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2021 – Zakary Risinger

Zakary Risinger took over the role of Daniel Morgan on General Hospital. Zakary has been working all his life starting as a newborn. He has been seen on hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS and Them. He’ll also be seen in the film Scarlett coming out next week.

1. How did you get started with acting?
When I was two weeks old, my mom’s friend, who is an agent, asked my mom to go get me a work permit because she had a job for me. I started out playing newborn babies just out of the womb. She was my agent for 10 years after that, until she moved to the East Coast. I’m very grateful for how much effort she put into building my resume and reel.

2. What is the first job you remember working on and what do you remember most about that shoot?
One of the first jobs I remember in detail was a short film I did called Pickle. It was my first leading role, and people really loved it. I learned so much working on it. There were scenes with a campfire, using a process trailer, breaking a window, and I got to play both comedic and dramatic scenes. It was one of the best filming experiences I ever had, even if we were out in the middle of the desert for many of the days.

3. What was the experience like filming your episodes of Them?
Them was very hard to do. Playing a racist kid is not something I was even remotely comfortable with. Little Marvin, the show’s creator, was very supportive and gave me a pep talk when I thought I might lose it because I hated the words I had to say so much. Playing the bad guy isn’t easy. He reminded me that I was “trusted” with the material, and they knew I would never really act like that in real life. Still, my mom and I would cry after filming. I think a lot of people did.

4. Do you have a favorite part of working on your episode of Room 104?
Room 104 was an amazing experience because I got to bring my stage combat and fencing skills to the role. Not only did we get prepared by a stunt guy from Pirates of the Caribbean, but he let me keep the sword!

5. What was the casting process like for General Hospital?
The casting process for General Hospital was typical of Covid-safe times. We do an audition tape at home and send it in. We’ve been auditioning like this, from home. for a really long time now. I was shocked and so happy when I found out I got the job.

6. How did it feel going to set the first day?
I was a little nervous on my first day, mostly because my mom was with my brother on location on another show, and my dad was working on a show in Canada. My older brother took me, and we weren’t sure what to expect. I had never gone to set with anyone except my mom or dad. My brother and I were made to feel so welcome, everyone helped us, especially the amazing studio teacher, and it was an amazing day. I feel like the GH family is an actual family that looks out for each other.

7. What do you like most about working with Kelly Monaco?
Kelly is nice to work with because she is super funny. I know she has to play a bunch of dramatic scenes, but I find her sense of humor in between takes hilarious.

8. How do you enjoy filming with Ella Ramacieri?
Ella is the most adorable and sweetest girl ever. We have a lot of fun together, and I look forward to doing more scenes with her.

9. Is there anyone in the cast you hope to get to work with?
I really hope I get to work with Maurice Benard. I think he is an incredible actor, and Sonny is such a strong, iconic character. I would love to have the opportunity to learn from him.

10. Do you already have a favorite scene you have done so far?
You know I can’t say anything about any scenes I’ve filmed!!! I’ve really enjoyed what I have had the chance to film so far, and hope there will be more interesting content to dig into in the near future.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think I would most want people to know that I’m just a regular kid. I go to regular school, I like to hang out with my friends and go to the beach to surf or to the skatepark to skate. I also have fun doing musical theater. Auditioning is hard work and booking jobs is super fun but it’s only one piece of the puzzle that is my life.

Follow Zakary on social media:
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Image by: Shandon Photography