Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with American Housewife’s Daniel DiMaggio

Daniel DiMaggio is leading the next wave of up-and-coming actors poised to take over Hollywood. He’s best known for his role on ABC’s American Housewife, where he plays the quick-witted, confident, and wise beyond his years Oliver Otto. With the show returning on March 18, Pop Culturalist caught up with Daniel in between filming to chat about his career and the show’s fourth season.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Daniel: It was a mix of a few things. My parents being a part of the industry definitely had something to do with it. As I went along and as jobs started to pick up, I progressed from commercials into TV. I, then, started to realize that I could do this for a living and that’s when I realized I was passionate about it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Daniel: The support from my parents propelled me to where I am. I admire Leo [DiCaprio] and how he made a name for himself. I hope I can become successful like him.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Daniel: Yeah! I’d say it was when I booked American Housewife. Looking back four years and where I am today, booking this show has been an incredible joy. Hopefully, there’ll be plenty more moments ahead.

PC: Is it a challenge to balance life as a normal teenager with your career?
Daniel: It’s definitely a challenge balancing everything from school, my social life, and my career. I try to manage it as best as I can. It’s a day job, so I’m there a couple of days a week. Then I try to make the most of when I’m hanging out with friends and in school.

American Housewife

PC: American Housewife returns on March 18. What can fans expect from the back half of Season 4?
Daniel: We left off with Oliver and the teen hotline story. You’ll start to see Will come into his own and Oliver help him get there. We are already seeing Will come out to him. We’re dealing with super heavy matters; that’ll continue to evolve and hopefully end up well.

PC: You’ve been a part of this series since the beginning. What’s been the biggest takeaway?
PC: You’ve been a part of this series since the beginning. What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Daniel: I’m very fortunate to be a part of this show. The whole cast is great—we all get along well. We work off each other and are all having a great time.

PC: Which of Oliver’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why?
Daniel: I think audiences are really enjoying Will’s relationship with his best friend, Cooper. I think our chemistry works well together. It’s a big part of the show.

PC: Has anything surprised you about this experience or your character’s journey?
Daniel: I’m not surprised he quit ballet. [laughs] That was an interesting experience. I’m interested to see how Oliver turns out and comes to deal with his emotions. We’re seeing him gain more of a heart this season—that’s been really cool. He’s becoming more himself, more real. He’s less sarcastic, but he still has that within him.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Daniel: Cheer on Netflix. It’s the Keeping Up with the Kardashian of cheerleading.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Daniel: 13 Going on 30 with Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. I could watch that a million times and be satisfied. I don’t know what it is.

PC: Favorite book?
Daniel: Ready Player One. It’s a real page-turner. I don’t think I’ve ever been that invested in a book before.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Daniel: I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m really looking forward to seeing Book of Mormon. I think that’ll be a lot of fun.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Daniel: I like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Young Thug.

To keep up with Daniel, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. American Housewife returns on a new night, Wednesday March 18th at 9:30/8:30c on ABC!

Photo Credit: Annie Shak