EXCLUSIVE| 'Cobra Kai' star Dallas Dupree Young praises Ralph Macchio for lifting his spirits
Starting an acting career at a young age is not easy and only a handful number of child actors pursue it professionally as they get older. In the past, we have seen a lot of child actors becoming superstars, and now that everyone knows how amazing the field of acting is more and more children are trying their hands at acting.
Hollywood legends like Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Watson, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson, and many more began their careers as child actors and now they are considered to be some of the greatest actors in Hollywood. In recent years, Millie Bobby Brown and some other actors have also joined the bandwagon. One of the actors who has impressed everyone with his acting and has garnered praise is none other than Dallas Dupree Young. He began acting in 2016 and acted in a couple of short films.
RELATED ARTICLES
Netflix 'Cobra Kai' Season 4: 5 things to know about blockbuster series
Netflix's 'Cobra Kai' Season 4: 5 things you didn't know about Ralph Macchio
Then, he went on to have supporting roles on shows like 'The Good Place', ''Ready Player One', 'The Fosters', 'The Big Show Show' and '9-1-1'. Now, he's ready to enthrall everyone in Season 4 of 'Cobra Kai'. He will be playing the role of Kenny on the show and he's beyond excited to show the world his acting prowess.
So, MEAWW caught up with Dallas and discussed his character on the show and how working with Ralph Macchio lifted his spirits.
Q) You began your acting career in 2016 and started with a couple of short movies. Over the years, you have worked in various genres and a lot of projects. So, how's your journey been in Hollywood?
Dallas: My journey in Hollywood has been incredible and exhilarating at the same time. Everything that I’ve done to this moment has led me up to ‘Cobra Kai’ and I am so grateful for these opportunities, whether they were small or big because they helped me grow as an actor. I keep on learning from such unique and talented actors. So, I am really grateful for this journey and I am having such a great time.
Q) Now that you have already forayed into the field of acting. Do you want to make your career in acting? or do you want to do something else in the same industry? Like directing and writing?
Dallas: Yes!!! Along with acting, I would love to do directing as well. I have been talking to a lot of directors and producers to figure how it feels to be working behind the camera and the mindset they need to have all the time. I’ve been doing a lot of research as well and I would love to do that in the future along with acting. Just to know different aspects of the business as well.
Q) 'Cobra Kai' is one of the biggest shows in the world and you are now an integral part of it. How did you feel when you first got the confirmation that you have been selected for the role? and what was the audition procedure like?
Dallas: When I first heard that I have been got the role of Kenny in ‘Cobra Kai’, I was so damn excited. I was overjoyed and it was such an amazing moment when I heard I got the part. But the most interesting part about all this is that I didn’t know that my character would have such a pivotal role to play in Season 4 until I read the second episode. I was like, ‘Oh, wait! This is a lot different than what I thought’.
Speaking about the audition process, so I auditioned for this like a year ago and it took us about three weeks to finish the whole procedure. The callbacks and then the producers wanted to meet me and when I got the role, I finally decided to watch the series. I loved it instantly and I was so happy that I am going to be a part of this show.
Q) Were you familiar with 'The Karate Kid' movies? or did you watch them after getting the role on 'Cobra Kai'.
Dallas: I was familiar with the ‘The Karate Kid’ movies and I watched the movies when I was 4 or 5 years of age. I was one of those kids who was trying to be in Karate and I was influenced by Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and my teacher. So, I love the ‘Karate Kid’ and I watched it again after getting the part. I love it.
Q) You play the role of Kenny on the show. Can you tell us something about your character? And how he's different from your own personality.
Dallas: Kelly is a new kid in the school and is being bullied by some students. He is struggling with a lack of confidence and turns toward Karate as a way to defend himself and gain confidence with the teachings of his dojo. I think the only thing different between me and Kenny is the confidence part. Not having it actually and struggling to find your identity and that’s the kind of struggle Kenny has to go through in this season. I can’t everybody to see it because people are going to love the dramatic changes of his character.
Q) You are sharing the screen with legends like Ralph Macchio, Courtney Henggeler, and William Zabka. So, how was the experience working with them? And we heard that you were nervous when you were about to meet Ralph for the first time. So, tell us about that?
Dallas: Working alongside these supremely talented actors has been such an incredible experience. It was really cool to just see them interacting with everyone and even when they are not in the scene, they are always supporting each other. They just kept on encouraging us to keep going and I just loved working with them.
Now, when I first met Ralph, oh wow! I remember, Ralph was having a conversation with Xolo and Merry. It was my first day on the set and I was there with my mom. I saw him and I said to my mom that I am going to go and introduce myself to him. I was so nervous and I walked up to him and said, ‘Hey, I am Dallas Dupree Young. I play Kenny’. He just welcomed me with open arms. He was like, ‘Congratulations on having the role. I’ve seen your audition tapes, you are an incredible actor. I can’t wait to see you shine in the show.” My conversation with Ralph lifted my spirits and affected my performance as well.
Q) The series is high on action and you know, it's karate and all. Did you have any prior experience in karate? or It was all new for you. And were you ever scared while doing your own stunts on the show?
Dallas: I did have a little Karate experience prior to the show and did it when I was 5 or 6. I stopped for a little while and came back to do some kickboxing. It was actually good because it prepared me for a show like ‘Cobra Kai’. When it comes to doing the stunts, yes, it was a bit scary to do some of the martial arts stuff on the show. However, it was exciting at the same time. It became more exciting when I got to learn the moves. I was learning how to be precise with my moves and I was doing it every day. I loved working with the stunt team.
Q) So, the next set of questions is fun and will tell fans a lot more than they know.
- Favorite Movie?
Dallas: 'Space Jam' (original)
- Favorite Musician?
Dallas: The Weeknd
- If you were not an actor, which profession would you would have chosen?
Dallas: Oh, I would have been a Baseball player for sure.
Q) So, what should fans expect from Season 4 of 'Cobra Kai'? Should they be prepared for something they have never seen before?
Dallas: Well, I can’t say that they are going to see something that they have never seen before. But I am going to say that it is an emotional roller-coaster and people are going to love every single minute of it. It is so special and then the All Valley Karate Tournament is the most exciting part of the series. Season 4 is the best season so far. All of the waiting has led up to this moment.
Q) So, what's next for Dallas? Are you working on more projects currently?
Dallas: I do have some projects in the works. One is ‘1-800-Hot-Nite’ and ‘The Royal’. I am really excited about them and people would love them. So, stay tuned and you’ll not be disappointed.
'Cobra Kai' Season 4 is currently streaming on Netflix.