Feel the Beat actor Justin Caruso Allan has already established a name for himself, pursuing his passions while making an impact to the community all at 7-years-old.
Known as the brother of Ella and Mia (The Allan Twins), his career catapulted at age 3 when spotted at an audition for his sisters. He received his first role in a comedy skit with John Cena and Ben Schwartz for the 2016 ESPY Awards. Since then, the young movie star has made his film debut as Dicky in the Netflix comedy Feel the Beat co-starring alongside Sofia Carson. Caruso looks back on how his role sparked his love for acting.
“It was a life changing experience and I made friends for life,” Caruso said. “Watching the final product made me very proud of all the work I put into it and the sacrifices I had made.”
With his film debut, the child actor has also made guest appearances in shows like Man with a Plan starring Matt LeBlanc, The Baxters starring Roma Downey, and the long running soap opera Days of Our Lives. When he’s not acting, Caruso is lending his voice to charities like Brad Garrett’s Maximum Hope Foundation, Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation, and St. Judes to advocate for those who are affected around him.
To hear more about Caruso’s story and what his inspirations are, keep reading for our interview below and let us know what you think by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
You can also keep up with Justin Caruso by giving him a follow on Instagram at @justincarusoallan.
Celeb Secrets: What led you to wanting to pursue a career in acting? What made you so
passionate about acting?
Justin Caruso Allen: “For the most part I just fell into it. I had to go to auditions with my sisters Ella and Mia (The Allan Twins) because I couldn’t be left at home. One day I went to the audition for them to be in a comedy skit on The 2016 ESPY Awards with John Cena and Ben Schwartz. I was not supposed to be auditioning. After my sisters were done the casting director asked me to audition, I said yes and I booked the job =) . My passion really lit a fire when I booked Feel The Beat. It was a life changing experience and I made friends for life. I learned so much so fast, I got to dance the whole time which I love to do. Watching the final product made me very proud of all the work I put into it and the sacrifices I had made.
CS: Your first role was in a comedy skit for the ESPYs performing with celebrities like John Cena and Ben Schwartz. What did it feel like standing on that stage for the first time? Were you excited, nervous, etc.?
JCA: “I was only 3 but I was totally excited to be on stage with both of them, I couldn’t believe I was going to meet John Cena. When it was my turn to go up there I didn’t have any lines or prep before so I didn’t really know what to do. Ben Schwartz is so funny and natural he mostly improved his portion of the skit. If you watched it, I tripped on the chair coming onto the chair, so I got a little embarrassed, but John Cena kinda helped me up and patted me on the back. I didn’t really understand the questions Ben asked me so I just sheepishly shook my head no. (which actually turned out to be funny). The last part of that was I was supposed to walk off the set but again had no idea where I was supposed to go, so I just stood behind both of them. Ben is so funny, he said, “Justin I can feel you”. John gave me a high five and I was instructed where to go by the Assistant Director. I thought I was done for, but when I watched the skit on tv, it was actually hilarious because they had edited it to make my mistake seem intentional.”
CS: What has it been like working with big celebrities in the industry?
JCA: “There is an admiration and respect for their accomplishments and I like how they have always treated me as an equal or encouraged me by giving me pointers. They are just normal people and not the characters they play.”
CS: What role of yours so far have you been able to relate to the most? Why?
JCA: “I haven’t been in too many roles, so the obvious answer is Dicky in Feel The Beat. In the audition I mainly had to dance (which I love) so I felt very comfortable performing. When filming, it was somewhat the same. We practiced a lot on our days off so it actually felt like I was taking dance lessons from one of the legends in the industry. The rest of the time, I was surrounded by girls which I related to because I don’t have brothers only twin sisters which means I’m outnumbered lol! My character was very sweet ,encouraging, hard working and a team player. I would humbly say that captures who I am on and off camera.”
CS: In addition to acting, you’ve made it a big mission to give back to the community, what inspired you to be active and get involved with a variety of big named charities?
JCA: “For one, I had an uncle that passed away from Melanoma skin cancer. I never got to meet him but that’s who I was named after. One of the other actresses in Feel The Beat, Sadie Lapidus (Oona) has a brother named Calvin that is diagnosed with Pitt Hopkins. He has such a wonderful personality and soul and there are a lot of families that would do ANYTHING to find a cure. For the most part, I am advocating for people that have been affected by cancer. Also anything to help with kids quality of life and the families that have been affected by such tragedies.”
CS: At such a young age, you’ve been able to accomplish so much. What goals do you have for yourself now to accomplish for the future?
JCA: “For my career I would like to book more movies working alongside talented actors, producers and directors. Taking on roles that challenge me but also bring out the best of what I put in. I would love more than anything to be in a project with my sisters (not just for one day, but like an actual project). I think it would be cool to book something in another county or somewhere tropical lol. I see myself helping people who are hurt, whether volunteering at charities on my off time. I actually like learning a lot in school and playing baseball as much as I can.”
CS: Do you have any upcoming projects that fans can look forward to?
JCA: “Unfortunately, not at this point, I really wish Feel the Beat would have a sequel and most of all, re-cast me in it lol. I am really looking forward to another project. I am always working hard and learning from every opportunity I have with auditions. I know the next project is right around the corner and in the meantime I’m going to enjoy being a kid!”
CS: What is some advice you would give to fans who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
JCA: “Some of my favorite words of advice are: “Fear is a liar”. Everything is a learning experience, always be teachable. One of my favorite quotes is from Burt Reynolds, “Don’t let them catch you acting.” And “Don’t act Behave.” Remember it’s a marathon, not a race. Always practice new and creative ways to grow. If you do not book the job, it’s ok. It’s not you personally, you may not fit that specific role, and that’s ok.”
CS: Lastly, since we are Celeb Secrets, can you share any secrets about yourself or acting/roles that fans wouldn’t know about?
JCA: “Secrets…If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret =) Things fans may not know about me is…I am a Christian. I believe God first, then family, then friends. I am ambidextrous but favor the left side. I love basically anything sports, especially baseball. My favorite team is the SF Giants! (Sorry Dodger fans lol) I have 6 pets, a Sulcata Tortoise, a bunny, 3 dogs and a horse.”
