As an on-screen actor, JeCobi Swain plays Freddy Barnett in the new cinema release of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – the screen adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1970 novel, and he’s been seen as regular character Kelvin across all three series of Home Economics. JeCobi was in the cast of the 2019 feature film Troop Zero as Ray-Ray, and he has filmed guest roles for Disney’s Raven’s Home as Dylan and Obi-Wan Kenobi as Jayco. Also an experienced voiceover actor, JeCobi voices regular characters Jayden Jones in Firebuds and Buddy in Superkitties (both for Disney Junior), Sean in the Netflix series My Dad the Bounty Hunter, Goose in the Apple TV+ adaptation of Duck & Goose and Freckle in Little Ellen. Talking to JeCobi, he told us about filming as Freddy Barnett in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, playing Kelvin in Home Economics and voicing his many characters including Sean in My Dad the Bounty Hunter and Goose in Duck & Goose.

In the new release of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, you play the role of Freddy Barnett, what can you tell us about your character and how was it working on the project?

My character Freddy Barnett is the best friend of the most popular boy in the school, he’s the one cool friend that everyone needs in their life and an all around class clown. He makes everyone laugh and is a total goofball. Working on the project was such a fun time, it felt like a giant big family. It’s definitely a time in my childhood that I will cherish forever and I have made friends for a lifetime while filming this movie.

Was there anything that drew you to the role of Freddy and what was he like to play?

Yes, what drew me to Freddy was that he is a very good friend, he’s always funny and having a good time. It’s never a dull moment with Freddy and he’s a good guy.

What was it like attending the film’s premiere and why would you recommend watching Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

Attending the film’s premiere was very eye-opening. I had a great time and it made me realise how blessed I am. I would recommend watching Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret? because it shows the rough edges of religion and how different people can believe in similar things in different ways. It shows how if you need help you should always still come to God. It also shows how growing up can be rough sometimes but talking to God can help you through it.

What are some of your stand-out highlights so far from playing Kelvin in Home Economics and filming alongside the rest of the cast?

Season 1, Episode 5 is one of my favourite episodes because people got to see Kelvin in an episode about him and how funny and smart Kelvin really is.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Kelvin for your first regular character on screen and do you have a favourite aspect of working on the show?

I felt very, very, very excited because I was going to meet new people and work with some great actors and actresses and move to LA. One of my favourite funny aspects of working on the show is I have a breakfast sandwich that our amazing chef makes and it’s only on this particular set called “The JeCobi Sandwich”. It is so good! I look forward to it every time we start filming in the mornings.

You voice Jayden Jones in the Disney Junior animated series Firebuds, what do you enjoy most about voicing the character and can you tell us about the series?

What I love most about voicing Jayden Jones is working with the voice director Mr. Mick and us bringing Jayden to life and I love making the music for Jayden, it’s pretty fun. The series is renewed for a second season and it’s one of my little sister’s favourite cartoons, along with Superkitties and My Dad the Bounty Hunter.

How would you describe your character Buddy in Superkitties and how is it being part of the show?

I would describe Buddy as being the funny one of the group. His jokes will put a smile on everyone’s faces. He’s very enthusiastic and outgoing. Being a part of the show is amazing and it is super fun. I had a great time recording and bringing Buddy to life.

What is it like being in the cast of My Dad the Bounty Hunter as Sean and what is the character like to voice?

Being a part of this project means so much to me! I am so hoping for Season 2! I loved working with this stellar cast, the creators and whole team. Being a part of the cast was like one big party. It was so much good energy. I pray and hope this show gets another season.

How was it seeing the fan response to the series and who do you think will enjoy watching it?

It was amazing to see that the hard work was appreciated by all the fans and supporters. I think people will love and enjoy watching it!

How was it taking on the character of Goose in the Apple TV+ series Duck & Goose and being part of the screen adaptation of the award-winning picture books by Tad Hills?

Taking on the role of Goose was nice, I did it with my little sister in mind and we started recording during the pandemic. Once the pandemic was over, I loved recording at Magarita Mix in Santa Monica. Their studio is so nice. Our voice director Gene (Vassilaros) is amazing and Tad Hills is so nice, he reached out and gave me some compliments about voicing Goose.

Some of your other voiceover roles include Joey Beaver in Minnie’s Bow-Toons and Freckle in Little Ellen, can you tell us about your time involved with these shows?

Yes, voicing Joey Beaver was an awesome experience because I got to work with classic Disney characters. Voicing Freckle in Little Ellen was amazing! It was my very first voiceover job that I booked and it was such an awesome experience, I was actually living in Atlanta at the time and flew to LA for the callback. I was so glad that I booked it!

What was it like having guest roles in Raven’s Home as Dylan and Obi-Wan Kenobi as Jayco and how was your time on set of both?

I’ve been watching Raven’s Home since I was little so being on the show was so surreal and I filmed the first episode on my birthday. Being Jayco on Obi-Wan Kenobi was literally a dream come true! The actors and the directors and the whole set was amazing and I hope my character will come back and the series continues.

Do you have any favourite memories from filming for the 2019 feature film Troop Zero as Ray-Ray?

Yes, my favourite memory from filming Troop Zero as Ray-Ray is getting to meet Viola Davis and Mckenna Grace.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

My love of acting came from me watching Disney Channel when I was younger and ever since I found out about acting, I’ve been so interested in it. My parents put me into acting and I feel so blessed to have parents that support my dreams.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch and how do you like to spend your time away from your career?

Some of my favourite films and TV shows are: Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, A Goofy Movie, the John Wick series, Raven’s Home, Gnome Alone, Danny Phantom, My Dad the Bounty Hunter and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

I like to spend time away from my career by just relaxing and playing.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2023 brings for you?

I have a voiceover project that is very popular coming out soon that I am excited about but can’t release the name yet. I am also hoping the projects I am on will keep bringing me back and hope to do more movies, TV shows, dancing and performing in the future.

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