Star-Kidz

 

Peter and Thomas play the role of Tate Black on Days of our Lives. The boys were also seen in Ted 2, Parks & Recreation and Bones! To keep up to date make sure to keep checking back here at the site.

 

1. What was the experience like to be a part of Ted 2?

Ted 2 was indeed an experience. We got the call driving home from a True Detectives photo shoot where Collin Ferrell was snuggling my guys so you can imagine the double dose of excitement. The cast was wonderful to us: Amanda Seyfried played peek a boo with the boys off screen to get a good shot, Jessica Barth fed them and played with them to better acquaint, she even went so far as to offer her trailer as ours was rather small. Mark W was great with the boys, friendly and really fun. A great group of people! Seth McFarlane is a perfectionist and the scene was repeated many times which made for long days, but I felt nothing but support from everyone.

 

2. What was their time on set like filming Parks & Recreation?

My husband and our set sitter, Lisa took the boys to P&R as he is a huge fan. He was raving about cast and crew! They took him on a tour of the set once he shared his love for the show, it was awesome.

 

3. How did you react when the boys booked Days of Our Lives?

Utter disbelief and borderline panic upon booking a series. We aren’t “Hollywood” people, arriving here was rather unexpected. We basically assumed that nothing would come of this so to book a soap was completely daunting! And so thrilling. And then we of course told everyone. 😉

 

4. What was their first day on set like?

Our first day on set was a tailspin. Arriving in an unknown location, navigating set props and wardrobe to find the hub was all very surreal. We were received so kindly and directed to a private room where we were met with a set nurse and teacher. I came with a set sitter and of course the boys: it’s a lot of people in a room giving you a ton of information in a short time, and meanwhile I’m just hoping my kids don’t scream on camera. ;). When our call time hit I was excited and nervous but the boys did great. I was unfamiliar with the show, so while I’m watching off camera a dressed down Jen Lilley started chatting with me about how excited she was to finally getting a baby on set. I then started watching the show, lol.

 

5. Is there any way to tell the boys apart? Can any castmates tell the boys apart?

Our sweet Thomas has what I call the “Thomas Tell” a freckle on his right temple. He’s also got a birth mark on his upper thigh which isn’t all that helpful most of the time. He also weighs a bit more than Peter so you can tell them apart when side by side.

Jen Lilley has never been wrong, and she’s not using the freckle either. She can and does always identify the boys correctly.

 

6. What is it like working with Jen Lilley?

The boys are so lucky to have such a wonderful set mom, Jen is great. Completely comfortable with little ones and all that comes with them, including spit up. (Yes, the boys have puked on Jen Lilley ??). Regardless, she visits before filming and plays, chats. She’s super easy going and so terrific with my guys.

 

7. How do Peter and Thomas enjoy working with Eric Martsolf?

As a twin father, Eric certainly isn’t intimidated by the double trouble. He’s easy going, comfortable to talk to and be around. He tends to be around when we arrive and always messes a little with them, they love it!

 

8. Is there anyone at Days you hope they have a chance to work with?

We’ve been lucky enough to be exposed to so many of the actors. These people love babies!! We leave our door open and so many come in, hold the guys, play and chat. Actually True covered for me once when I dashed down the hall for coffee and they called the boys. She was trying to get Peter to sleep in her arms and insisted on staying with him. Diedre Hall is so sweet with them and always has a good tip on teething, or works with my oldest son on reading signs if I have to bring him along. Arianne Zucker is another sucker for babies, she has visited and played with them too. Such lucky boys! They are all great and I feel we’ve got one better than working on set with this cast, they are personable and involved all the time.

 

9. Are there any funny stories from set?

There was a day on set where I walked out with Peter, and Eric and Jen most unexpectedly launched into song (ragtime) and I’m fairly sure my jaw dropped to the floor. I stood before them holding Peter and they belted it out. I think all were in awe until Stuart awakened us and we got down to business. Watching them on set with the prop baby is always hysterical, and there was the day we had to do a few takes and Jen laughingly complained that she had just worked out her arms the day before… These are some solid boys, lol. Plus she’s so tiny, they look half her size sometimes!

 

10. Do you have a favorite episode the boys have filmed?

I loved the Christmas episode, Thomas wearing his Santa hat so proudly, honestly when we walked on set everyone gasped, he looked so cute! I cannot wait to see it.

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

It’s been a really fun adventure. My husband is probably most jealous of the boys birth scene with Brooklyn Decker, lol. How many guys get a chance to snuggle Brooklyn?! I truly enjoyed that set, Grace & Frankie, and walking out amongst so many greats was probably the first time I had to consciously remain calm: Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, Jane Fonda, etc… I am very proud my boys could work with those greats, albeit briefly.

It’s not easy doing this with two babies, but it is an experience I’ll never forget. And for us, the best part of DOOL is a video timeline of the boys growing up, doesn’t get much better than that.

 

We’d like to thank Peter, Thomas and their family for participating in this year’s Holiday Q&A Event!