Fans of the TV series 9-1-1: Lone Star are in for a treat, as the new season is filled with all-new rescues.
The hit spin-off series, which just started premiering new episodes this past Monday (January 3), picks up after the events of the second season finale. The 126 is shut down and the crew is dispersed across the city. In the multi-episode opening storyline, a massive and unexpected arctic front hits Austin with an ice storm, causing widespread chaos. Can Capt. Owen Strand (played by Rob Lowe) and Capt. Tommy Vega (Gina Torres) not only save the city, but find a way to resurrect and reunite the former 126?
We had the chance to chat with young actor Cooper Friedman recently, where he opened up about being on the hit series and more about his role of “Abe.”
The 13-year-old is no stranger to the TV world, as he’s starred in shows such as Shameless and Girl Meets World. With a recurring role of a young boy named Abe in 9-1-1: Lone Star, Friedman says he was not only able to gain a lot of valuable tips during this experience, but also grow with his creative freedom.
“Many of the scenes had to be improvised. For example, in the underwater scene, there were no lines but I had to act like I was drowning,” Friedman exclusively told Celeb Secrets.
Check out the full Q&A with Cooper below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of 9-1-1: Lone Star by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
New episodes of 9-1-1 Lone Star air every Monday at 8PM ET/PT on FOX, streaming next day on Hulu. You can connect with Cooper by giving him a follow on Instagram at @cooperjfriedman.
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Celeb Secrets: The last time we talked with you, Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat had just come out! How have things been since that release?
Cooper Friedman (CF): “I have been auditioning for some new roles, spending time with my family and we have taken a lot of road trips.”
CS: 9-1-1: Lone Star is a spin-off of Fox’s hit show 9-1-1, were you a fan of the show or had you watched it before booking the role of Abe?
CF: “No, I had never watched 9-1-1 or 9-1-1: Lone Star before, but I definitely heard of the show. I have been a huge fan of Rob Lowe for a long time. Unfortunately, none of the scenes that I filmed were with Rob Lowe, so I never got to meet him.”
CS: You had to go through a lot for your episodes like underwater filming! What were some of the challenges you faced, and what did you learn from it?
CF: “The underwater filming was very challenging, and it was definitely way harder than normal acting. I can confirm that I learned many techniques on how to master underwater filming and next time, I will be a natural at it.”
CS: I know that in a scene you accidentally spilled soda but it made it in the final cut, were there any other scenes of yours that you improvised throughout the show?
CF: “Many of the scenes had to be improvised. For example, in the underwater scene, there were no lines but I had to act like I was drowning.”
CS: If you could describe your character Abe in three words, what would they be?
CF: “Outgoing, lazy, and persistent.”
CS: Do you have any favorite memories from filming 9-1-1: Lone Star? If so, can you share them?
CF: “I really loved doing the house scene. It was fun to create a montage of activities around the house and it was fun to improvise a lot.”
CS: What has been the best piece of advice you’ve received from your castmates while being on the 9-1-1 Lone Star set?
CF: “I received a lot of advice from the underwater divers on set. They taught me breathing techniques and a lot of advice related to being underwater.”
CS: Is acting for TV shows different from acting in movies? What’s a difference that you’ve noticed and which do you prefer?
CF: “Acting in movies is quite different from acting in tv shows. The main difference is the length of the projects. TV shows are usually very quick and take weeks to finish. However, movies take a lot longer and could last for months. I do prefer movies because you get to spend more time with the cast, and it is easier to build up your character.”
CS: You’ve accomplished a lot in your career so far, especially at your age. Is there a piece of advice that you’ve been given that has really stuck with you, that you would want to share with other young actors?
CF: “Keep trying and never give up. In show business, you will receive a lot of “no” before you get a yes.”
CS: Do you have any future projects that you could hint at or tell us a little about?
CF: “I have a movie called Small Town Wisconsin coming out next summer. Also, I have auditioned for a lot of cool roles so hopefully some work out.”
CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets or favorite memories from filming 9-1-1 Lone Star?
CF: “Well, the huge snowstorm that was filmed was actually filmed in 90 degree weather. The final outcome looks like a massive, life threatening blizzard; however, it was all fake and movie magic.”
