Known for playing the role of Ernie Cooper on Disney’s hit TV series K.C. Undercover since 2015, Kamil McFadden has also voiced in the DreamWorks movie Rise of the Guardians and guest starred in an episode of Austin & Ally. Kamil is the voice of Patriot in the upcoming animation Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors with digital shorts debuting on Disney XD on August 13th and the feature length movie releasing later this year. Taking time out to talk to us, Kamil tells us about acting on K.C. Undercover, appearing in an episode of Austin & Ally and his new voiceover role for Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors.
You played Ernie Cooper in Disney’s K.C. Undercover, what was it like on set of the show?
The set of K.C. Undercover was amazing. It was such a family atmosphere that it didn’t ever feel like work. The cast and crew joked around 90% of the time and that’s one of the reasons why I think the show was so successful because you could see and feel the joy in what we were all doing.
For those that haven’t seen the series, how would you describe it?
I would describe K.C. Undercover as a show about a family of spies trying to live a normal life as they save the world one day at a time.
Can you tell us about each member of the Cooper family?
K.C. is very righteous. She’s always willing to do the right thing even if that means breaking the rules to do it. Marisa is K.C.’s boy crazy best friend who is one step behind at times, but if she puts her mind to it she actually is very intelligent. Ernie is a computer genius, but when it comes to everything else, he falls short. Even though he falls short, he always tries his hardest. Judy is a fireball robot that assists the family with their missions. She seems heartless at first, but that is so the family won’t see that she has feelings and she actually cares. Craig is a goofball who loves food. He is pretty chill when normal life things are happening, but when it comes to K.C. missions he is on his game. Kira is the Swiss Army knife. She is sweet and caring, but also tough when necessary.
What’s it like acting alongside the rest of the cast?
It was an incredible experience acting alongside the rest of the cast. I learned a lot from each of the cast members that I’ll never forget. The bonds we created over the years is something that I’ll cherish forever. They each have a special place in my heart.
How long does one series take to film?
It can vary how long one series takes to film, but in particular our series each season lasted about nine months and each episode took a week to film.
Do you have wrap parties at the end of each series and how is it celebrating with the rest of the cast and crew?
Yes, we have wrap parties after each season. It’s such a nice release because of all the hard work we put in throughout the season. So to celebrate our art that we created together is special.
What’s it like being part of a long-running Disney series?
It’s exhilarating being a part of a long-running series. It means so much to have a black family be a part of that because representation matters.
You also filmed as Ernie for an episode of Austin & Ally, what was this like?
It was wonderful. The cast of Austin & Ally were so welcoming. Also, Halloween is always a fun time and that energy was definitely present while I was on set.
What do you remember about the Radio Disney Music Awards?
I remember the fans on the red carpet and how excited they were to see all of their favourite entertainers.
Can you describe how it feels attending award ceremonies?
It reminds me of the ceremonies that you would attend when the school year is over. You and your peers in one room celebrating each other’s achievements. It gives me a warm, familiar feeling.
How was the experience appearing in Grown Ups 2?
Awesome. For Grown Ups 2 to be my first feature film, the experience that I had and the people that I shared it with will stay with me forever.
Was Rise of the Guardians your first voiceover role and what was it like recording for it?
No, I had done voiceovers in Atlanta so I was well versed. Nothing of that magnitude though. I thought it was surreal for me to be in the DreamWorks building recording for a movie.
You have recently worked on Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, where did you record your part?
BangZoom studios is where I did my sessions.
Did you rehearse and record with the other actors, or are all parts recorded separately?
We didn’t have rehearsals. I recorded with other castmates, which was a first for me. I really enjoyed that because we were able to play off of each other and give the best performances.
Do you find it easier doing voiceovers or on-screen roles?
I don’t think one is easier than the other. I think each field has its trade-offs. On one hand, you have voiceovers where it doesn’t matter how you dress, but when performing it’s all about your voice and how things sound. Then, on the other hand, you have on-screen acting where everything matters, how you look, what you wear, and how well you can convince the audience you’re someone else.
What can you remember about your first acting role?
I was about eight years old performing with a theatre company called Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. I remember how excited I was my first time performing. Once I hit the stage, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What are your plans for the summer?
My plans for the summer are to enjoy it. Work when it comes, but experience life and travel in the meantime.
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