Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Diary of a Future President’s Charlie Bushnell

Charlie Bushnell is among Hollywood’s young actors to watch. As one of the breakout stars of Disney+’s must-see new series Diary of a Future President, Charlie delivers a commanding performance as Bobby Cañero-Reed, the brother of a young Cuban American girl who embarks on her journey to becoming the future president of the United States. While Charlie’s character may appear to be the life of the party, deep down he’s a young man coping with the loss of his father and coming into his own. Charlie brings each of Bobby’s multifaceted layers to life, and it’s hard to believe this is his first role ever! Pop Culturalist caught up with this dynamic talent to learn more about his start in the industry and Diary of a Future President.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Charlie: Well, I’ve loved to entertain and make people laugh from a very young age. My parents always used to say that I would end up being the actor in the family, and here we are! I used to love making little homemade short films with my friends, and I would always reenact scenes from my favorite movies and shows, like Stranger Things—usually by myself. [laughs] I was in seventh grade when I realized I wanted to act professionally. It was definitely a gradual process.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Charlie: I would have to say Ilana Peña, the creator of our show, and Gina Rodriguez because they were the ones who believed in me and trusted me with the role of Bobby. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. I’ve learned so much from both of them, personally and as an actor. I’m so grateful.

Diary of a Future President

PC: You’re currently starring in Diary of a Future President on Disney+, and it’s your first big role as a series regular. Were there any nerves heading into this project? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Charlie: Yes! I was extremely nervous before we started filming! Not only was Diary of a Future President my first big role, but it was basically my first role ever, so I really didn’t know what to expect. But as soon as I walked onto set, everyone was super welcoming and warm, and that made me feel comfortable straight away.

As far as the biggest takeaway, I was blown away by how many people work on a production. Although you only see the actors in the final product, it takes a village to make it happen. Each and every person on the crew is important. It was fun watching everyone do their thing.

PC: Which of Bobby’s relationships has been your favorite to explore this season and why? If the series is picked up for a second season, is there a relationship you’d like to see more of?
Charlie: That’s a hard question! I love all of Bobby’s relationships! I love the relationships with his friends, Liam, the fam and Sam, Monyca with a “Y,” he has some really fun scenes with Camila—so I really can’t choose! I want to see a lot more of every relationship!

PC: Throughout the season, we’ve seen different sides to Bobby, from the lovable goofball to a young man dealing with the loss of his father. How did you prepare to tackle his journey in Season 1?
Charlie: Well, becoming Bobby really wasn’t too difficult because I immediately felt really connected to him, all the way back to when I first got the audition. We are both pretty chill! [laughs] Bobby definitely goes through a lot of growth this season, and with every episode, I get to know him more and more.

PC: Each episode is filled with life lessons. Which has resonated with you the most?
Charlie: One of my favorites is episode 8. All of our characters had tough, pivotal moments in that episode. I think it’s important to show that we all make mistakes and that we aren’t perfect. How we learn from our mistakes and grow from them is what really matters.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Charlie: Star Wars: The Clone Wars. I love that show!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Charlie: We watch Elf every Christmas—sometimes more than once!

PC: Favorite book?
Charlie: I just read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I liked it.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Charlie: One of my favorite plays to be in at school was Alice in Wonderland.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Charlie: Glenn Miller. I love big band music.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Charlie: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. A lot of people say that I look like him.

To keep up with Charlie, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Stream Season 1 of Diary of a Future President on Disney+.

Photo Credit: Emma Mead