Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Prince of Peoria’s Gavin Lewis

Gavin Lewis is a breakout star of 2018. He’s on Netflix’s newest coming-of-age family comedy, Prince of Peoria, starring as the lead, Prince Emil, a young man from a wealthy kingdom who travels to America to live life incognito as a normal teenager. The series will make you laugh and warm your heart, and it’ll return with new episodes in 2019. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Gavin about the project, the show’s upcoming Christmas episode, and what it’s like making his debut as a leading man.

PC: Tell us about Prince of Peoria, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Gavin: Prince of Peoria is a new kids and family show on Netflix about a thirteen-year-old prince named Emil who comes to America to make a best friend. The show revolves around the relationship between Prince Emil and his new American roommate, Teddy. I play Emil, a kid that has lived a sheltered life as a royal who can’t wait to experience the world as a normal teenager. He is friendly, outgoing, and always looks for the positive. When I was first asked to audition for the role, I had the opportunity to read the pilot script. It was funny and well-written, and I liked that it focused on what’s positive in a world.


PC: What are the major similarities and differences you share with Emil?
Gavin: I think what Emil and I have in common is a positive outlook and a desire to have close friends. However, I probably wouldn’t be as positive about using a drain snake in real life as Emil is. [laughs]


PC: Your background is in theatre. How did that prepare you for your first television series as a leading man?
Gavin: This show was a great transition from theatre because, unlike most TV shows, we have the opportunity to film in front of a live audience each week. Theatre prepared me for the live audience since you have to be ready for anything that gets thrown your way and not stop if mistakes are made. I also love the energy you get from a theatre audience, and it’s a real treat to be able have that when acting on a TV show.


Photo Credit: Netflix

PC: You recently shared that we’ll be getting more episodes of Prince of Peoria in 2019 and a Christmas episode. What can fans expect?
Gavin: In the Christmas episode, fans will learn about some fun Burundian traditions. As for the future, fans can expect more of Emil’s failed attempts at becoming an ordinary teenager. We also have some exciting guest stars joining us!

PC: Besides Prince of Peoria, you’re also starring as ‘Young Max’ in Roswell, New Mexico. Tell us about that project.
Gavin: I had a great time working on the new reboot. Playing “Young Michael”, I got to hang out with Michael Vlamis, who plays the adult version of the character. He was so cool and helpful and is such a terrific actor.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Gavin: Rick and Morty

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Gavin: Deadpool

PC: Favorite book?
Gavin: Right now, it’s Six of Crows, but I read a lot so my favorite often changes.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Gavin: The Diane Paulus production of Pippin.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Gavin: Dr. Dre

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Gavin: The Good Place

PC: Hidden talent?
Gavin: With enough time and a YouTube tutorial, I can play any song on the kazoo.

Make sure to follow Gavin on Twitter and Instagram, and binge-watch season one of Prince of Peoria on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Joanna DeGeneres