In this year’s reboot of Cheaper by the Dozen on Disney+, Andre Robinson experienced his first major film playing the role of DJ in the new release. As an established voiceover artist, Andre’s work includes voicing Clyde McBride in The Loud House on Nickelodeon, Cutter in Dragons Rescue Riders and Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky, Hansel in A Tale Dark & Grimm and Niko in Niko and the Sword of the Light. For Andre’s first regular job, he was part of the Disney Junior show Doc McStuffins, in which he voiced Donny McStuffins from 2014 to 2020. Chatting to Andre, he talked to us about playing DJ in the Disney+ reboot of Cheaper by the Dozen, voicing the role of Clyde in The Loud House and working on Dragons Rescue Riders as Cutter.

How did you find your time on set of Cheaper by the Dozen for Disney+ as DJ and what was it like working with the rest of the cast?

One would think, “ten kids could be chaotic,” but it wasn’t at all! When we started filming, we bonded immediately. Honestly, it felt like we were a great, big, happy family. I had a blast! Sometimes it felt chaotic (in a good way) when we were all in the same scene – including the dogs!

What is DJ like to play and do you remember how you felt booking the role?

DJ is loveable, super smart, and nerdy. Comic books and superheroes totally excite him. That was easy to play because I actually love comic books and superheroes in real life. My dad and I are huge Marvel fans! When I auditioned, I was invited for a callback and then two director sessions. I was overwhelmed with joy and beyond grateful to Kim Coleman Casting and Gail Lerner for believing in me.

Do you have any stand-out highlights from working on Cheaper by the Dozen and having it as your first major on-screen film?

The greatest highlight was when DJ — smart, nerdy, and sweet — turns goth in order to impress a girl at his school. It was fun getting dressed up in that outfit and putting on all the makeup and jewellery.

You voice the role of Clyde in The Loud House, can you tell us about the show and your character?

The Loud House centres around Lincoln Loud and his family of ten sisters. Clyde McBride and Lincoln are best friends in the show and the two of them are always on an adventure.

How do you find the experience recording for The Loud House and being part of the series?

Nickelodeon is one of the best places to work. The Loud House cast was a family. We recorded as an ensemble (pre-COVID) and the love and energy from everyone was epic. I literally couldn’t wait to record weekly. That’s how close-knit we were.

What is it like voicing Cutter in Dragons Rescue Riders and Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky?

Dragons Rescue Riders was an exciting three-year project. Cutter was a funny character to voice. He was funny, bold, and adventurous. His body could cut those around him, so he had to be careful. He was also able to dislodge spikes in battle. I enjoyed working with the entire ensemble. We all became great friends to this day.

Can you tell us about working on Summer Camp Island?

Cartoon Network is a wonderful place to work. With so many characters and kids on the show, it was always so organised and an exciting job to work on. I voiced the role of Oliver on the show.

How was it taking on the role of Hansel in A Tale Dark & Grimm and what was the show like to work on?

This was my COVID-19 project. I booked it after everything shut down and was able to record from my home studio, with the help of the production and Netflix. Working remotely turned out to be a great experience and I enjoyed working with the cast and production. The storyline was engaging and I loved every minute of recording Hansel.

Was there anything you enjoyed most about voicing Donny McStuffins in Doc McStuffins for Disney Junior?

Donny McStuffins was my first series regular job and I learned so much about technique from the director, Maria Estrada. She taught me so much and I am forever grateful for her.

What are some of your favourite memories from voicing the titled role of Niko in Niko and the Sword of the Light?

My fondest memory is working with the stellar cast. I was the only kid on the show and I learned so much from Andrea Romano, Tom Kenny, D. Bradly, and Kari Wahlgren to name a few.

What’s it like seeing characters you’ve voiced come to life and do you have a favourite aspect of having a voiceover career?

I’m always in awe hearing my voice behind the character. I’m amazed how the animation team behind the scenes bring the characters to life. My favourite aspect of voiceover is creating voices and mimicking other accents like British, southern drawl, or Australian.

Can you tell us about some of the other projects you’ve been involved with over the years?

I’ve recurred on several shows like American Dad, Family Guy, Adventures in Odyssey, and for two years I was a Chrysler Pacific Kid travelling the country promoting the Chrysler Pacifica on YouTube. One notable film was Bilal: A New Breed of Hero where I played Young Bilal and travelled to Doha, Qatar for the premiere.

How did you get into screen and voice acting and is it something you always wanted to do?

When I was six years old, my mom quit her job to stay home with me. Her friend, who managed children, encouraged her to put me in the entertainment industry and she decided to give it a try. Initially, as a kid, it was just fun. I didn’t even know I was “working”! Later, when I realised it was a profession, I knew I was born for this. Acting is my greatest passion.

How is it attending premieres and award ceremonies, such as the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards earlier this year?

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards is the best. It’s fun walking the Orange Carpet, I get to see my Nickelodeon family and friends, and I always have a blast because the energy is so high. The same with premieres. I love dressing up, walking the red carpet, and doing interviews.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch and how do you like to spend your time away from acting?

Anything Marvel or Star Wars. I can watch them over and over again. Away from acting, I love spending time with my family and friends and I absolutely love getting on a plane going anywhere!

What are you hoping 2022 brings for your career?

I’m definitely hoping for more animation series regular roles and would love to film another movie or television show.

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