Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Kid Who Only Hit Homers’ Alex J. Montero

Alex J. Montero is hitting a home run with his feature film debut in The Kid Who Only HIt Homers.

The family drama follows Sylvester “Syl” Coddmeyer III (Montero) who has baseball in his blood. On the verge of quitting, Syl is visited by a mysterious man who secretly coaches him to sudden greatness.

Pop Culturalist spoke with Alex about the film.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Alex: I discovered my passion for acting when I was seven years old. I auditioned for Aladdin Jr. at my local community theater. When I landed the role of Aladdin, I was thrilled. The rush of adrenaline and energy on opening night was just incredible. At that moment, I knew that acting was all I wanted to do.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alex: The biggest influence on my career has been Area Stage Company. They are the theater conservatory in Miami, Florida that I have been attending since I was seven years old. They have really fostered my love for acting. My parents have also been a huge influence. Although neither of them are actors, they are extremely supportive and encourage me to achieve my dreams.

PC: You’ve got a new film out now. Tell us about The Kid Who Only Hit Homers, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Alex: I play Sylvester “Syl” Coddmeyer III who eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball. The only thing is that he wasn’t very good at it. While he is on the verge of quitting, the spirit of Babe Ruth appears and boosts his confidence.

What drew me to the project was how much I could relate to my character. We both were the same age and in middle school, and we have all had moments where we need a boost of confidence.

PC: How similar or different are you to your character?
Alex: At first, it may seem like we are really different. I don’t play baseball or any team sport. But my passion for acting is a lot like Syl’s passion for baseball. I was able to relate to how much it meant for my character to succeed and do well in what he loved the most. Also, like me, Syl is surrounded by really supportive family and friends that keep him grounded.

PC: You’re the lead of the film. Did you feel any pressure with that responsibility?
Alex: I did feel a huge sense of responsibility. Acting is like being on a team. If you are not 110% prepared and ready, you let everyone else on the project down. But that’s really what I love about acting: working hard alongside everyone else to bring a script to life and feeling proud of what we all are able to create together.

PC: This is your first project. What surprised you most about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Alex: I think what surprised me the most is that I didn’t really understand how many people are involved in the process of making a film. Most people imagine making a movie to be really glamorous. But everyone in the cast and crew are working hard, long days. For myself, if I wasn’t shooting a scene, I was on set getting tutored for school. I had to juggle both and make sure my grades didn’t drop on account of filming. But my biggest takeaway was that despite the hard work and long hours, I absolutely loved every minute of it.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after they see the film?
Alex: It’s an amazing movie, good for all ages, and filled with life lessons. One of the best lessons in the movie is when Syl’s father (played by Ryan Forrestal) says to him, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” I love that scene. No matter the situation we should never quit on ourselves just because we are afraid.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alex: Galavant.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alex: Any Marvel movie.

PC: Favorite book?
Alex: Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alex: Dear Evan Hansen.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alex: The Score.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Alex: Hugh Jackman.

To keep up with Alex, follow him on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Andrew Steinman