1. You need to work at it every day to perfect your craft because when you don’t you lose focus. Example: when I take a day off from learning my lines I get out of character.
2. Love the role you’re auditioning for because if you don’t it will be that much harder. Example: picking auditions you can relate to.
3. Take breaks and have fun with your friends to be as normal (kid) as possible Example: it gives balance to work and real life.
4. Always be prepared. Example: when performing, working, interviewing and even commentating, I’m always prepared.
5. The first year is the hardest, after that it’s smooth sailing. Example: it was hard to get used to learning script after script, performing and practicing every day and balancing my personal life, now it’s a breeze.
Young Dylan’s (Dylan Gilmer) began his journey began with a video his parents posted on Instagram 4 years ago of the young talent rapping Bryson Tiller’s “Don’t.” The video went viral and Ellen DeGeneres invited him to appear on her show. Since then, he has become a regular guest and performer on The Ellen Show. Young Dylan appeared at the 2017 Billboard Awards, has performed and hosted The Cam Newton Gala Foundation alongside Michael Strahan, performed at the 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and was a fan favorite on America’s Got Talent. His prior work with Nickelodeon began with an appearance on Lip Sync Battles and a couple of appearances on All That where he also performed his original rap/song “1234.”
Young Dylan was tapped by Tyler Perry himself, to star in a Tyler Perry Studios/Nickelodeon collaboration aptly titled “Young Dylan” about a young rapper who moves in with his uncle and family with hilarious results. His show has been a tremendous success for Nickelodeon, receiving the largest ratings for a series premiere for the family network since 2017.
“Young Dylan” the series just wrapped season 3 as well. In addition to acting on the show, Dylan penned the title song and writes other music for the show. This year, Young Dylan appeared on the Kids Choice Awards and also was nominated for Favorite Male TV Star. Dylan has been working on his music and will be releasing some songs soon. Dylan now has 2 other shows on Tv as well. Nickelodeon’s (Nfl Slime time) and the (Kids Tonight show) written by Jimmy Fallon.
Dylan has been requested to work with various brands on campaigns. He has also voiced a role for a new series with more details to come. In his free time, Dylan enjoys playing football, drawing, playing soccer, collecting action figures and bike riding.
IG: officialyoungdylan
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up as a regular kid, playing football and soccer. I attend regular school with my childhood friends.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My career started when I was just 7 years old. My dad and I love music. One day we were in the car listening to Bryson tiller and my dad recorded me rapping and posted it on social media. I went viral and Ellen Discovered me.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your entertainment career?
At 8 years old Drake contacted me to open up at “ Drake Night” in Toronto.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
My first time on Ellen I performed on a car and in the middle of my performance I almost slipped off the top of the car. The lesson I learned in that is to not perform on cars lol.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Currently, I am working on my “Mixtape” which is set to drop soon. I’m so excited! This will help my fans see another side of me.
Most young people your age don’t have to balance work and school. Can you tell us how you manage to balance your schoolwork, auditions, and time on set?
Work, school, time on set and my personal life is A LOT to manage but I don’t let it overwhelm me. I’m in a career that I love so it doesn’t always seem like work.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am grateful for my parents without them I would not be who I am today.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s jump to the main part of our interview. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
1. You need to work at it every day to perfect your craft because when you don’t you lose focus. Example: when I take a day off from learning my lines I get out of character.
2. Love the role you’re auditioning for because if you don’t it will be that much harder. Example: picking auditions you can relate to.
3. Take breaks and have fun with your friends to be as normal (kid) as possible Example: it gives balance to work and real life.
4. Always be prepared. Example: when performing, working, interviewing and even commentating, I’m always prepared.
5. The first year is the hardest, after that it’s smooth sailing. Example: it was hard to get used to learning script after script, performing and practicing every day and balancing my personal life, now it’s a breeze.
You are a person of enormous influence. How do you think you can use social media as a platform to be a positive influence to your fans, and for society at large?
I can use my voice to encourage the younger generation to never give up on their dream and goals.
If you had the ability to choose to work on any TV show or film, or work alongside any co-star, or with any director, what or who would that be, and why? You never know who might see this article, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to work with Tom Holland ( spiderman ), I think he’s a great actor and I love his films.
Thank you for these great ideas!
Rising Star Dylan Gilmer On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.