GETTING TO KNOW: ROBERT ADAMSON

Robert Adamson

If you haven't caught an episode of ABC Family's new family drama Lincoln Heights yet, you've gotta tune in because you're missing out on Robert Adamson, a TV newcomer who we think you'll love. Recently this cute guy sat down with our friends at Teenmag.com and, here's what he had to say. And, if you're interested in seeing more of him, check out Robert on Lincoln Heights Mondays at 7 PM/6 PM Central on ABC Family!

TEEN: What's your character on Lincoln Heights like?
Robert Adamson: Charles is an army brat and he just moved into the neighborhood. It's his first day of school and I immediately notice Cassie, Erica Hubbard’s character. I notice her and am kind of interested in her. From there our relationship starts to develop. Charles, being in the position that he is in, feels like an outsider, he always is, and he doesn’t really develop relationships that easily but he sees something in her and pursues her. He’s into cars and right now he’s just starting to become part of Cassie’s family.

TEEN: Can you relate to him at all?
R.A.: The fun thing about playing Charles is that he’s still in high school and he’s growing and learning but he’s not like how I was in high school. I think he’s a lot more courageous. When I was growing up and watching shows like this I’d see characters and I’d see myself in their shoes and now it's interesting being on the opposite end. Charles goes for what he wants. He may be embarrassed or a little scared but he still does it. I’m kind of interested to see how other people relate to him.

TEEN: What were you like in high school?
R.A.: Confused I guess! I wasn’t too sure of myself and I escaped by doing theater. I played sports and stuff like that but I was kind of shy until I let go and I wasn’t.

TEEN: What’s it like working with Erica?
R.A.: Erica is a treat. She’s hilarious. She’s really adorable and very upbeat -- always has this big smile on her face. It was interesting seeing the way she worked and learning from her, because this is my first TV series. TV works a little bit differently and she just brings so many things to the table all of the time. It’s really fun to work with her.

TEEN: What sets the series apart from other shows on TV right now?
R.A.: Well the obvious, I guess, is that there aren’t really many family dramas on TV right now. But what I notice about the show is that it’s a middle class American family that a broad audience can relate to. Life is not easy and it’s the same for Eddie and his family. He’s a cop and he’s got it rough and he doesn’t make it any easier by moving into a rougher neighborhood but he takes it upon himself. I think him taking that risk and still managing to maintain a good family relationship is something that a lot of people are going to respond to.

TEEN: What does your family back in Utah think about your career?
R.A.: I think at first they thought I was in L.A. just messing around. But as the publicity for the show has gone around and they’ve been seeing the progression of the show they’ve started to throw me a little more support.

TEEN: Does anyone else in your family act?
R.A.: No, I’m the only one. I don’t think they really expected me to pursue acting. I didn’t really expect it. It just kind of happened and I’m enjoying the ride.

TEEN: When did you first decide to pursue acting?
R.A.: I was a junior in high school and I did a couple of scenes in an acting class. Then the summer before my senior year I auditioned for the Shakespeare Festival. I had ridiculous stage fright and I was just trying to get rid of it. I was hoping they’d give me some part on the side, but they cast me as Othello. I was off the wall nervous. But after doing it I fell in love with the whole process. I ended up going to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and doing some more theater.

TEEN: If you weren’t acting what do you think you’d be doing?
R.A.: At first I wanted to be basketball player but then I didn’t grow past 5’10. Then I wanted to be a tennis player and I worked really hard at that but I’m not that good. But I really think if I wasn’t acting I would pursue singing. My mom and everyone on her side of the family were professional singers. I didn’t start until later but its something that I really enjoy.

TEEN: What kind of music do you listen to?
R.A.: I love standards. I guess that’s weird for a 21 year old to say. I should probably say Justin Timberlake or something. But I listen to Michael Buble constantly – a little more than I should. I love standards and jazz.

TEEN: Do you have a career role model?
R.A.: Christian Bale – I seriously think that he’s the best actor on the planet. Ever since I saw him in "Empire of the Sun" when I was a little kid, everything I’ve seen him in I’m completely amazed by.

TEEN: If you could work with any actress who would it be? R.A.: I’d probably work with Kate Winslet because I think I’d learn a lot. I also think Kate Beckinsale is amazing but I wouldn’t be able to focus.