Meet Lance Alexander, a fourteen-year-old comedian who is living his dream by bringing smiles to others as an actor and volunteer. The rising star got his start in comedy when discovered at the age of 12. Moving from West Chester Ohio to Los Angeles as a young teen, Lance’s humorous personality and dedication to his craft helped him land roles on Raven’s Home and Teachers on TV Land. Now, Lance plays Elvis Maybury, a lovable teen with a big heart on Netflix’s award-winning comedy, Family Reunion — his biggest role yet. When he isn’t preparing for behind-the-camera work, Lance spends time at Best Buddies, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We speak to Lance about his role on Family Reunion, his work at Best Buddies, and comedy’s place in our current social reality. Read our interview with Lance to learn just how fluent in comedy this teen-wonder really is and where he’s going next.

Where are you based?
I am based out of Los Angeles, California.

What sparked your interest in acting?
Growing up I always enjoyed participating in local theater and school plays. I discovered my passion for acting by simply watching how people responded to my presence. At that time, I had no idea that acting could be a career. Things got a little more formal in 2017 when I began taking acting classes in my former home town of West Chester, Ohio. That led to me participating in a talent showcase which sparked interest from both a talent agent and manager from Los Angeles. The showcase was a success. With only five months of formal training, we headed to Hollywood at their requests.

What was it like moving from your home of Ohio to LA at age 12?
It was very exciting, yet scary at the same time. Leaving my friends, school, and part of my family in Ohio left me feeling very uncertain at times. I knew everyone back home was cheering for me but I also felt a lot of pressure to “make it” in Hollywood. Of course, I put pressure on myself. My family and friends have always supported me but I always want to make everyone proud. I see the sacrifices my family is making for my career and from time to time I feel the pressure.

Who are your role models and why?
My parents are indeed my role models because they both have amazing drive and the biggest hearts. I watch everything they do for my sister and it reminds me of how blessed we are to have two good parents. Both of my parents value education. My father is an attorney and my mother has a doctorate degree, so no matter what happens with acting they always remind me to also focus on my education so that I may have other career options. The best thing about my parents is how supportive they have always been. No matter what sport, hobby, or crazy business venture I mention, they always say “work hard and go for it buddy.”

Can you tell us a little bit about the Netflix show Family Reunion and your role as Elvis Maybury? Can you relate to him?
The show is about the McKellen family who lives in Seattle and travels to Columbus, Ga (where my character lives). Their family decides to stay after the reunion. My character’s family lives in a small town and the McKellan family is used to their big city. The parents are not very firm so the kids have a hard time adjusting to all the rules of their grandparent’s home. The parents and grandparents don’t always agree and sometimes this causes problems. Meanwhile, the kids are trying to adjust to school, make friends, and find their way in the new town. It’s a very comical situation and my character Elvis certainly fits into the comedy. I absolutely relate to Elvis which is why I love playing this character. He is fun-loving, loves the Lord, and extremely carefree - just like me! Elvis is very active in his church and loves vacation bible school. Elvis is a well-mannered teen with a big loving heart and he is always up for a good time! He is a little timid at times, especially when it comes to breaking the rules. Elvis is also an entrepreneur and I would like to consider myself one as well. I tried to corner the market on fidget spinners once at school!

What did you do to prepare for playing the role of Elvis?
When I received the script, I was instantly impressed and excited about the show. After I read for Elvis, I simply could not stop thinking about the audition because I instantly connected with this character! To help my nerves and maintain my sanity, I have the rule to forget about auditions when I leave the casting office. I went in three times for the role of Elvis and the first time was the most nerve-racking because of the required country accent. To prepare, I rehearsed and researched all I could about the southern town and listened to country music. My final audition for Elvis was actually on the Paramount Lot on a Wednesday in October and I will never forget that callback! I wasn't really nervous but it appeared the call back group was getting smaller and smaller so I focused on nailing every aspect of my performance.

Did you always want to do comedy?
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to entertain and whatever room I entered I seemed to get a lot of attention. Early on, I was just simply dancing or telling knock-knock jokes. That’s how it all started. I discovered I had a special way with people: I liked them, they liked me back, and they thought I was funny.

Jejune loves that you volunteer with Boy and Girls Club America & Best Buddies. Can you tell us a little bit about these organizations and your work with them?
Volunteering with Best Buddies International and Boys & Girls Club of America brings me great delight and I volunteer as often as my schedule permits. With the after school program at the local Boys and Girls Club, I interact with the kids mostly by playing basketball, chess, or board games. Sometimes we just sit and enjoy friendly conversations about school, family, or sports. If your readers are not familiar with Best Buddies, it is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). There are several different volunteer programs and I volunteer with the Friendship Programs. These programs build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences, and activities that many other individuals enjoy. If your readers are interested in learning more or looking to get involved with Best Buddies, please visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/volunteer/ click on take action and volunteer, donate, fundraise and advocate today.

Do you draw on your acting skills when working with the children at Boy and Girls Club America & Best Buddies? Can you give an example?
Honestly, I have never really connected the two worlds. When I am not working I do my very best to relax and enjoy other things. When I have the opportunity to volunteer I focus on those kids and part of that means being authentic, extremely down to earth, and relatable.

Now that some schools are opening up again, are you able to work with these organizations again?
Most of the schools in my district remain closed, so I have not returned to the Boys and Girls Club. Likewise, Best Buddies continues to utilize Zoom for any meetings and personal interactions. I really do miss the in-person interaction but I understand and support the need for us all to remain safe.

Given what we are experiencing today, how do you think drama can play a role in changing or opening people's minds to new ways of understanding?
Of course, I speak fluent comedy. Most of the time I rather find ways to make people laugh during their dark moments. However, I do understand that some subjects require a more serious tone and rather than a humorous one. Our current climate is very frightening and perhaps some real stories that present the tragedies and their crimes are a start to getting our country to understand the effects of racism and police brutality and this is no laughing matter.

How have you been impacted by COVID?
During the first couple of months of quarantine, I struggled to stay positive and boredom started taking over. I was bored, lonely, and disappointed with how the pandemic was interrupting life in general, so I had to find ways to stay positive and busy. My family loves to travel and our Hawaii trip was canceled along with several other planned vacations. Of course, COVID also had a major impact on the television and film industry. Our production was paused and I went several months without working or a single audition and that was extremely difficult. Things are starting to pick up a little here in Los Angeles but it’s still rather quiet with respect to work.

How are you staying positive during these times?
I have been keeping busy with TikTok during this pandemic. Before quarantine, I really didn’t post to my TikTok account but after a few months of being stuck in the house, I decided to start writing and posting skits. TikTok has definitely saved me by providing an avenue for me to entertain and put a smile on some faces. On my TikTok, I do a little bit of everything including dances with my family, but my page is mostly comedy skits! The skits are based on real-life situations that I know others have experienced! My number one goal is to make people laugh especially during these wild and crazy times. I have gained a mass following on TikTok in a short time span, and I am so very grateful for all the love I have been shown! My TikTok name is @thelancealexander come on over for some laughs.

What is your life motto?
NEVER GIVE UP!

To learn more about Lance, please check him out via the following platforms:
Instagram: @thelancealexander
TikTok: @thelancealexander

Lance Alexander's Start As A Young Comedian