Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with mixed-ish’s Ethan William Childress

Ethan William Childress is an emerging young actor to keep your eye on. During the 2019 pilot season, he was cast in his first television role ever as Johan Johnson in ABC’s mixed-ish, a spinoff of a little series you may have heard of: black-ish. Starring opposite Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tika Sumpter, and Gary Cole, mixed-ish centers around the early life of Tracee Ellis Ross’ character Rainbow Johnson. Pop Culturalist caught up with Ethan to chat about making his television debut.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Ethan: I actually didn’t discover it until my very first audition. I attended an arts-integrated school and loved to perform. My parents asked me if I’d be interested, and I thought I’d like to try it. But the minute I stepped into the room for the first time, it hit me all at once: this was something I really wanted to do.

PC: How challenging is it to juggle life as a normal kid with your career?
Ethan: It can be somewhat challenging at times. I live in Las Vegas, so I don’t get to see my family and friends as much as I used to. But I know that I am very lucky to be in this position, and I am grateful every day for this blessing. But my parents try and make sure that on my downtime I am getting to see my friends and do things I haven’t been able to do while I was filming.

mixed-ish

PC: Tell us about mixed-ish, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Ethan: mixed-ish is about a biracial family trying to find their own identity and place in the world in the ’80s, when it wasn’t as common. I was very excited about the project, as it was my first major role. I love Johan. He’s a fun-loving and easygoing character. We have some similarities and differences. We are both curious and adventurous. But I’m not as naïve as him.

PC: This is your first big television role. How did you prepare? Were there any nerves heading into this project?
Ethan: I wasn’t nervous until I got the call that I was going to test for the show. Before that, it was just an audition and call-back. But I knew from the audition material that this was a show I wanted to be a part of, as it was going to be funny and informative.

PC: What has been the biggest takeaway from this project?
Ethan: My biggest takeaway is that I still have so much to learn. Every day I learn something new, whether it’s a new way to convey an emotion I have done before or how something on set works.

PC: What can you tease about Johan’s arc this season?
Ethan: I think Johan is true to himself no matter what. He’s naïve enough that he’s not even aware of the fact he may be uncool. You will start to see his character develop more.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Ethan: The Amazing World of Gumball or just about any anime show!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Ethan: Real Steel

PC: Favorite book?
Ethan: Any of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants series.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Ethan: Aladdin

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ethan: Sir Elton John

PC: Hidden talent?
Ethan: I’m a chess player.

To keep up with Ethan, follow him on Instagram. Catch new episodes of mixed-ish every Tuesday at 9/8c.