Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Barb and Star Go to Del Vista Mar’s Reyn Doi

Barb and Star Go to Del Vista Mar is chock-full of A-list stars, but Reyn Doi is the real scene-stealer. Within moments of the film opening, Reyn and his character, YoYo, will capture your hearts with a sweet rendition of Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb’s 1980 debut, “Guilty”. But, audiences will quickly learn that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to YoYo.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Reyn about Barb and Star Go to Del Vista Mar, his mysterious character, and what it was like working opposite Kristen Wiig and Jamie Dornan.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Reyn: When I was four years old, I did a performance at my preschool. I was the emcee. After the performance, everyone complimented me saying I did a very good job. I started acting three years ago when I went to a workshop in Los Angeles. I’ve never really been into sports, but I wanted to pursue this passion of mine. My first audition was actually the first job I ever booked—it was a commercial of me dancing.

PC: Do you have a dream role that you would love to play?
Reyn: I’ve always wanted to be a lead in a comedic or dramatic film. I want to work with a lot of different actors.

PC: Is it ever a challenge to balance your career and life as a normal kid?
Reyn: It’s been challenging at times when I get overwhelmed, but I always try my hardest. My motto is “Don’t give up,” because as a child, my education is very important to me. But on the other hand, my passion is important to me as well.

Barb and Star Go to Del Vista Mar

PC: Tell us about Barb and Star Go to Del Vista Mar and your character in the film.
Reyn: Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is a film that I feel everyone has been waiting for. It’s like a virtual vacation that you need right now with everything that’s happening in the world.

I play YoYo. He’s such a unique character, as is everyone else in the movie. He never gives up. He works hard in the movie, and he loves to sing. I relate to him in the way that we both love singing Barbra Streisand songs. I love to be loyal, and I also never give up. The part where we are really different, though, is that he’s very mischievous. I don’t think I’m that mischievous.

PC: How did you prepare to play YoYo?
Reyn: I practiced bike riding in front of my home, throwing newspapers, and singing at the same time. I did a lot of multitasking. I adapt to different things easily, so it wasn’t hard.

PC: You’re sharing the screen with Kristen Wiig. Did she share any words of wisdom with you?
Reyn: When I was on set, Kristen and I connected on a friendship level. We really got along. She didn’t give me any words of wisdom, but she helped me throughout filming. On the last day of filming on set, my mom had to go to the hospital because she had some stomach issues. I was so worried and nervous because she’s my support system, but Kristen was there for me. She helped motivate me and kept my spirits up. She helped me through the day.

PC: This is your first big film project. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was your favorite moment?
Reyn: My favorite moment would definitely be just being able to watch different actors on set. Being able to watch Kristen perform her monologue, which was three minutes long—it was one of the longest monologues that I’ve ever seen in my life—and I was just in awe. She kept going and she didn’t drop out of her monologue.

PC: In addition to Barb and Star, you’ve got a couple of other projects that you’re working on. Are there any that you can talk about at this time?
Reyn: I just finished filming one Nickelodeon show which I was a guest star on. I’m actually filming another Nickelodeon show, and I’m a recurring guest star in that one. I have Boss Baby 2 coming out in September.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite show?
Reyn: Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

PC: Favorite movie?
Reyn: Bridesmaids or Hachi.

PC: Favorite book or musical?
Reyn: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Reyn: Cardi B.

PC: Hidden talent?
Reyn: I can do math without a calculator and I can do it quickly.

To keep up with Reyn, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Barb and Star Go to Del Vista Mar is now available everywhere you rent movies!

Photo Credit: Amelia Joyce Tubb // Grooming: Kimberly Bragalone for Exclusive Artists // Styling: Meaghan O’Connor and Charlotte Harris