Talented actor, Reed Horstmann, talks Disney’s “The Villains of Valley View” and more!
Los Angeles-based actor, Reed Horstmann, is sitting down to chat with HOLR about his latest endeavors! The talented star plays Jake/Chaos on Disney’s “The Villains of Valley View,” and is giving HOLR the latest scoop on what we can expect when tuning in!
Check out our full conversation below, where Reed shares how he got his start in the industry, his latest projects to date, what he loves to do in his spare time, and what’s next for him!
Tell us about how you got your start in the industry.
I got my start at around 12/13 years old acting locally in Denver for things such as local commercials, student films, and background spots to gain camera experience and to study the processes that take place on a set. At the same time, I’d fly out to LA during Pilot Season, as many kids do, and audition for months hoping to book my first project.
You star as Jake/Chaos on Disney’s “The Villains of Valley View.” Talk to us about this experience.
It’s rare that you get to work with a cast and crew that’s as selfless, compassionate, and supportive as ours but it certainly isn’t lost on me. Working on ‘Villains’ is honestly such a blessing, our showrunners immediately welcomed us and wanted to establish a collaborative and familial environment on set from the start. With that, we’ve all come to work each week stoked to see what the next episode will bring, and are always encouraged to bring ideas of our own to the table.
What can we expect when watching Disney’s “The Villains of Valley View”?
This is a show that is for families as a whole, it really does have something for everyone. We learned pretty fast that it’s not your typical Disney sitcom. There’s plenty of subverted, sarcastic dry-adult humor that finds a way to slip in once in a while too. The main value of the show, though, is that learning to accept a family for their differences is what makes them stronger. Now they may disagree and sometimes fight, but at the end of the day they will always fight (literally) for each other.
Image Credits: Photographer: ROWAN DALY, Groomer: KIMBERLY BRAGALONE, Wardrobe stylist: BEN HOLTROP
You also starred as ‘Stick’ in Netflix’s “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia.” What was that like?
That was my first major role in a series ever; I was sixteen and realized very quickly how much I had to learn. Up to that point, it had just been years of training in classes to prepare me, but I understood immediately as I stepped on set why all my mentors told me the greatest teacher is the experience. Even then I was blessed to work with amazing people that really set my standard for how this industry works. I was lucky enough to have brilliant directors I worked with every week that taught me how to really take initiative and have confidence in the work I was doing when at first the validation was sorely needed.
Who are some celebrities you hope to work alongside one day?
I’m somebody that is addicted to full-circle moments. That said, the individuals I push myself to have the opportunity to work with are those that inspired me to be here in the first place. All the countless actors who, in their own subtle ways, gave performances that cemented my motivation to keep acting as well as completely changed my perspective on what was possible within this medium. Actors such as Harrison Ford, Emma Thompson, Jason Bateman, and endless others. The truth of the matter is I cannot simply dilute it down to a list of people. As someone who loves the industry that I get to participate in, the thing I want most is to continue to learn from the best for as long and as closely as I can.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
When I’m not on set, I usually spend most of my time with my band. I’m lucky enough to say I play music with my best friend, we write together, play together, and get noise complaints together. A year ago I would’ve answered by saying just playing guitar within the confines of my bedroom, but now I’m lucky enough to say not only am I performing, but I’m performing often. Nothing is quite like the release of all tension and stress like playing some rock n roll, especially in front of people.
What’s next for you?
We’ll see! I’m eager to know myself! As of right now, I’m gonna continue working and auditioning as I always do! I’ll be watching and studying every episode of season two of The Villains of Valley View, now out on Disney Channel and Disney Plus! Finally, I’ll be playing more shows; we play a gig at the world-famous Troubadour on July 18th, so much of my time is spent getting ready!
Published by HOLR Magazine.