I got to interview Jake Cherry from Night at the Museum!!

To celebrate the release this week of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, I had the wonderful luck to interview thirteen-year-old actor, Jake Cherry, who plays Nicky Daley, the son of Larry Daley played by Ben Stiller.

Me: You started acting in commercials when you were just two years old.  What was your very first acting gig?

Jake: Older brother was a model and his agent thought I was cute.  I was cast in the show Third Watch, I think it’s been cancelled.  My mom was murdered by fake cops, Very deep stuff.  I was young, though, so I wasn’t aware.

Me: I know that you’ve been on House M.D. and Criminal Minds and have had a recurring role on Desperate Housewives.  What’s the biggest difference for you between television and movie acting roles?

Jake: Well on television, the character can change and be happy and nice and by the end of the episode, might change to grumpy or mean.  In movies, character is one thing at the beginning, different in middle and different in the end.

Me: So it sounds like you’ve got the formula down.

Jake: Yes, I guess I do.

Me: Ben Stiller is a funny guy.  Did you have a lot of fun on the set of Night at the Museum and Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian?

Jake: Yes, a lot of fun.  On the first one, Robin Williams picked up a set of fake revolvers and started firing and screaming like a cowboy between takes.  In the DVD, over an hour of bonus features and you get to see a lot of the outtakes and funny moments that happened offscreen.

Me: Does Ben ever play practical jokes on the set?

Jake: Not too many practical jokes.  Ben Stiller is a funny guy, but a normal guy doing his job.  Robin Williams on the other hand, funniest guys in the world between takes.  You can’t stop laughing.

Me: It seems like acting runs in your family since your brother, Andrew is an actor, too.  Do you share acting tips and pointers with him?

Jake: Sometimes for $5 I’ll give him acting lessons, <laughing> but usually I’ll do it for free.

Me: When you’re not working, what are your hobbies or favorite things to do?

Jake: Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.  I love to play video games.  I know it rots your mind, but it’s something I like to do.

Me: What is your favorite video game?

Jake: Modern Warfare II. Definitely.

Me: What can we watch for in upcoming projects for you, Jake?

Jake: I’ll  be in an upcoming Disney movie with Nicolas Cage called The  Sorcerer’s Apprentice, which will be released in March 2010.  I play a younger version of one of the characters.  I can tell you there are so many stunts and special affects, it’s definitely going to be the coolest movie of the year.

Me: That sounds like a fun project.  I can’t wait to see that! Jake, is there anything else that you’d like to mention while we’re chatting?

Jake: If your kids like the monkey, Dexter from Night at the Museum, there’s a limited edition Holiday Gift Pack which includes Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian and a Monkey Mischief bonus DVD with monkey games and activities.  It’s a lot of fun.

Me: You’re adorable, thanks so much for talking to Things Moms Like today.

Jake: You’re welcome.  Thank you!

How ADORABLE is he? Totally!