of becoming an actor? 

Jackson Schaffer 

Both of my parents are very supportive, but my mom is definitely my driving force. She’s a go-getter and has always believed in me in whatever I want to accomplish. She’s excited for me and encourages me to continue to pursue my acting goal. 

Courtney Standley 

What accomplishment has played a significant impact on your acting career? 

Jackson Schaffer 

It was my part as a lead actor in a short film called “Small Ball.” I had never been a lead until that film, and it taught me a lot of important tricks of the craft. I learned many things from that film. Probably, more than any other acting jobs I’ve performed in. It was critically acclaimed and was well received at five film festivals. I’m still proud and humbled about being cast in that role. 

Courtney Standley 

Has there been a difficult lesson you’ve learned from working on a film that helped you succeed later on in your career and in the foreseeable future?

Jackson Schaffer 

I remember during this one film I was cast in, I had to share scenes with another young actor. He didn’t memorize his lines which was frustrating, and yeah, the director was not too pleased about that. It became time-consuming because our director actually had to stop the scene and go over the lines with him which is generally frowned upon. In the entertainment industry, “time is money” and producers need to allocate the budget wisely. Needless to say, working with that actor wasn’t a pleasant experience. 

Courtney Standley 

Wow! That’s rough, but it is par for the course in your career. Do you have any other advice would you share with other aspiring young actors interested in following in your footsteps? 

Jackson Schaffer 

Well, first, I’d memorize a script, then research and retain a respectable acting coach. For quite some time, I did not actively work with an acting coach, but recently I signed with a great one, and not only am I enjoying myself, but it has also really helped me in many different ways to hone my craft and take my skills to the next level. 

Courtney Standley 

What project or film are you proudest of? And why? 

Jackson Schaffer 

“Small Ball” definitely. The short film I told you about earlier in this interview. I really enjoyed playing the lead character. As I mentioned, it was my first lead, and a very exciting experience that taught me so many valuable lessons. I really liked it. It was a lot of fun to film, yet still taught me how important a strong work ethic is, and how to be professional on set even as a child. 

Courtney Standley 

If you could choose to remake a film to be the lead star in, which would it be, and whom would you want to portray?

Jackson Schaffer 

Oh, this is easy. The movie, “Catch Me If You Can,” and I would love the chance to play Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Frank Abagnale Jr. He is great in that movie, and I watch it almost every night. It’s just that good. I see a lot of myself in that movie, and I feel I could do justice to all the different types of personalities he portrays throughout the film. I don’t know, his element of cool is off the charts, and it really shows in this particular production. Plus, c’mon…it’s Leo. He wrote the book on cool. 

Courtney Standley 

What a great movie! It has a terrific cast, a talented storyline, and so many plot twists and turns that it’s enjoyable from start to finish. You know, you’re right. I see a lot of him in you, very versatile. I can see you being able to comfortably transition through all of Frank’s personalities with enthusiasm. 

Jackson Schaffer 

I would not refuse that opportunity, that’s for sure. I just admire him as an actor, he nails every part, and he never backs himself into one type of film genre. He remains mysterious and captivating in real life for a reason. He doesn’t want to be typecast. Once people think they start to know you from film and television, they tend to believe you are going to be the same character in every movie or series from there on out. I don’t know, I just think the guy is really cool. Not too many people can argue that. 

Courtney Standley 

You know, you speak so passionately about this movie with good reason. I think we need to lobby the Hollywood hotshots pronto and figure out how to remake it. You would be an excellent casting choice as lead role. 

Jackson Schaffer 

That would be a really cool opportunity. With Hollywood releasing all these remakes, who knows? I do it in a heartbeat. It’s definitely a classic and would be fun to do.

Courtney Standley 

Don’t joke, I sense an Academy Award, Jackson for your reprise in the role of Leonardo DiCaprio’s “Catch Me If You Can.” Remember…you heard it here first! 

Jackson Schaffer 

I will. Fingers crossed. Thank you, Coco.

To learn more about Jackson Schaffer, and keep up to date with his upcoming acting projects, follow him along on
Instagram at @Jackson.Schaffer